cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discounting of food, sex, and money

Discounting is a useful framework for understanding choice involving a range of delayed and probabilistic outcomes (e.g., money, food, drugs), but relatively few studies have examined how people discount other commodities (e.g., entertainment, sex). Using a novel discounting task, where the length of a line represented the value of an outcome and was adjusted using a staircase procedure, we replicated previous findings showing that individuals discount delayed and probabilistic outcomes in a manner well described by a hyperbola-like function. In addition, we found strong positive correlations between discounting rates of delayed, but not probabilistic, outcomes. This suggests that discounting of delayed outcomes may be relatively predictable across outcome types but that discounting of probabilistic outcomes may depend more on specific contexts. The generality of delay discounting and potential context dependence of probability discounting may provide important information regarding factors contributing to choice behavior.
Pharmacologic treatment of type 2 diabetes.

This is the fifth in a series of articles covering the 2002 American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting, which was held in San Francisco, 14–18 June 2002. At a symposium on pharmacologic therapy for diabetes prevention, Saul Genuth (Cleveland, OH), chairperson, commented that there is now evidence that three different classes of pharmacologic treatment, biguanides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), are effective in preventing diabetes. Steven Kahn (Seattle, WA) discussed data from the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), showing evidence for efficacy of metformin in persons over age 25 years whose BMI exceeded 24 kg/m2 (22 in Asian Americans), with 2-h glucose between 140 and 199 and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) between 95 and 125 mg/dl. Those in the “intensive lifestyle” intervention group aimed to increase exercise by 150 min/week and to lose 7% of body weight, while those randomized to metformin received 850 mg twice daily; a third group received placebo. The average BMI was 34 kg/m2 and the average FPG was 105 mg/dl. The diagnosis of the primary outcome, diabetes, was based either on a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with FPG or 2-h glucose exceeding 125 or 199 mg/dl, respectively, or on 6-month FPG exceeding 125. In the placebo group, diabetes developed at a rate of 11%/year, while with metformin, a 31% reduction was seen, and with lifestyle, a 58% reduction was seen. Metformin had an effect similar to lifestyle among those under age 45 years, but was less effective among older subjects. Persons with BMI exceeding 35 kg/m2 also showed efficacy of metformin similar to that of lifestyle, while neither sex nor ethnicity affected the efficacy of the agent. FPG increased slowly in the placebo group, while decreasing initially with subsequent increase to baseline at 3 years in the lifestyle and metformin groups. HbA …
Comparative Mycotoxin Profiles of Gibberella zeae Populations from Barley, Wheat, Potatoes, and Sugar Beets

Gibberella zeae is one of the most devastating pathogens of barley and wheat in the United States. The fungus also infects noncereal crops, such as potatoes and sugar beets, and the genetic relationships among barley, wheat, potato, and sugar beet isolates indicate high levels of similarity. However, little is known about the toxigenic potential of G. zeae isolates from potatoes and sugar beets. A total of 336 isolates of G. zeae from barley, wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets were collected and analyzed by TRI (trichothecene biosynthesis gene)-based PCR assays. To verify the TRI-based PCR detection of genetic markers by chemical analysis, 45 representative isolates were grown in rice cultures for 28 days and 15 trichothecenes and 2 zearalenone (ZEA) analogs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. TRI-based PCR assays revealed that all isolates had the deoxynivalenol (DON) marker. The frequencies of isolates with the 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) marker were higher than those of isolates with the 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON) marker among isolates from all four crops. Fusarium head blight (FHB)-resistant wheat cultivars had little or no influence on the diversity of isolates associated with the 3-ADON and 15-ADON markers. However, the frequency of isolates with the 3-ADON marker among isolates from the Langdon, ND, sampling site was higher than those among isolates from the Carrington and Minot, ND, sites. In chemical analyses, DON, 3-ADON, 15-ADON, b-ZEA, and ZEA were detected. All isolates produced DON (1 to 782 μg/g) and ZEA (1 to 623 μg/g). These findings may be useful for monitoring mycotoxin contamination and for formulating FHB management strategies for these crops.
The key literature of, and trends in, forest-level management planning in North America, 1950-2001

SUMMARY An increase in the use of operations research techniques for forest-level planning, as expressed by publication of papers in peerreviewed North American forestry journals, is illustrated by the number of papers published that describe a mathematical problem formulation, or model used, and demonstrates an application of the planning process. A shift in planning from a dependence on linear programming to heuristics is evidenced through the literature review, although linear programming and its derivatives continue to be used to demonstrate the development of strategic forest plans, plans without spatial components, or relaxed solutions to more complex forest planning problems. Initially, wood production and economic goals dominated the themes of journal articles, but just as the forest management environment has evolved to include an explicit recognition of non-timber goals, so have mathematical programming techniques evolved to support the development of forest plans with non-timber goals. Spatial components within forest planning processes have also increased dramatically in the last decade, as resource goals that key off of the juxtaposition of activities have become increasingly important. Finally, two North American forestry journals, the Canadian Journal of Forest Research and Forest Science, have become the predominant sources of forest-level planning literature that focuses on forest planning problem formulations and examples of the use of mathematical programming techniques in forest-level planning.
Analysis of outcomes in extraskeletal osteosarcoma: a review of fifty-three cases.

Background: Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma about which little is known. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical features and natural history of extraskeletal osteosarcoma and to investigate factors affecting outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients diagnosed with soft-tissue sarcoma was conducted. Patients with pathologically confirmed extraskeletal osteosarcoma from 1982 to 2012 were identified and were included in the analysis. Medical records were reviewed for clinical features, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Fifty-three patients were identified from the database: forty-two presented with localized disease, two presented with metastatic disease, and nine presented with recurrent (local and/or distant) disease. The median patient age at diagnosis was sixty-four years, with a median follow-up time of thirty-four months (range, one to 290 months) for survivors. Of the fifty-three patients who were identified, forty-one had lesions in the extremities, fifty-one had high-grade lesions, forty had lesions >5 cm, and forty-two had deep lesions. For patients presenting with localized disease, the median survival was 45.8 months with a three-year cumulative incidence of death due to disease of 39%. All patients with localized disease were managed with surgical resection of the primary tumor: nineteen with surgery only, ten with adjuvant radiation, five with adjuvant chemotherapy, and eight with both radiation and chemotherapy. Eighteen patients relapsed: two patients had local recurrences, ten patients had distant metastases, and six patients had local recurrences and distant metastases. In log-rank analysis, patients with superficial tumors and negative margins at resection had a higher three-year event-free survival. No significant association of disease-specific or event-free survival was found with the addition of radiation, chemotherapy, or both to surgery. Conclusions: For patients presenting with localized extraskeletal osteosarcoma, three-year event-free survival was higher for patients with superficial tumors and negative margins at resection. Radiation and chemotherapeutic treatment were not associated with a lower incidence of death due to disease or a longer event-free survival. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Univariate Two-Population Distribution-Free Discrimination

Abstract A distribution-free procedure for classifying a univariate random variable, z, into one of two populations on the basis of a sample of size N, in which m members are classified into one population and the remaining (N – m) into the other, is given as follows: Let t(z) = k(z) – h(z), where k(z) is the number of observations from the first population which are less than z and h(z) is similarly defined for the second population. If z ≦ ζ*, where ζ* is that value of z for which t(z) is a maximum, classify z into the first population, otherwise into the second. The probability of correct classification, and its estimate, [N – m + t(ζ*)]/N, both converge in probability to the maximum attainable probability of correct classification.
Design of a Superconducting 32 T Magnet With REBCO High Field Coils

The design and fabrication of a 32 T, 32 mm cold bore superconducting magnet with high field REBCO inner coils is underway at the NHMFL. In support of the design, conductor characterization measurements have been made including critical current as a function of field, field orientation, temperature, and strain on conductors and joints. Various conductor and turn insulation systems were examined. The selected coil fabrication method for the 32 T magnet is pancake wind, dry wind coils with sol-gel insulation on a stainless steel co-wind. Quench protection of the REBCO coils by distributed heaters is under development. Small REBCO coils have been made and tested in a 20 T background field to demonstrate performance of the technology. The design of the 32 T magnet is described, including coil configuration and conductor lengths, fraction of critical current, selection of conductor copper content for protection, and stress in the windings.
Differential expression of the ARF GAP genes GIT1 and GIT2 in mouse tissues.

SUMMARY GIT1 and GIT2 belong to the family of ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating proteins (ARF-GAP) and have been implicated in the regulation of G protein-coupled receptor sequestration, cell migration, T-cell activation, neuronal spine formation, and aggregate formation in Huntington’s disease. Examination of endogenous GIT protein expression in tissues, however, has been hampered by the lack of GIT2-specific antibodies. To visualize GIT1 and GIT2 gene expression in mouse tissues, we created mice with b-galactosidase (b-Gal) reporters inserted into the two GIT genes. b-Gal staining confirmed the broad tissue distribution of GIT1 and GIT2 in the mouse but also revealed striking differences. GIT2 is expressed in most cells of the body, whereas GIT1 is restricted to only a subset of cells. For example, GIT2 is uniformly expressed throughout lung and liver, whereas GIT1 is restricted to cells lining blood vessels, bronchi, and bile ducts. Expression of GIT1 and GIT2 is mutually exclusive in the testes, where a developmental expression shift occurs, with GIT2 present in spermatogonia but GIT1 in mature spermatids. In conclusion, analysis of endogenous GIT expression revealed a nearly ubiquitous distribution of GIT2, whereas GIT1 is restricted to specific cell types even in tissues with apparently high GIT1 expression and is entirely absent from some tissues. (J Histochem Cytochem 55:1039–1048, 2007) KEY WORDS GIT1 GIT2 ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating proteins gene expression b-galactosidase mice
Maltodextrin and Fat Preference Deficits in “Taste-Blind” P2X2/P2X3 Knockout Mice

Adenosine triphosphate is a critical neurotransmitter in the gustatory response to the 5 primary tastes in mice. Genetic deletion of the purinergic P2X2/P2X3 receptor greatly reduces the neural and behavioral response to prototypical primary taste stimuli. In this study, we examined the behavioral response of P2X double knockout mice to maltodextrin and fat stimuli, which appear to activate additional taste channels. P2X double knockout and wild-type mice were given 24-h choice tests (vs. water) with ascending concentrations of Polycose and Intralipid. In Experiment 1, naive double knockout mice, unlike wild-type mice, were indifferent to dilute (0.5–4%) Polycose solutions but preferred concentrated (8–32%) Polycose to water. In a retest, the Polycose-experienced double knockout mice, like wild-type mice, preferred all Polycose concentrations. In Experiment 2, naive double knockout mice, unlike wild-type mice, were indifferent to dilute (0.313–2.5%) Intralipid emulsions but preferred concentrated (5–20%) Intralipid to water. In a retest, the fat-experienced double knockout mice, like wild-type mice, strongly preferred 0.313–5% Intralipid to water. These results indicate that the inherent preferences of mice for maltodextrin and fat are dependent upon adenosine triphosphate taste cell signaling. With experience, however, P2X double knockout mice develop strong preferences for the nontaste flavor qualities of maltodextrin and fat conditioned by the postoral actions of these nutrients.
Restructuring WSI hexagonal processor arrays

A host-driven reconfiguration scheme, called HEX-REPAIR, is proposed for hexagonal processor arrays characterized by a large number of relatively simple cells. Such arrays have been shown to be the most efficient for many digital signal processing applications, such as matrix multiplication, and for some classes of filtering operations. Reconfiguration for these arrays is made difficult by the asymmetric nature of the interconnection network and the need for keeping the switching overheads at a minimum. The algorithm presented meets these requirements. In addition, it has excellent fault-coverage characteristics, even in the presence of multiple faults, and can accommodate multiple rows/columns of spare cells. The restructured array is transparent to users and no modification is required in any application program using the array. >
Loss of Nkx2.1 homeobox gene function results in a ventral to dorsal molecular respecification within the basal telencephalon: evidence for a transformation of the pallidum into the striatum

The telencephalon is organized into distinct longitudinal domains: the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia primarily consists of a dorsal region (striatum) and a ventral region (pallidum). Within the telencephalon, the anlage of the pallidum expresses the Nkx2.1 homeobox gene. A mouse deficient in Nkx2.1 function does not form pallidal structures, lacks basal forebrain TrkA-positive neurons (probable cholinergic neurons) and has reduced numbers of cortical cells expressing GABA, DLX2 and calbindin that migrate from the pallidum through the striatum and into the cortex. We present evidence that these phenotypes result from a ventral-to-dorsal transformation of the pallidal primordium into a striatal-like anlage.
Automatic Object Trajectory-Based Motion Recognition Using Gaussian Mixture Models

In this paper, we propose a novel technique for model-based recognition of complex object motion trajectories using Gaussian mixture models (GMM). We build our models on principal component analysis (PCA)-based representation of trajectories after segmenting them into small units of perceptually similar pieces of motions. These subtrajectories are then fitted with automatically learnt mixture of Gaussians to estimate the underlying class probability distribution. Experiments are performed on two data sets; the ASL data set (from UCI's KDD archives) consists of 207 trajectories depicting signs for three words, from Australian sign language (ASL); the HJSL data set contains 108 trajectories from sports videos. Our experiments yield an accuracy of 85+% performing much better than existing approaches
MORPHOLOGY OF THE SPORES OF MYXOSOMA CEREBRALIS (HOFER, 1903) AND M. CARTILAGINIS (HOFFMAN, PUTZ, AND DUNBAR, 1965)*

The spore of Myxosoma cerebralis is redescribed and compared with that of a close relative, M. cartilaginis. M. cerebralis is smaller, with greater variability in size and shape. It possesses a mucous envelope whereas M. cartilaginis does not. The surface architecture of M. cerebralis, as seen with the scanning electron microscope, differs in possessing a conspicuous circumsutural groove, prominent polar filament pores, and a mucous envelope.
Development of integrated heterostructures on silicon by MBE

The semiconductor industry is facing the challenge of scaling of the gate dielectric of Si CMOS devices, which are continually being made smaller. Presently SiO/sub 2/ is being used, but at thickness below 20/spl Aring/, it suffers from high tunneling leakage current and reliability problems. Alternative high-k materials to replace SiO/sub 2/ need to be developed as soon as possible. The alkaline earth oxides such as barium strontium titanate (Ba/sub x/Sr/sub 1-x/TiO/sub 3/) have a substantially higher dielectric constant and are ideal candidates for gate dielectrics. Because of the higher dielectric constant a physically thicker layer can yield an equivalent oxide thickness of <20/spl Aring/, thereby eliminating the leakage problems experienced with ultra-thin SiO/sub 2/. These oxides also exhibit ferroelectric behavior and their use as the gate dielectric on Si can be exploited in the realization of a single transistor memory element. These types of oxides also have a number of functionalities which when combined with other types of semiconductors will enable the development of novel device applications. Molecular beam epitaxy can be used for the deposition of oxide based epitaxial layers both for Si device applications and integration of GaAs devices with silicon. The potential for increased functionality and integration of devices based on III-V semiconductors, crystalline oxides and silicon make this an attractive and promising technology.
One-dimensional turbulence: Part 2. Staircases in double-diffusive convection

Abstract One-Dimensional Turbulence (ODT), a turbulence model implemented as an unsteady simulation, is applied to the diffusive regime of double-diffusive convection. For this application, no parameter adjustment or other empiricism is required. Computed component fluxes across heat–salt and salt–sugar interfaces are consistent with the Linden–Shirtcliffe picture, applicable at intermediate density ratios, and Newell's model of interface evolution at high density ratios. The experimentally observed onset of a variable regime at density ratios below 2 is reproduced. Simulations of interface formation in a bottom-heated salt-stabilized medium indicate that Fernando's scaling for interface stabilization height may also apply to the height of initial interface formation. The simulations generate staircases resembling those seen in laboratory experiments, and suggest a refinement of a scaling inferred from experiments. Computed results for a thermally forced configuration and an unforced, vertically homogeneous configuration are compared.
The Potential Impact of Automotive Headlight Changes on the Visibility of Reflectorized Highway Signs

Etude de l'impact potentiel des changements de type de phares d'une automobile sur la visibilite d'une signalisation routiere reflechissante
Norbornadiene End-Capping of Cross-Coupling Polymerizations: A Facile Route to Triblock Polymers

The potential use of conjugated polymers in device applications is often limited by their less than optimal physicochemical properties. This work describes an efficient protocol to end-cap conjugated polymers synthesized via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling polymerizations with norbornene groups. Specifically, the hydroarylation of norbornadiene is shown to be a high-yielding end-capping method. These strained bicyclic alkenyl end groups can be transformed into macroinitiators via ring-opening metathesis polymerization and can polymerize other strained monomers, such as norbornene, yielding elastomeric triblock copolymers.
From 48 to 46

Albert Levan (Figure 4.1) was an accomplished plant cytologist before he touched animal cells. He was one of the earliest investigators to study the effects of colchicine on mitosis, and, in the 1940s, he used onion root tips to analyze extensively the actions of chemicals and radiation on chromosomes. However, he had been interested in the chromosomes of cancer cells for some time, because he was impressed many times by the similarity of the chromosome damage induced in the onion root tips to the pictures of chromosome disturbances in cancer cells reported in the literature. Since it was not then feasible to analyze mammalian chromosomes in detail he did not venture into this field.
Metal–Organic Frameworks as Potential Catalysts for Industrial 1-Butene Production

Dinca and co-workers have introduced a metal−organic framework catalyst that could help move industrial 1-butene production into the gas phase.
Expansion of brain T cells in homeostatic conditions in lymphopenic Rag2−/− mice

The concept of the brain as an immune privileged organ is rapidly evolving in light of new findings outlining the sophisticated relationship between the central nervous and the immune systems. The role of T cells in brain development and function, as well as modulation of behavior has been demonstrated by an increasing number of studies. Moreover, recent studies have redefined the existence of a brain lymphatic system and the presence of T cells in specific brain structures, such as the meninges and choroid plexus. Nevertheless, much information is needed to further the understanding of brain T cells and their relationship with the central nervous system under non-inflammatory conditions. In the present study we employed the Rag2(-/-) mouse model of lymphocyte deficiency and reconstitution by adoptive transfer to study the temporal and anatomical expansion of T cells in the brain under homeostatic conditions. Lymphopenic Rag2(-/-) mice were reconstituted with 10 million lymphoid cells and studied at one, two and four weeks after transfer. Moreover, lymphoid cells and purified CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from transgenic GFP expressing mice were used to define the neuroanatomical localization of transferred cells. T cell numbers were very low in the brain of reconstituted mice up to one week after transfer and significantly increased by 2weeks, reaching wild type values at 4weeks after transfer. CD4(+) T cells were the most abundant lymphocyte subtype found in the brain followed by CD8(+) T cells and lastly B cells. Furthermore, proliferation studies showed that CD4(+) T cells expand more rapidly than CD8(+) T cells. Lymphoid cells localize abundantly in meningeal structures, choroid plexus, and circumventricular organs. Lymphocytes were also found in vascular and perivascular spaces and in the brain parenchyma across several regions of the brain, in particular in structures rich in white matter content. These results provide proof of concept that the brain meningeal system, as well as vascular and perivascular spaces, are homing sites of lymphocytes and suggest the possibility of a brain specific T cell subtype.
The credibility of government performance reporting

Local governments in the United States have been moving toward more open and complete reporting of their performance, yet many citizens remain broadly distrustful of government. Do citizens believe government-issued performance reports? To answer this question, an online survey experiment was conducted in which respondents were shown a basic performance report (on street cleanliness) stated to be from either the mayor, the sanitation department, an independent nonprofit institute, or no named source. A test of the extent to which participants believed the report found no significant differences regardless of its putative source. This suggests that citizens find basic performance information credible even when a local government is reporting on itself.
Abundance, Distribution, and Dispersion Indices of the Oriental Fruit Fly and Melon Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Kauai, Hawaiian Islands

Capture rates for male oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel, were 5-10 times higher on the windward side than on the leeward side of the island of Kauai. In contrast, capture rates for melon fly, D. cucurbitae Coquillett, were 3-8 times higher on the leeward side than on the windward side of the island. Peak D. dorsalis trap captures occurred during spring and fall after guava, Psidium guajava L. and P. cattleianum Sabine, fruited in a guava belt above coastal agricultural areas. Peak D. cucurbitae trap captures occurred during winter and spring after the wild hosts bitter melon, Momordica charantia L., and spiny cucumber, Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenberg ex Spach, fruited and during summer when truck crops were cultivated in agricultural areas. In a typical agricultural area, D. dorsalis capture rates were higher outside than inside crop production areas. In contrast, D. cucurbitae capture rates were higher inside than outside crop production areas. Results are discussed with respect to population management programs for fruit flies.
ANG II receptor subtype 1a gene knockdown in the subfornical organ prevents increased drinking behavior in bile duct-ligated rats

Bile duct ligation (BDL) causes congestive liver failure that initiates hemodynamic changes, resulting in dilutional hyponatremia due to increased water intake and vasopressin release. This project tested the hypothesis that angiotensin signaling at the subfornical organ (SFO) augments drinking behavior in BDL rats. A genetically modified adeno-associated virus containing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for ANG II receptor subtype 1a (AT1aR) gene was microinjected into the SFO of rats to knock down expression. Two weeks later, BDL or sham surgery was performed. Rats were housed in metabolic chambers for measurement of fluid and food intake and urine output. The rats were euthanized 28 days after BDL surgery for analysis. A group of rats was perfused for immunohistochemistry, and a second group was used for laser-capture microdissection for analysis of SFO AT1aR gene expression. BDL rats showed increased water intake that was attenuated in rats that received SFO microinjection of AT1aR shRNA. Among BDL rats treated with scrambled (control) and AT1aR shRNA, we observed an increased number of vasopressin-positive cells in the supraoptic nucleus that colocalized with ΔFosB staining, suggesting increased vasopressin release in both groups. These results indicate that angiotensin signaling through the SFO contributes to increased water intake, but not dilutional hyponatremia, during congestive liver failure.
Overexpression of inhibitor of apoptosis protein XIAP in human prostate cancer

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 4205 The X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein XIAP is a member of a family of proteins that suppress cell death by apoptosis. We have reported that several prostate cancer (CaP) cell lines are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and several chemotherapeutic drugs, like actinomycin D (Act D), sensitized the CaP tumor cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Sensitization by Act D was shown to selectively inhibit the expression of XIAP, which was overexpressed in the CaP cell lines ( Zisman et al., J Immunother. 24: 459, 2002; Ng et al., Prostate. 53: 286, 2003 ). Immunotherapy by TRAIL or agonist antibodies to DR4 or DR5 are currently being considered clinically in the treatment of various drug-resistant tumor cells, including CaP. However, CaP may not respond to such immunotherapy due to tumor cell resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Therefore, it may be useful to identify cancer patients who may benefit from such immunotherapeutic strategies. We hypothesized that the level of expression of XIAP in cancer cells may be a predictable marker for clinical response to TRAIL-mediated immunotherapy. In this study, we examined the expression of XIAP by immunohistochemistry in human prostate cancer using prostate cancer tissue microarrays (TMA). Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue was collected from primary radical prostatectomy specimens performed between the years 1984 and 1995. At least three replicate tumor samples and one benign tissue sample was taken from each surgical case. A total of 246 prostatectomy specimens were assayed, resulting in a total of 1,102 non-metastatic informative tissue spots for analysis. These include 680 prostate cancer samples, 48 PIN, 121 BPH, and 253 morphologically normal samples. Staining for XIAP was done with anti-XIAP antibody (R&D System, Minneapolis, MN). The major Gleason grade was determined for each tissue spot. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that there was a significant increase of XIAP expression in CaP with an early elevation seen in PIN. Noteworthy, XIAP expression in BPH was lower than normal. The difference in XIAP expression between BPH and NL, NL and PIN, and PIN and CaP was statistically significant. These data are consistent with findings in a recent report ( Krajewska et al., Clin. Can. Res. 9: 4914, 2003 ). Based on these results, we are currently assessing the hypothesis that overexpression of XIAP may be one predictor of patients responsiveness to TRAIL-mediated immunotherapy. This study was supported in part by DOD/US ARMY DAMD 17-02-1-0023 (BB), the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Shared Resource Core Grant (JCCC) at UCLA NIH NCI 2 P30 CA16042-29 (DS), and the Early Detection Research Network (LG, DC) NCI CA-86366.
At-risk for cancer: genetic discrimination in the workplace

Purpose/objectives To discuss the complexity of issues related to genetic discrimination in the workplace against individuals identified as at risk for cancer. Data sources Professional literature; local and national laws. Data synthesis A brief historical perspective on genetic discrimination is provided. Employment discrimination, insurance, job retention, and hiring issues facing cancer survivors and individuals genetically identified as at risk for cancer are discussed. State and federal initiatives that deal with these issues are examined, and strategies are proposed to prevent issues relating to genetic discrimination. Conclusions Genetic discrimination, in all of its forms, is likely to emerge as a major challenge in the next century. Implications for nursing practice Oncology nurses must recognize new opportunities, assume new roles, and ready themselves for the challenges associated with this new kind of oncology nursing practice and the reality of genetic testing and disclosure.
Occurrence and properties of a thermostable protease secreted by sea-urchin embryos

1. A trypsinogen-activating enzyme is distinct from the chorion-dissolving enzyme of the sea-urchin blastula, but is secreted with it. 2. This ;trypsinogenase' does not attack N-alpha-toluene-p-sulphonylarginine methyl ester, and is not inhibited by concentrations of di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate or 7-amino-1-chloro-3-toluene-p-sulphonamidoheptan-2-one that are 98% effective against trypsin. It requires a small amount of Ca(2+) for activity, but is inhibited by more, from as little as 1mm. 3. Enzymic activity is associated with a wide range of particle weights, some apparently as high as 15x10(6). The mean particle weight can be decreased by sonication. 4. Fresh trypsinogenase in the higher range of particle weights appears to be remarkably stable to heating, e.g. retaining full activity after boiling for 15min.
Learning words from context

We present an incremental approach to the task of learning words from context. The approach relies on a hierarchical organization of semantic information. The search through the hierarchy for the meaning of an undefined word is guided by semantic role assignments inferred during processing that involve the undefined word. Our approach has been implemented in a natural language processing system called LINK. We present an empirical test of our learning method, and discuss the test results.
Electronic Spectra of Atoms

Electronic spectra of atoms includes the following topics: 1. the role of electron spin and orbital angular momentum 2. the notation employed in describing the electronic state 3. the building-up principle
Loop expansion and the bosonic representation of loop quantum gravity

We introduce a new loop expansion that provides a resolution of the identity in the Hilbert space of loop quantum gravity on a fixed graph. We work in the bosonic representation obtained by the canonical quantization of the spinorial formalism. The resolution of the identity gives a tool for implementing the projection of states in the full bosonic representation onto the space of solutions to the Gauss and area matching constraints of loop quantum gravity. This procedure is particularly efficient in the semiclassical regime, leading to explicit expressions for the loop expansions of coherent, heat kernel and squeezed states.
Validation of Automated Mobility Assessment Using a Single 3D Sensor

Reliable mobility assessment is essential to diagnose or optimize treatment in persons affected by mobility disorders, e.g., for musculo-skeletal disorders. In this work, we present a system that is able to automatically assess mobility using a single 3D sensor. We validate the system ability to assess mobility and predict the medication state of Parkinson’s disease patients while using a relatively small number of motion tasks. One key component of our system is a graph-based feature extraction technique that can capture the dynamic coordination between parts of the body while providing results that are easier to interpret than those obtained with other data-driven approaches. We further discuss the system and the study design, highlighting aspects that provide insights for developing mobility assessment applications in other contexts.
Quantifying bamboo coral growth rate nonlinearity with the radiocarbon bomb spike: A new model for paleoceanographic chronology development

Bamboo corals, long-lived cold water gorgonin octocorals, offer unique paleoceanographic archives of the intermediate ocean. These Isididae corals are characterized by alternating gorgonin nodes and high Mg-calcite internodes, which synchronously extend radially. Bamboo coral calcite internodes have been utilized to obtain geochemical proxy data, however, growth rate uncertainty has made it difficult to construct precise chronologies for these corals. Previous studies have relied upon a single tie point from records of the anthropogenic Δ14C bomb spike preserved in the gorgonin nodes of live-collected corals to calculate a mean radial extension rate for the outer ~50 years of skeletal growth. Bamboo coral chronologies are typically constructed by applying this mean extension rate to the entire coral record, assuming constant radial extension with coral age. In this study, we aim to test this underlying assumption by analyzing the organic nodes of six California margin bamboo corals at high enough resolution (<0.5 mm) to identify the Δ14C bomb spike, including two tie points at 1957 and 1970, plus the coral collection date (2007.5) for four samples. Radial extension rates between tie points ranged from 10 to 204 µm/year, with a decrease in growth rate evident between the 1957–1970 and 1970–2007.5 periods for all four corals. A negative correlation between growth rate and coral radius (r =−0.7; p=0.04) was determined for multiple bamboo coral taxa and individuals from the California margin, demonstrating a decline in radial extension rate with specimen age and size. To provide a mechanistic basis for these observations, a simple mathematical model was developed based on the assumption of a constant increase in circular cross sectional area with time to quantify this decline in radial extension rate with coral size between chronological tie points. Applying the area-based model to our Δ14C bomb spike time series from individual corals improves chronology accuracy for all live-collected corals with complete Δ14C bomb spikes. Hence, this study provides paleoceanographers utilizing bamboo corals with a method for reducing age model uncertainty within the anthropogenic bomb spike era (~1957-present). Chronological uncertainty is larger for the earliest portion of coral growth, particularly for skeleton precipitated prior to bomb spike tie points, meaning age estimations for samples living before 1957 remain uncertain. Combining this technique with additional chronological markers could improve age models for an entire bamboo coral. Finally, the relative consistency in growth rate in similarly-aged corals of the same depth and location supports the hypothesis that skeletal growth may be limited by local environmental conditions.
Inflammatory factor profiles one hour following vocal fold injury.

Objectives Inflammatory factors are key mediators of wound healing processes following injury, and their modulation may improve healing outcomes. The objective of this study was to characterize in vivo inflammatory factor and extracellular matrix (ECM) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels 1 hour after vocal fold injury. Methods Five Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to bilateral vocal fold injury, 5 rats were reserved as uninjured controls, and 1 rat was subjected to unilateral vocal fold injury and reserved for histology. Tissue was harvested 1 hour after injury. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the mRNA expression profiles of inflammatory factors nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kappabeta), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), transforming growth factor beta isoform 1 (TGF-beta1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta), as well as ECM genes hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) 1, HAS-2, procollagen 1, procollagen 3, and elastin, in the injured samples compared with the uninjured controls. Results Injury resulted in subepithelial bleeding throughout the vocal fold. The COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and HAS-1 mRNA expression levels were significantly up-regulated 1 hour after injury compared with the uninjured controls. Conclusions Inflammatory factor and ECM gene expression changes occur in vocal fold wound sites as early as 1 hour after injury. These results should inform future efforts to attenuate vocal fold scarring via the modulation of inflammatory factors.
Associations between Maternal and Fetal Inherited Thrombophilias, Placental Characteristics Associated with Vascular Malperfusion, and Fetal Growth

Pregnancy results in alterations in coagulation processes, which may increase the risk of thrombosis. Inherited thrombophilia mutations may further increase this risk, possibly through alterations in the placenta, which may result in pregnancy complications such as poor fetal growth. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the association of fetal growth, approximated by birth weight for gestational age percentile, with genetic markers of thrombophilia and placental characteristics related to vascular malperfusion. We analyzed data from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network's population-based case–control study conducted in 2006–2008. Study recruitment occurred in five states: Rhode Island and counties in Massachusetts, Georgia, Texas, and Utah. The analysis was restricted to singleton, nonanomalous live births ≤42 weeks' gestation with a complete placental examination and successful testing for ≥1 thrombophilia marker (858 mothers, 902 infants). Data were weighted to account for oversampling, differential consent, and availability of placental examination. We evaluated five thrombophilia markers: factor V Leiden, factor II prothrombin, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C and C677T, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in both maternal blood and placenta/cord blood. We modeled maternal and fetal thrombophilia markers separately using linear regression. Maternal factor V Leiden mutation was associated with a 13.16-point decrease in adjusted birth weight percentile (95% confidence interval: −25.50, −0.82). Adjustment for placental abnormalities related to vascular malperfusion did not affect the observed association. No other maternal or fetal thrombophilia markers were significantly associated with birth weight percentile. Maternal factor V Leiden may be associated with fetal growth independent of placental characteristics.
Atlas is not alone: sharing the burden of clinical challenge.

In the field of oncology where the disease does not respect any boundaries, it is essential for the treating physicians to reciprocate through the multidisciplinary charge. The expertise of a particular group is derived from their familiarity with cutting edge and salvage approaches to challenging situations within their field.
Selenium analysis in waters. Part 2: Speciation methods

In aquatic ecosystems, there is often no correlation between the total concentration of selenium present in the water column and the toxic effects observed in that environment. This is due, in part, to the variation in the bioavailability of different selenium species to organisms at the base of the aquatic food chain. The first part of this review (Kumkrong et al., 2018) discusses regulatory framework and standard methodologies for selenium analysis in waters. In this second article, we are reviewing the state of speciation analysis and importance of speciation data for decision makers in industry and regulators. We look in detail at fractionation methods for speciation, including the popular selective sequential hydride generation. We examine advantages and limitations of these methods, in terms of achievable detection limits and interferences from other matrix species, as well as the potential to over- or under-estimate operationally-defined fractions based on the various conversion steps involved in fractionation processes. Additionally, we discuss methods of discrete speciation (through separation methods), their importance in analyzing individual selenium species, difficulties associated with their implementation, as well as ways to overcome these difficulties. We also provide a brief overview of biological treatment methods for the remediation of selenium-contaminated waters. We discuss the importance of selenium speciation in the application of these methods and their potential to actually increase the bioavailability of selenium despite decreasing its total waterborne concentration.
Examining the Reversibility of Long-Term Behavioral Disruptions in Progeny of Maternal SSRI Exposure

Serotonergic dysregulation is implicated in numerous psychiatric disorders. Serotonin plays widespread trophic roles during neurodevelopment; thus perturbations to this system during development may increase risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Epidemiological studies have examined association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment during pregnancy and increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in offspring. It is unclear from these studies whether ASD susceptibility is purely related to maternal psychiatric diagnosis, or if treatment poses additional risk. We sought to determine whether maternal SSRI treatment alone or in combination with genetically vulnerable background was sufficient to induce offspring behavior disruptions relevant to ASD. We exposed C57BL/6J or Celf6+/- mouse dams to fluoxetine (FLX) during different periods of gestation and lactation and characterized offspring on tasks assessing social communicative interaction and repetitive behavior patterns including sensory sensitivities. We demonstrate robust reductions in pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and alterations in social hierarchy behaviors, as well as perseverative behaviors and tactile hypersensitivity. Celf6 mutant mice demonstrate social communicative deficits and perseverative behaviors, without further interaction with FLX. FLX re-exposure in adulthood ameliorates the tactile hypersensitivity yet exacerbates the dominance phenotype. This suggests acute deficiencies in serotonin levels likely underlie the abnormal responses to sensory stimuli, while the social alterations are instead due to altered development of social circuits. These findings indicate maternal FLX treatment, independent of maternal stress, can induce behavioral disruptions in mammalian offspring, thus contributing to our understanding of the developmental role of the serotonin system and the possible risks to offspring of SSRI treatment during pregnancy.
Ligand binding complexes in lipocalins: Underestimation of the stoichiometry parameter (n).

The stoichiometry of a ligand binding reaction to a protein is given by a parameter (n). The value of this parameter may indicate the presence of protein monomer or dimers in the binding complex. Members of the lipocalin superfamily show variation in the stoichiometry of binding to ligands. In some cases the stoichiometry parameter (n) has been variously reported for the same protein as mono- and multimerization of the complex. Prime examples include retinol binding protein, β lactoglobulin and tear lipocalin, also called lipocalin-1(LCN1). Recent work demonstrated the stoichiometric ratio for ceramide:tear lipocalin varied (range n = 0.3-0.75) by several different methods. The structure of ceramide raises the intriguing possibility of a lipocalin dimer complex with each lipocalin molecule attached to one of the two alkyl chains of ceramide. The stoichiometry of the ceramide-tear lipocalin binding complex was explored in detail using size exclusion chromatography and time resolved fluorescence anisotropy. Both methods showed consistent results that tear lipocalin remains monomeric when bound to ceramide. Delipidation experiments suggest the most likely explanation is that the low 'n' values result from prior occupancy of the binding sites by native ligands. Lipocalins such as tear lipocalin that have numerous binding partners are particularly prone to an underestimated apparent stoichiometry parameter.
Ewing Sarcoma Presenting as a Congenital Scalp Mass

Ewing sarcoma is a locally aggressive, highly malignant tumor most commonly seen in the skeletal system. The "Ewing family of tumors" also includes other tissue types that are not common, such as soft tissue origin classified as extraosseous Ewing sarcoma (EES) or primitive neuroendocrine origin. Age of onset most often occurs within the first 2 decades of life. Congenital presentation of EES is exceedingly rare. We report the first described case to our knowledge of congenital EES originating from the scalp.
TCT-355 Stroke After Transcatheter vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement; A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials and Propensity Matched Observational Studies

Stroke is one of the most feared complication of aortic valve replacement. Although the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improved substantially overtime, concerns remained about a potentially higher incidence of stroke with TAVR compared with surgical replacement (SAVR).