cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 5471: CNSigs: An R package for the identification of copy number signatures

Copy number aberrations (CNAs) are gains and losses of large genomic segments present across most cancer types and are a hallmark of cancer genomic alterations. However, the processes underlying CNAs and characteristic patterns of CNAs are poorly understood. Using single nucleotide variant (SNV) data, bioinformatic advances have identified underlying mutational signatures resulting from distinct mutational processes. Mutational signatures have led to a variety of discoveries, several of which are being investigated in clinical management of cancer. The development of algorithms able to uncover similar signatures for CNAs, rather than SNVs, is still in its infancy. Here we present an analysis package for the R programming language called CNSigs that allows for the robust and reproducible derivation of copy number signatures. Based on a list of extracted copy number features previously verified in ovarian cancer, we utilize mixed model approaches and non-negative matrix factorization to derive CNA signatures across cancer types. The development of a package to derive signatures from copy number data allows further investigation of underlying processes that may be responsible for these CNA fingerprints. To verify the reproducibility of the signatures, we derived signatures from two independent breast cancer datasets that use distinct copy number segmentation approaches. From these independent datasets we were able to recover the same signatures with high accuracy. We identified five signatures that are distinct from known breast cancer receptor-based or expression-based subtypes, yet reveal unique associations with underlying mutations, mutational processes, and transcriptional programs. To validate robustness, we applied the pipeline to 11 different cancer types from the TCGA dataset and showed that we were able to derive signatures from all of these cancer types of varying sample sizes. We identified certain signatures that cut across tumor types, while others are distinct to individual cancers. This work lays the groundwork for further analysis into the underlying molecular processes leading to these copy number signatures seen across cancer types. The CNSigs package also allows researchers to easily analyze their own samples to look for signatures in their copy number profiles and to compare these to signatures previously derived for their cancer type. Citation Format: David Tallman, Sinclair Stockard, Zachary T. Weber, Sarah Asad, Katharine Collier, Elizabeth Adams, Jerome Bey, Daniel G. Stover. CNSigs: An R package for the identification of copy number signatures [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5471.
The peri-implant phenotype and implant esthetic complications. Contemporary overview.

Objective To provide a contemporary and comprehensive overview of the hard and soft tissue biological structures surrounding an osseointegrated dental implant (peri-implant referred to as the peri-implant phenotype), in the context of peri-implant esthetic complications. Overview The individual components of the peri-implant phenotype (keratinized mucosa width, mucosal thickness, supracrestal tissue height, and the peri-implant buccal bone) have been linked to different aspects of implant esthetics, as well as health-related aspects. At the time of implant therapy, respecting the biology of the peri-implant hard and soft tissues, and anticipating their remodeling patterns can alleviate future esthetic complications. Conclusions While the current literature may not allow for a point-by-point evidence based-recommendation for the required amount of each peri-implant structure, bearing in mind the proposed values for the components of the peri-implant phenotype, at the time of and prior to implant therapy can lead to more predictable treatment outcomes, and the avoidance of esthetic complications. Clinical significance Knowledge of hard and soft tissue components surrounding and osseointegrated dental implant, and their underlying biological remodeling process is crucial for carrying out a successful therapy and alleviating possible future esthetic challenges.
Optimal Placement of Anti-Counterfeiting Indicators:

With the expansion of the internet, counterfeiting and the purchase of counterfeit goods has exploded. In spite of this, little to no research has been completed on whether or not anti-counterfeiti...
Precipitation in reactor pressure vessel steels under ion and neutron irradiation: On the role of segregated network dislocations

Abstract The ultrahigh density of Mn-Ni-Si-Cu precipitates that form in irradiated reactor pressure vessels (RPV) result in hardening and embrittlement, which may limit the service life of aging nuclear reactors. Here, we quantitatively analyze solute segregation to, and precipitation on, network dislocations in irradiated low alloy RPV steels. The analysis is based on a broad thermodynamic framework, which allows proper identification of possible non-equilibrium perturbative effects of irradiation, like radiation induced segregation (RIS). For the first time, we quantify the segregation of Cu, Mn, Ni and Si to ≈ 5–10 nm network dislocation segments, typically separated by a string-of-pearl type array of MnNiSi precipitates (MNSPs); the MNSPs are appended to Cu rich co-precipitates (CRPs) in steels bearing this element. Detailed atom probe tomography (APT) data are reported for 16 RPV steels, with a wide matrix of tailored compositions, irradiated by both neutrons and 6.4 MeV Fe3+ ions at 320 and 290 °C, respectively. A key aspect of this study is that the very high displacement per atom (dpa) doses and radiation enhanced diffusion (RED) result in nearly full phase separation, allowing isolation of thermodynamic (equilibrium or non-equilibrium) effects. We characterize segregation and precipitates with a comprehensive set of descriptors under both ion and neutron irradiation, including: a) solute enrichment factors (EFs) at dislocations, as a function of alloy composition; and, b) matrix versus dislocation precipitates and their respective characteristics. Formation of these dislocation features can be due to RIS, or thermodynamic in origin, or both. Coupled with simple models, we show that the nucleation MNSP features in low Cu steels is enhanced by segregation. However, in typical supersaturated RPV steels, rapid growth of the precipitates is thermodynamically driven to a quantitatively predictable, nearly full phase separation mole fraction.
Gender stigma awareness is associated with adolescent risky health behaviors.

OBJECTIVES Although racial stigma in school is associated with adolescent risky health behaviors, there are no studies investigating how gender stigma relates to adolescent risky health behaviors among low-income, minority youth. We sought to determine whether gender stigma awareness is associated with adolescent risky health behaviors (delinquency, fighting, and substance use) and whether this association is mediated by school disengagement (low perceived teacher support, low school engagement, cutting classes, and breaking school rules) among low-income, minority students. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional survey data, collected from 2017 to 2019, from 412 high school students. Multi-level logistic regressions tested whether gender stigma awareness was associated with delinquency, fighting, and substance use, controlling for covariates, baseline behaviors, and clustering within schools. Mediation analyses tested whether school disengagement (low school engagement, perceived teacher support, cutting class, and breaking school rules) mediated these associations. Secondary analyses explored whether associations differed for male versus female, high-performing versus low-performing, and Latinx versus non-Latinx students. RESULTS In this predominantly Latinx (83%) sample, gender stigma awareness was associated with delinquency (AOR = 1.48, P< 0.001) and fighting (AOR = 1.15, P< 0.001). School engagement, perceived teacher support, breaking school rules, and cutting classes mediated 42.7% of the association between gender stigma awareness and delinquency and 65.42% of the association between gender stigma awareness and fighting. Gender stigma awareness was also associated with substance use for low-performing (AOR = 1.68, P = 0.003) and non-Latinx adolescents (AOR = 3.80, P = 0.03). School disengagement did not mediate the association between gender stigma awareness and substance use for non-Latinx students but mediated 50% of this association for low-performing students. CONCLUSIONS Gender stigma awareness is associated with adolescent risky health behaviors. A decreased sense of acceptance in the school community and increased school misbehavior may mediate these associations. School environments that value and accept all students may better support adolescent health.
What if This Modified That? Syntactic Interventions via Counterfactual Embeddings

Neural language models exhibit impressive performance on a variety of tasks, but their internal reasoning may be difficult to understand. Prior art aims to uncover meaningful properties within model representations via probes, but it is unclear how faithfully such probes portray information that the models actually use. To overcome such limitations, we propose a technique, inspired by causal analysis, for generating counterfactual embeddings within models. In experiments testing our technique, we produce evidence that suggests some BERT-based models use a tree-distance-like representation of syntax in downstream prediction tasks.
Risk Factors of Patient-Reported Xerostomia Among Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivors Treated with Definitive Radiotherapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Xerostomia is a common sequela of radiation therapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Head and neck cancer treatment can contribute to salivary glands injury with diminished salivary production and changes in consistency, volume, and pH of saliva. Previous studies examining xerostomia have investigated RT regimens, dosimetric predictors, and quality of life (QoL) associations but few have identified clinicodemographic risk factors for xerostomia and quantified their associations among oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) survivors. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for xerostomia among long-term OPC survivors. MATERIALS/METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a comprehensive cancer center. Study participants included disease-free, adult OPC survivors who completed curative definitive radiotherapy treatment between January 2000 and December 2013, and responded to a survey administered from September 2015 to July 2016. This study included 881 OPC survivors with a median survival duration at time of survey of 7 years (range, 1-16 years) of which self-reported xerostomia scores were available for 853 participants. The primary outcome variable was patient-reported xerostomia measured using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Head and Neck Cancer Module. Clinicodemographic risk factors for moderate to severe xerostomia were identified using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of 853 OPC survivors who responded to the xerostomia question, 337 (39.5%) reported moderate to severe xerostomia. Multivariable logistic regression identified current smoking at time of survey (OR:2.57, 95% CI: 1.20-5.53, P = 0.016) as a risk factor for moderate to severe xerostomia and concurrent cetuximab chemotherapy (OR:0.63; 95% CI: 0.41-0.97, P = 0.038) as a protective factor. Additionally, female sex (OR:1.81, 95% CI: 1.21-2.71, P = 0.004) and less than high school education (OR:1.68, 95% CI: 1.15-2.45, P = 0.008) were risk factors for moderate to severe xerostomia and bilateral intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with proton therapy (OR:0.34, 95% CI: 1.16-0.73, P = 0.005) and ipsilateral IMRT (OR:0.18, 95% CI: 0.07-0.46, P < 0.001) were protective. CONCLUSION In this large xerostomia study, about 4 out of 10 OPC survivors reported moderate to severe xerostomia over long-term follow-up. Continued smoking after cancer diagnosis, sex, and education were identified as important risk factors of moderate to severe xerostomia and concurrent cetuximab therapy and more modern RT regimens had a protective association. Sustained smoking post-diagnosis is a modifiable risk factor which can be addressed with continued smoking cessation efforts. Lastly, these results can inform future research and targeted patient-centered interventions to monitor and manage RT-associated xerostomia and preserve QoL among OPC patients.
Skeletal representations of shape in the human visual cortex.

Abstract Shape perception is crucial for object recognition. However, it remains unknown exactly how shape information is represented and used by the visual system. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the visual system represents object shape via a skeletal structure. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and representational similarity analysis (RSA), we found that a model of skeletal similarity explained significant unique variance in the response profiles of V3 and LO. Moreover, the skeletal model remained predictive in these regions even when controlling for other models of visual similarity that approximate low-to high-level visual features (i.e., Gabor-jet, GIST, HMAX, and AlexNet), and across different surface forms, a manipulation that altered object contours while preserving the underlying skeleton. Together, these findings shed light on shape processing in human vision, as well as the computational properties of V3 and LO. We discuss how these regions may support two putative roles of shape skeletons: namely, perceptual organization and object recognition.
Biochemical Aspects of Hypotensive Peptide Action

Kinins have been classified as hypotensive peptides resembling bradykinin in both structure and pharmacologic activity (1). At present three kinins have been isolated from human plasma, differing from each other chemically by an additional terminal lysine or methionine group, Fig. 1. The great general interest in the chemistry, pharmacology, and pathophysiologic significance of these peptides is reflected in recent extensive reviews (2–4) and symposia related to the topic (5–7).
Lost Laws: What We Can’t Find in the United States Code

The United States Code is the official and essential source for federal statutory law research. For many researchers it is the only place they look. On close examination, however, the Code has shortcomings: problems with drafting relegate some laws to notes and appendices; other valid and current laws are considered temporary and are left out of the Code entirely; the authority of the language in the Code varies from Title to Title, depending on whether a Title has been specially enacted into “positive law.” “Lost Laws: What We Can’t Find in the United States Code” traces the development of this complex, multi-layered document, and looks at its problematic structure and restricted content in the context of that history. The article proposes steps to resolve some of the difficulties with the current Code, and to begin building a new electronic version of the Code that meets popular expectations and the needs of researchers.
Remote sensing of natural resources: Legal and political considerations for the Third World

Abstract A state's posture on remote sensing of the Earth by orbiting satellites varies depending upon whether it is a ‘sensing’ or a ‘sensed’ state, upon its present economic status, and upon its economic and political history. This article considers the international legal questions related to remote sensing and discusses the political aspects with special emphasis upon the views of the Third World. The author concludes that, unless Third World states and others who support them alter their views somewhat, it is probable that remote sensing of natural resources will continue without specific legal guidelines.
Stochastic representation of memoryless Boolean functions: application to boundary estimation at low contrast

Earlier work on parallel computation of generalized Bayesian hypothesis tests for hierarchical image reconstruction on massively parallel processor arrays is extended to incorporate pattern constraints specified with Boolean functions defined on symbolic imaging variables. This is based on a stochastic representation for memoryless Boolean functions following U. Grenander's work (1984) on metric pattern theory. Its application is presented to the segmentation of low-contrast textured images through an extension of J. Besag's (1986) ICM segmentation algorithm, and to image reconstruction with large point spread. Hierarchical image reconstruction in time-of-flight positron emission tomography at low count levels is described. >
Isolation and characterization of the grain mold fungi Cochliobolus and Alternaria spp. from sorghum using semiselective media and DNA sequence analyses.

Mold diseases, caused by fungal complexes including Alternaria, Cochliobolus, and Fusarium species, limit sorghum grain production. Media were tested by plating Fusarium thapsinum, Alternaria sp., ...
Efficient implicit-explict CN-LF time integration scheme for hybrid FDTD-FETD

Finite different time domain method (FDTD) is widely used for transient electromagnetic field modeling. It shows great computational efficiency by employing central differencing for spatial discretization based on the staggered Cartesian grid and Leap-frog time stepping for temporal discretization. This method avoids matrix operations and presents linear complexity. Thus it has robust adaptability in practical application. One drawback of FDTD is the staircasing error, due to the approximation of irregular structures with the Cartesian grid. Another popular time domain technique is finite element time domain method (FETD), which features great meshing flexibility for fine and complicated structures by employing unstructured tetrahedron element. This method, through a matrix assembly procedure, finally needs to solve a linear system, which involves matrix inversion and can thus become computationally costly, especially for large scale problems. An ideal attempt is to realize hybrid of FDTD and FETD in a way as follows: (1) for smoothly inhomogeneous regions and the perfectly matched layers (PML) in open problems, conventional FDTD is employed to reduce the overall number of unknowns for spatial discretization and improve the computational efficiency with explicit time integration scheme; (2) for fine and complicated structures, FETD is employed to eliminate the staircasing error and meanwhile implicit time integration scheme is used to overcome the CFL constraint. In this way, ideally we can take full advantages of both FDTD and FETD while effectively avoiding their limitations. This idea has attracted considerable attempts, which facilitated the mature of the hybrid method for practical application.
Exogenous surfactant: intubated present, nebulized future?

Background Exogenous surfactant is currently administered via intra-tracheal instillation, a method which can increase the possibility of clinical instability in the peri-surfactant administration period. Since its introduction, there has been an increase in understanding of the pathology of respiratory distress syndrome and surfactant biology. This includes development of a potential nebulized surfactant which has the potential to increase the number, safety and timely administration of the medication in preterm infants.
Optimization of solid substrate fermentation of wheat straw

Optimal conditions for solid substrate fermentation of wheat straw with Chaetomium cellulolyticum in laboratory-scale stationary layer fermenters were developed. The best pretreatment for wheat straw was ammonia freeze explosion, followed by steam treatment, alkali treatment, and simple autoclaving. The optimal fermentation conditions were 80% (w/w) moisture content; incubation temperature of 37°C; 2% (w/w) unwashed mycelial inoculum; aeration at 0.12 L/h/g; substrate thickness of 1 to 2 cm; and duration of three days. Technical parameters for this optimized fermentation were: degree of substance utilization, 27.2%; protein yield/substrate, 0.09 g; biomass yield/bioconverted substrate, 0.40 g; degree of bioconversion of total available sugars in the substrate, 60.5%; specific efficiency of bioconversion, 70.8%; and overall efficiency of biomass production from substrate, 42.7%. Mixed culturing of Candida utilis further increased biomass production by 20%. The best mode of fermentation was a semicontinuous fed-batch fermentation where one-half of the fermented material was removed at three-day intervals and replaced by fresh substrate. In this mode, protein production was 20% higher than in batch mode, protein productivity was maintained over 12 days, and sporulation was prevented.
Raman study of Ba x Sr 1 − x TiO 3 films: Evidence for the existence of polar nanoregions

We have studied lattice dynamical properties of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{TiO}}_{3}$ thin films and single crystals with $x=0.05,$ 0.1, 0.2, 0.35, and 0.5 by Raman spectroscopy in the temperature range 5--300 K. In the crystals, only the second order Raman features are observed above the phase transition temperature due to crystal symmetry. In the films the first-order phonon modes are observed both below and above the ferroelectric phase transition temperature. The soft modes in films are harder than those in single crystals and show larger overdamping over a broader temperature range near the phase transition. The overdamping is correlated with the broad peak in the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant. The lattice dynamical behaviors in the films are strikingly similar to those in relaxor ferroelectrics. The similarities are explained by the existence of polar nanoregions in the ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{TiO}}_{3}$ thin films.
Academic titles: Are they meaningful and what purpose do they serve?

T he system of awarding academic titles to dermatologists primarily in community practice, as well as to those who volunteer in academic departments, needs reappraisal. It is our sense that this issue is on the minds ofmanyphysicians in academic departments of dermatology but has not been openly discussed. A less prevalent issue of inequities of academic titles within teaching institutions and the lack of such titles for some educators in training programs without academic affiliations is also addressed. These opinions are based on our own experience, reflections, and thoughts shared informally among colleagues. Our aim is to stimulate broad discussion of these topics with the acknowledgment that the education of residents will continue to be benefittedby the inclusionof communitypractitioners. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Practice Profile Survey to measure the academic workforce revealed that 6% of all dermatologists work primarily in an academic setting, yet many community practitioners benefit from the use of titles ranging from Instructor through Professor of Dermatology. These affiliations (past or present) with an academic center are often prominently displayed in waiting rooms, on Web sites, and in magazines and newspaper advertisements. Some, unfortunately, even embellish these associations. The purpose appears to be to enhance the prestige and credibility of the practice by implying that the practitioner is current with the medical literature and is active in teaching and training residents and medical students. No doubt that this is true in some cases, but in others it is not.
Neighborhood Deprivation, Supermarket Availability, and BMI in Low-Income Women: A Multilevel Analysis

High levels of neighborhood deprivation and lack of access to supermarkets have been associated with increased risk of obesity in women. This multilevel study used a statewide dataset (n = 21,166) of low-income women in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to determine whether the association between neighborhood deprivation and BMI is mediated by the availability of retail food stores, and whether this relationship varied across the urban rural continuum. Residence in a high deprivation neighborhood was associated with a 0.94 unit increase in BMI among women in metropolitan areas. The relationship between tract deprivation and BMI was not linear among women in micropolitan areas, and no association was observed in rural areas. The presence of supermarkets or other retail food stores did not mediate the association between deprivation and BMI among women residing in any of the study areas. These results suggest that level of urbanity influences the effect of neighborhood condition on BMI among low-income women, and that the availability of supermarkets and other food stores does not directly influence BMI among low-income populations.
Pion-nucleon phase shifts in heavy baryon chiral perturbation theory

We calculate the phase shifts in pion-nucleon scattering using the heavy baryon formalism. We consider phase shifts for the pion energy range of 140 to 200 MeV. We employ two different methods for calculating the phase shifts{emdash}the first using the full third order calculation of the pion-nucleon scattering amplitude and the second by including the resonances {Delta} and N{sup *} as explicit degrees of freedom in the Lagrangian. We compare the results of the two methods with phase shifts extracted from fits to the pion-nucleon scattering data. We find good to fair agreement between the calculations and the phase shifts from scattering data. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Study of π+π− transitions from the γ (3S) state

Abstract With the CUSB-II detector at CESR we have studied the processes γ (3S) → γ (1S) π + γ − and γ (3S) → γ (2S) π + π − , where the final state γ (1S or 2S) decays into a pair of leptons. We have found 451 γ (3S) → γ (1S) π + π − events and 138 γ (3S) → γ (2S) π + π − events. The corresponding branching ratios are (4.46 ± 0.34 ± 0.50)% and (4.82 ± 0.65 ± 0.53) % respectively, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The properties of the π + π − system have been studied and compared with several models.
NADPH/NADP+ ratios in photosynthesizing reconstituted chloroplasts

Abstract Levels of reduced and oxidized triphosphopyridine nucleotides have been determined in reconstituted spinach chloroplasts and compared with levels in whole isolated chloroplasts during photosynthesis and darkness. The ratio of NADPH/NADP + reaches values slightly above 1.0 at the beginning of photosynthesis, less than half the ratio attained with whole chloroplasts. Nonetheless these lower ratios are sufficient to maintain high rates of photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation and reduction, which are comparable in the reconstituted chloroplasts to the rates found with whole chloroplasts. As with whole chloroplasts there is a decline in the ratio of NADPH/NADP + as a function of time of photosynthesis. The effect of addition of bicarbonate (6 mM) in causing a transient drop in the ratio of NADPH/NADP + is described and discussed in terms of the reversibility of the reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate to triose phosphate. The ratio NADPH/NADP + can be improved by the addition of more lamellae either before or during the course of photosynthesis, and this improvement in ratio is accompanied by an improved rate of CO 2 fixation or a more sustained rate of CO 2 fixation with time of photosynthesis. The importance of NADPH/NADP + ratio not only to the reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate to triose phosphate but also to the activation of the ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylasemediated step is discussed.
Exophthalmos and localized pretibial myxedema in a euthyroid patient; studies with triiodothyronine.

RARELY, patients exhibit eye signs of Graves' disease without evidence of thyroidal overactivity. These cases may represent a variant of Graves' disease with eye signs manifest prior to hyperthyroidism. Occasionally, however, hyperthyroidism does not develop. A series of such patients has recently been studied by Werner (1), who found that they exhibited the abnormal response to administration of triiodothyronine and thyrotropin characteristic of patients with active thyrotoxicosis, in spite of the fact that by ordinary clinical and laboratory criteria they were euthyroid at the time of study. Localized pretibial myxedema, also a relatively rare sign, characteristically appears during active hyperthyroidism or after treatment has been initiated (2). To my knowledge, its occurrence without antecedent hyperthyroidism has been reported only once (3). The present patient had both marked exophthalmos and localized myxedema without hyperthyroidism. In studies of the effect of triiodothyronine on the thyroidal s...
Chronic effects of myocardial infarction on right ventricular function: A noninvasive assessment

To assess the chronic effects of myocardial infarction on right ventricular function, 48 subjects were studied utilizing radionuclide angiography and two-dimensional echocardiography. Ten were normal subjects (group I), 11 had previous inferior wall myocardial infarction (group II), 10 had previous anteroseptal infarction (group III), 11 had combined anteroseptal and inferior infarction (group IV) and 6 had extensive anterolateral infarction (group V). The mean (± standard deviation) left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.66 ± 0.03 in group I, 0.58 ± 0.02 in group II, 0.52 ± 0.02 in group III, 0.33 ± 0.03 in group IV and 0.33 ± 0.01 in group V. No systematic correlation between left and right ventricular ejection fraction was observed among the groups. The mean right ventricular ejection fraction was significantly reduced in the presence of inferior myocardial infarction (0.30 ± 0.03 in group II and 0.29 ± 0.03 in group IV compared with 0.43 ± 0.02 in group I [p Thus, the effects of prior myocardial infarction on right ventricular function depend more on the location of infarction than on the extent of left ventricular dysfunction. Inferior infarction was commonly associated with reduced right ventricular ejection fraction and increased right ventricular end-diastolic area. The right ventricular free wall excursion was increased in the presence of anteroseptal infarction, suggesting loss of contribution of interventricular septal contraction to right ventricular ejection.
Online personals: an overview

Online personal advertisements have recently become an easy, socially acceptable way to meet partners for dates or relationships. Because popular personals systems not only reflect but also have the potential to reshape how people attract one another, date, and fall in love, the design of these systems merits careful consideration. We present a survey of current styles of online personals, including searchable profile listings, personality matching, and social network systems. Finally, we encourage the community to study this booming phenomenon.
Microbial ultraviolet sunscreens

Exposure to the shortest wavelengths in sunlight, ultraviolet light, constitutes a deleterious ecological factor for many microorganisms. The use of secondary metabolites as sunscreens has emerged as an important photoprotective mechanism in certain groups of large-celled microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria, fungi and many protists. In this Review, we describe our current understanding of microbial 'sunscreen' compounds, including scytonemin, the mycosporines and the naphthalene-based melanins. Study of these sunscreens has led to the discovery of new classes of compounds, new metabolic pathways, a deeper understanding of microbial photobiology and the potential for dermatological or biomedical applications.
Molecular energy dissipation in nanoscale networks of dentin matrix protein 1 is strongly dependent on ion valence

The fracture resistance of biomineralized tissues such as bone, dentin, and abalone is greatly enhanced through the nanoscale interactions of stiff inorganic mineral components with soft organic adhesive components. A proper understanding of the interactions that occur within the organic component, and between the organic and inorganic components, is therefore critical for a complete understanding of the mechanics of these tissues. In this paper, we use atomic force microscope (AFM) force spectroscopy and dynamic force spectroscopy to explore the effect of ionic interactions within a nanoscale system consisting of networks of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) (a component of both bone and dentin organic matrix), a mica surface and an AFM tip. We find that DMP1 is capable of dissipating large amounts of energy through an ion-mediated mechanism, and that the effectiveness increases with increasing ion valence.
Developmental progression of Gpd expression from the inactive X chromosome of the Virginia opossum

Metatherian (marsupial) mammals possess a non-random form of X-chromosome inactivation in which the paternally-derived X is always the one inactivated. To examine the progression of X-linked gene expression during metatherian development, we compared relative levels of the maternally and paternally encoded Gpd gene products in heterozygous female Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) across a moior portion of the developmental period. Panels of tissues obtained from fetuses, newborns, and pouch young were examined via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the G6PD protein. As in adults, G6PD phenotypes in these developmental stages were highly skewed in favor of the maternal allele product, but in some tissues there was a marked increase in paternal allele expression with advancing developmental age. However, even by 42 days of post-partum development, expression of the paternal Gpd allele had not attained the adult, tissue-specific activity pattern. Our findings indicate remarkable developmental changes in the activity of the paternal allele in several tissues/organs continuing well into mid pouch-life stages and beyond. Specifically we found that 1) a substantially repressed paternal Gpdgene is present in the cells of female stage 29 fetuses and later developmental stages, 2) the activity state of the paternal Gpd gene is not fixed during early embryonic development in this species, 3) maior changes in paternal Gpd expression occur in advanced developmental stages and comprise a maturation of the gene expression pattern during ontogeny, and 4) alterations of paternal Gpd allele activity during development occur in a tissue-specific manner. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CT scan screening for lung cancer: risk factors for nodules and malignancy in a high-risk urban cohort.

Background Low-dose computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer screening can reduce lung cancer mortality. The National Lung Screening Trial reported a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality in high-risk smokers. However, CT scanning is extremely sensitive and detects non-calcified nodules (NCNs) in 24–50% of subjects, suggesting an unacceptably high false-positive rate. We hypothesized that by reviewing demographic, clinical and nodule characteristics, we could identify risk factors associated with the presence of nodules on screening CT, and with the probability that a NCN was malignant.
Soboliphyme baturini infection does not affect the nutritional condition of American marten ( Martes americana ) in Alaska

Abstract Soboliphyme baturini, a stomach-dwelling nematode of American martens (Martes americana), reaches high levels of infection; however, its effects on the nutritional condition of the host are unknown. To understand the effects of this parasite on American martens, we collected S. baturini and measured abdominal fat deposits from 155 marten carcasses on Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska, in the winter 2006–2007. We analyzed how the dried mass of abdominal fat varied as a function of S. baturini intensity. Parasite intensity and nutritional condition were not correlated; these results suggest that American martens were able to withstand even very high levels of S. baturini infection (up to 178 parasites per host).
Overcoming the Help-Seeker’s Dilemma: How Computer-Mediated Systems Encourage Employee Help-Seeking Initiation

Helping processes are critical for organizations. Yet, research suggests that there are strong disincentives for employees to seek help from others. Drawing on self-presentation theory, this paper tested how computer-mediated communication may be used to stimulate a help-seeking response from workers. Subjects were placed in an induced-failure work scenario and provided with a computer-mediated channel with which to request help. By experimentally manipulating feedback, anonymity, and interdependence features of the work context, we then measured the length of time before subjects requested help. Eighty three percent of subjects initiated a request for help within the work period, and these help-seeking requests were made more quickly under strong helping norms, high goal interdependence, and high anonymity conditions rather than weak helping norms, low goal interdependence, and low anonymity conditions. The results provide new insights into the design of official communication channels intended to encour...
Inhibition of L-type Ca2+ Channel Window Current By Steroid Hormones in Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Small and sustained depolarization induces window current (IWC) through L-type Ca2+ channel that supplies Ca2+ for arterial contraction. Existence of IWC is expected by voltage dependence of steady-state activation and inactivation. However, IWC of arterial smooth muscle has little been characterized by actual current recording. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulphate (DHEA-S) are most abundant adrenal steroid hormones and epiandrosterone (EPI) is a metabolite of DHEA. We recorded ICa,L and IWC with 10 mM Ba2+ as the charge carrier, performed noise analysis and examined effects of the steroids on IWC and its unitary current in bovine coronary artery smooth muscle cells. EPI and DHEA, but not DHEA-S, slightly inhibited ICa,L elicited by depolarization from large negative holding potentials. EPI and DHEA but not DHEA-S shifted steady-state inactivation curve slightly to a negative direction and strongly reduced residual availability at depolarized potentials. IWC elicited by staircase depolarizarion consisted of stair-duration of 20 s appeared at -40 mV and increased up to -10 mV. It decreased with further increase of depolarization. Maximal IWC was 23±2% (n=12) of maximal ICa,L. IWC was associated with marked current noise. IWC and the noise were strongly inhibited by EPI and DHEA, not affected by DHEA-S, and increased by Bay K 8644. Unitary current (iCa,L) and NPo were obtained from mean and variance of IWC. Uunitary conductance (γ) from iCa,L was 17.2 pS. EPI and DHEA decreased NPo and Bay K increased it both without affecting γ. In conclusion, EPI and DHEA inhibit L-type Ca2+ channel window current by accelerating inactivation and thus decreasing the number of opened channels.
Steering algorithms for a small recirculating heavy-ion accelerator

Beam-steering algorithms are proposed for a small recirculating induction accelerator being built at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The principal problem is that the transverse position and velocity of the beam must be inferred from capacitive position monitors, and this determination is complicated by the limited probe resolution and by the lattice errors within steering modules. The fluid/envelope code CIRCE is used to evaluate these algorithms.
High energy neutrino astronomy; past, present and future

Abstract The nascent field of high energy neutrino astronomy seems to be near to blossoming in the next few years, after decades of speculation and preliminary experimental work. The motivation for the endeavor, anticipated types of sources, consideration of energy regime for first attempts, scale size needed, and techniques are qualitatively reviewed. A summary of relevant current projects is presented with emphasis on the new initiatives with detectors of the 10,000 m 2 class. It seems that by the end of the decade there may be a few such new generation instruments in operation, and that with luck the business of high energy neutrino astrophysics will be underway by the turn of the century.
Quantitative remote measurements of pollutants from stationary sources using Raman lidar.

The several advantages of Raman lidar for remote measurements of stationary source emissions were quantitatively evaluated using a calibration tank at a distance of 300 m at night. Measurements of approximately 10 to the 3rd ppm SO2 with a 12% accuracy were demonstrated in an observation time of 15 min using a 1.5-J ruby laser at 30 pulses/min, 6-m range resolution, interference filters, photon counting detection, and a 20-cm receiver. Measurement accuracy was checked by measuring known concentrations of SO2 in the tank, by tuning the interference filters through the SO2 Raman line, and by varying the CO2 concentration to very high levels during the SO2 measurements. Evaluation of the seriousness of induced fluorescence from plume aerosols failed due to the inability to simulate the plume aerosols.
11,13-oxygenated-sesquiterpene lactones from bartlettina karwinskiana

Abstract Four new sesquiterpene lactones, 11β,13-dihydroxyepitulipinolide, 11β,13-epoxyepitulipinolide, 3β-acetoxy-11β,13-epoxyepitulipinolide and 11β,13-epoxy-8β-acetoxy-α-cyclocostunolide as well as the known lactone epitulipinolide, were isolated from the aerial parts of Bartlettina karwinskiana .
Multicomponent macrocyclization reactions (MCMRs) employing highly reactive acyl ketene and nitrile oxide intermediates

An efficient synthesis of spiro-fused macrolactams by a multicomponent macrocyclization reaction (MCMR) is reported. The use of highly reactive, transient intermediates in this MCMR permits short reaction times, even at high dilution. The methods employed for this MCMR were first developed as a four-component strategy for the synthesis of β-ketoamide isoxazolines and a new macrocyclization reaction is reported.
Use of Subcutaneous Venous Access Ports to Treat Refractory Ascites

To assess the feasibility of peritoneal ports for management of patients with cirrhotic refractory ascites, 10 ports were placed in nine patients for frequent outpatient paracentesis. Retrospective review and telephone interviews were used to assess port performance. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a median duration of port patency of 255 days. In 1,557 port days, four access problems prompted further interventional evaluation. Three cases of bacterial peritonitis and one catheter obstruction developed. The use of subcutaneous venous access ports to allow control of ascites by nursing personnel is a promising alternative for management of patients with refractory ascites. Additional studies are needed to determine long-term effectiveness and safety.
Drunk versus drugged: how different are the drivers?

Abstract Background Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs is increasing in the U.S., but little is known about the differences based on their patterns of use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Methods This paper uses a large dataset to study patients admitted to Texas substance abuse treatment programs with one or more past-year DUI arrests. t -Tests are used for comparisons between normally distributed continuous data and chi square for categorical data. Results First-time DUI offenders not only differ from those reporting more than one past-year DUI, but they differ among themselves in terms of demographics, treatment participation, substance use problems, and mental health disorders. Those with primary problems with methamphetamine, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, other opiates, sedatives, and heroin reported more days of problems and more daily use than those with problems with alcohol, while offenders with primary problems with cannabis were less impaired. Conclusions The most impaired clients were less likely to be referred to treatment from the justice system, and the differences in drug and alcohol offenders show the need to tailor approaches with education and treatment programs. More attention should be given to the needs of drivers impaired through use of prescription drugs such as the opiates and sedatives, as well as female drivers, and the role of acculturation should be recognized in programs for Hispanic drivers. In addition, specific programs should be targeted to young cannabis abusers and underage offenders. All first-time DUI arrestees should be assessed for their levels of impairment.
Community mental health centers and community mental health ideology.

A study of the adherence of two community mental health center staffs to community mental health ideology, as measured by the Baker-Schulberg CMHI Scale, was conducted. The results for equivalent populations were the same as those of the only previously reported study, indicating the CMHI Scale is a reliable, useful research tool. Significant relationships were found between scores and a) professional affiliation, b) years of liberal arts education, and c) length of time working in a mental health center. Medical education would appear to have a different effect on adherence to the ideology of the community mental health movement than that of liberal arts education.
A novel means of favorably tipping the balance between cytopathic and regulatory T cells.

In this issue of Immunity, Zheng and coworkers present a strategy to create transplantation tolerance with three critical elements, the combined administration of rapamycin, an agonist IL-2/Fc, and an antagonist mutant IL-15/Fc cytolytic-fusion protein to inhibit cytopathic effects but retain negative regulatory T cells, to permit allograft retention in animal models.
(5,10,15,20-Tetramethylporphyrinato)cobalt(II): A Remarkably Active Catalyst for the Electroreduction of O2 to H2O

Unlike most simple, monomeric cobalt porphyrins, the cobalt tetramethylporphyrin identified in the title catalyzes the electroreduction of O2 to H2O instead of H2O2. On graphite electrodes, coatings of the porphyrin prepared by irreversible adsorption from chloroform solutions catalyze the electroreduction of O2 in aqueous HClO4 at unusually positive potentials. Both the title porphyrin and the corresponding unsubstituted cobalt porphine are argued to derive their activity as four-electron reduction catalysts from their propensity to form dimers (or higher aggregates) in solution and, presumptively, on the surface of graphite electrodes.
Merging genomic control networks and soil-plant-atmosphere-continuum models

Abstract Advances in genomic science make it desirable to include genomic controls in soil-plant-atmosphere-continuum (SPAC) models by methods proposed in this paper. Molecular genetic concepts suggest that a differential equation similar to ones used in neural networks can be used to model single-gene elements of larger systems. Natural modifications to the equation incorporate temperature dependency. Multi-gene components based on this element function as Boolean logic gates, linear arithmetic units, delays, differentiators, integrators, oscillators, coincidence detectors, and bi-stable devices. Related genetic circuitry from real organisms is shown. Genomic integration with SPAC models entails whole-plant modeling with realistic morphology. Plants are networks of parts, iterated in time and space under genetic control, that induce and modulate conservative SPAC mass/energy flows. Network developmental rules can be stated as Lindenmayer grammars whose symbols represent plant parts programmed as software objects. A structure is presented for simulators based on these concepts. The discussion argues that prior object-oriented plant modeling approaches (i) do not reflect how plants actually develop morphologically and (ii) may represent processes in tactically unwise ways at a time when genomics is advancing knowledge of process interactions. Finally, genomics and expanding computing power redefine concepts of model “simplicity” and “complexity” to favor increased realism.