cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breast carcinoma genetics from a primary care perspective

As new information emerges about breast carcinoma genetics, methods to integrate this information into routine clinical practice are needed. The small proportion of breast carcinoma cases due to inherited mutations must be taken into account, as well as the possibility that overemphasis on genetic risk may exacerbate breast carcinoma worries for many women. A collaborative effort between geneticists and primary care providers will support the development of needed guidelines and educational materials. Topics to be addressed include the interpretation of a family history of cancer, the risks and benefits of genetic testing, and recommendations for cancer screening based on risk status. Because most women with a family history of breast carcinoma have little or no increased risk, the goal should be to help primary care practitioners provide effective counseling and appropriate cancer screening to this group, while enabling them to identify the small proportion of high risk individuals who would benefit from referral to genetic counseling. Materials developed in this collaboration should be easy to use in a clinical setting and updated on a regular basis. Related questions to be addressed include what issues to incorporate in counseling sessions for individuals at different risk levels, how to ensure fully informed consent for individuals considering genetic testing, and how to implement effective follow-up care for genetically susceptible individuals. A partnership between medical genetics and primary care practice can help to address these issues in a productive and balanced manner. Cancer 1997; 80:621-6. © 1997 American Cancer Society
Quantifying the Role of Regional Dyssynchrony on Global Left Ventricular Performance

Objectives We hypothesize that left ventricular (LV) segmental dyssynchrony, quantified by paradoxical systolic wall thinning, determines changes in global LV performance in a model of canine right ventricular (RV) pacing-induced dyssynchrony and the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Background Quantification of LV dyssynchrony is important to assess the impact of CRT. Methods Seven pentobarbital-anesthetized open-chest dogs had LV pressure-volume relations and mid-LV short-axis echocardiographic speckle tracking radial strain imaging during right atrial (RA) pacing, RV pacing to simulate left bundle branch block, and CRT using RV pacing plus either LV free-wall (CRTfw) and apical (CRTa) pacing. The area under the segmental LV time-radial strain positive and negative curves defined global thickening and thinning, respectively. Dyssynchrony was defined as the maximum time difference between earliest and latest peak segmental positive strain among 6 radial sites. Results RA pacing had minimal dyssynchrony (58 ± 40 ms). RV pacing induced both dyssynchrony (213 ± 67 ms, p < 0.05) and reduced LV stroke work (SW) (67 ± 51 mJ, p < 0.05). CRTfw and CRTa decreased dyssynchrony (116 ± 47 ms and 50 ± 34 ms, respectively, p < 0.05 vs. RV pacing), but only CRTa restored LV SW to RA pacing levels. RV pacing decreased global thickening (129 ± 87% · ms) compared with RA pacing (258 ± 133% · ms, p < 0.05), whereas CRTfw and CRTa restored regional thickening to RA pacing levels (194 ± 83% · ms and 230 ± 76% · ms, respectively). The sum of thickening and thinning during RV (230 ± 88% · ms vs. 258 ± 133% · ms, p < 0.05) correlated (r = 0.98) with RA thickening, suggesting that all the loss of LV function was due to thinning. Conclusions Dyssynchrony causes proportional changes in regional LV wall thinning and global LV SW that were reversed by CRT, suggesting that dyssynchrony impairs LV systolic function by causing paradoxical regional wall thinning and that CRT effectiveness can be monitored by its reversal. Thus, monitoring paradoxical regional thinning reversal may be used to define CRT effectiveness.
DONNAN EQUILIBRIUM AND THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PROTEINS : I. MEMBRANE POTENTIALS.

1. It is shown that a neutral salt depresses the potential difference which exists at the point of equilibrium between a gelatin chloride solution contained in a collodion bag and an outside aqueous solution (without gelatin). The depressing effect of a neutral salt on the P.D. is similar to the depression of the osmotic pressure of the gelatin chloride solution by the same salt. 2. It is shown that this depression of the P.D. by the salt can be calculated with a fair degree of accuracy on the basis of Nernst's logarithmic formula on the assumption that the P.D. which exists at the point of equilibrium is due to the difference of the hydrogen ion concentration on the opposite sides of the membrane. 3. Since this difference of hydrogen ion concentration on both sides of the membrane is due to Donnan's membrane equilibrium this latter equilibrium must be the cause of the P.D. 4. A definite P.D. exists also between a solid block of gelatin chloride and the surrounding aqueous solution at the point of equilibrium and this P.D. is depressed in a similar way as the swelling of the gelatin chloride by the addition of neutral salts. It is shown that the P.D. can be calculated from the difference in the hydrogen ion concentration inside and outside the block of gelatin at equilibrium. 5. The influence of the hydrogen ion concentration on the P.D. of a gelatin chloride solution is similar to that of the hydrogen ion concentration on the osmotic pressure, swelling, and viscosity of gelatin solutions, and the same is true for the influence of the valency of the anion with which the gelatin is in combination. It is shown that in all these cases the P.D. which exists at equilibrium can be calculated with a fair degree of accuracy from the difference of the pH inside and outside the gelatin solution on the basis of Nernst's logarithmic formula by assuming that the difference in the concentration of hydrogen ions on both sides of the membrane determines the P.D. 6. The P.D. which exists at the boundary of a gelatin chloride solution and water at the point of equilibrium can also be calculated with a fair degree of accuracy by Nernst's logarithmic formula from the value pCl outside minus pCl inside. This proves that the equation x(2) = y ( y + z) is the correct expression for the Donnan membrane equilibrium when solutions of protein-acid salts with monovalent anion are separated by a collodion membrane from water. In this equation x is the concentration of the H ion (and the monovalent anion) in the water, y the concentration of the H ion and the monovalent anion of the free acid in the gelatin solution, and z the concentration of the anion in combination with the protein. 7. The similarity between the variation of P.D. and the variation of the osmotic pressure, swelling, and viscosity of gelatin, and the fact that the Donnan equilibrium determines the variation in P.D. raise the question whether or not the variations of the osmotic pressure, swelling, and viscosity are also determined by the Donnan equilibrium.
Research Note: Measurement of the Interfacial Tension Between Nematic and Isotropic Phases of MBBA

Abstract The interfacial tension between nematic and isotropic phases of the liquid crystal material, MBBA, has been measured, using the sessile drop method. A value of 1.6 × 10−2 erg/cm2 is obtained. This agrees well with a value that has been calculated theoretically by Sheng and Priestley.
Magnetic field draping at the low-latitude magnetopause

The structure of the low-latitude magnetopause is investigated for interplanetary magnetic field conditions with a dominant southward component using magnetohydrodynamic simulations. The structure is self-consistently calculated as an initial-value problem in which the system is allowed to evolve to a quasi steady state. All components of the three-dimensional velocity and magnetic field as well as compressibility, resistivity, and viscosity are included in the two-dimensional calculation. The boundary conditions sustain inflow from the magnetosheath and the magnetosphere, as well as a flow tangential to the magnetopause, sunward in the magnetosphere and tailward in the magnetosheath. The tangential flow leads to the draping of magnetic field lines in the magnetopause region. No draping (tailward or sunward) was included initially, while as the system evolved this component of the magnetic field became comparable in magnitude to the other two components. The resulting draping structure is found to be dependent sensitively on the ratio of the viscous and magnetic diffusivities.
Pleiotropic Costs of Niche Expansion in the RNA Bacteriophage Φ6

Natural and experimental systems have failed to universally demonstrate a trade-off between generalism and specialism. When a trade-off does occur it is difficult to attribute its cause to antagonistic pleiotropy without dissecting the genetic basis of adaptation, and few previous experiments provide these genetic data. Here we investigate the evolution of expanded host range (generalism) in the RNA virus Φ6, an experimental model system allowing adaptive mutations to be readily identified. We isolated 10 spontaneous host range mutants on each of three novel Pseudomonas hosts and determined whether these mutations imposed fitness costs on the standard laboratory host. Sequencing revealed that each mutant had one of nine nonsynonymous mutations in the Φ6 gene P3, important in host attachment. Seven of these nine mutations were costly on the original host, confirming the existence of antagonistic pleiotropy. In addition to this genetically imposed cost, we identified an epigenetic cost of generalism that occurs when phage transition between host types. Our results confirm the existence in Φ6 of two costs of generalism, genetic and environmental, but they also indicate that the cost is not always large. The possibility for cost-free niche expansion implies that varied ecological conditions may favor host shifts in RNA viruses.
Degradation of Activated Protein Kinases by Ubiquitination

Protein kinases are important regulators of intracellular signal transduction pathways and play critical roles in diverse cellular functions. Once a protein kinase is activated, its activity is subsequently downregulated through a variety of mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that the activation of protein kinases commonly initiates their downregulation via the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Failure to regulate protein kinase activity or expression levels can cause human diseases.
Prostaglandin E2 Increases Transforming Growth Factor-β Type III Receptor Expression through CCAAT Enhancer-Binding Protein δ in Osteoblasts

Variations in individual TGF-β receptors (TβRs) may modify TGF-β activity and significantly alter its effects on connective tissue growth or repair. Differences in the amount of TβR type III (TβRIII) relative to signal transducing TβRI occur on bone cells during differentiation or in response to other growth regulators. Here we investigated prostaglandin (PG) E2, a potent effector during trauma, inflammation, or mechanical load, on TβR expression in primary osteoblast-enriched cultures. PGE2 rapidly increased TβRIII mRNA and protein expression and enhanced TβRIII gene promoter activity through a discrete region within 0.4 kb of the transcription start site. PGE2 alters osteoblast function through multiple signal-inducing pathways. In this regard, protein kinase A (PKA) activators, PGE1 and forskolin, also enhanced gene expression through the TβRIII gene promoter, whereas protein kinase C activators, PGF2α and phorbol myristate acetate, did not. The stimulatory effect of PGE2 on TβRIII promoter activity wa...
Association Mapping of Germination Traits in Arabidopsis thaliana Under Light and Nutrient Treatments: Searching for G×E Effects

In the natural world, genotype expression is influenced by an organism’s environment. Identifying and understanding the genes underlying phenotypes in different environments is important for making advances in fields ranging from evolution to medicine to agriculture. With the availability of genome-wide genetic-marker datasets, it is possible to look for genes that interact with the environment. Using the model organism, Arabidopsis thaliana, we looked for genes underlying phenotypes as well as genotype-by-environment interactions in four germination traits under two light and two nutrient conditions. We then performed genome-wide association tests to identify candidate genes underlying the observed phenotypes and genotype-by-environment interactions. Of the four germination traits examined, only two showed significant genotype-by-environment interactions. While genome-wide association analyses did not identify any markers or genes explicitly linked to genotype-by-environment interactions, we did identify a total of 55 markers and 71 genes associated with germination differences. Of the 71 genes, four—ZIGA4, PS1, TOR, and TT12—appear to be strong candidates for further study of germination variation under different environments.
Creating a Spectrum of Fibrocartilages Through Different Cell Sources and Biochemical Stimuli

In this study a scaffoldless approach was employed with two different cell sources and biochemical stimuli to engineer a spectrum of fibrocartilages represen- tative of the different regions of the knee meniscus. Con- structs composed of 100% fibrochondrocytes (FC) or a 50:50 co-culture of fibrochondrocytes and chondrocytes (CC) were cultured in 10% fetal bovine serum medium or serum-free ''chondrogenic'' medium, each � 10 ng/mL TGF-b 1( þT). Constructs from these two cell groups and four culture conditions were cultured for 6 weeks. By varying the cell type and presence of the growth factor, GAG per dry weight of the constructs spanned that of native tissue, ranging 16-45% and 1-7% in the CC and FC groups, respectively. Collagen density was most dependent on cell type and was significantly lower than tissue values. The collagen I/II ratio could be manipulated by cell type and serum presence to span the native range, from 3.5 in the serum-free CC group to over 1,000 in the FC groups treated with serum-containing medium. Using the CC cell group in the presence of serum-free medium dramatically increased the compressive stiffness to 128 � 34 kPa, similar to native tissue. Similarly, serum-free medium or TGF-b1 treatment enhanced the tensile modulus by an order of magnitude, up to 3,000 kPa. Using two cell sources and manipulating biochemical stimuli, a range of fibrocartilaginous neotissues was engineered. Fibrocartilages such as the knee meniscus are characterized by heterogeneity in matrix and functional properties, and this work demonstrates a strategy for recreating these heterogeneous tissues. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 587-598.
Compact modeling of variational waveforms

In ultra-deep sub-micron technologies, modeling waveform shapes correctly is essential for accurate timing and noise analysis. Due to process and environmental variations, there is a need for a variational waveform model that is compact, efficient and accurate. The mode) should capture correlations due to common dependence on process parameters. This paper proposes a waveform model derived from basic transformations of a nominal waveform in the absence of variations. The transformations are parameterized by variational quantities that capture the sensitivity of the waveform to process parameters. The resulting waveform model works well with current-source models for static timing analysis. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the model both in capturing variational waveforms and in propagating waveforms through logic gates.
Secondary structure of silaffin at interfaces and titania formation

We report on the secondary structure of the recombinant silaffin protein, rSilC, at liquid–solid and air–solid interfaces with polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) films serving as templates to mediate protein adsorption. By exploiting in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy directly we revealed that the molecular layer of rSilC adsorbed on the LbL surface exhibits a random coil conformation in a hydrated state. In contrast, the partial transition into β-sheet state is observed when the protein is deposited by spin casting with fast water removal. Both forms of rSilC surface layers are capable of mineralization of titania nanostructures at ambient conditions. We suggest that the careful tailoring of the silaffin secondary structure both at interfaces and in solution with particular amino acid sequences capable of intra- and inter-molecular transformations is essential for directing the “bio-titania” mineralization resulting in nanoparticles to large microstructures.
Amplitude criteria and anticipatory saccades during smooth pursuit eye movements in schizophrenia

Increased frequency of anticipatory saccades during smooth pursuit eye movements is a potential marker of genetic risk for schizophrenia even in the absence of clinical symptomology. The operational definition of anticipatory saccades has often included an amplitude criterion; however, these amplitude criteria have often differed across studies. This study reports on the effect of varying amplitude criteria on the effect size in a comparison of 29 schizophrenic adults and 29 normal subjects during a 16.7°/s constant velocity task. The inclusion of small amplitude anticipatory saccades, with amplitudes of 1–4°, consistently increased effect size (largest effect size = 1.61). The inclusion of large anticipatory saccades, with amplitudes of 4° or greater, had an inconsistent impact on effect size. The separation of anticipatory saccades into leading saccades (anticipatory saccades with amplitude 1–4°) and large anticipatory saccades (amplitude >4°) deserves further exploration.
Prenatal Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure Leads to Behavioral Deficits and Downregulation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, MET

Gene by environment interactions (G × E) are thought to underlie neurodevelopmental disorder, etiology, neurodegenerative disorders, including the multiple forms of autism spectrum disorder. However, there is limited biological information, indicating an interaction between specific genes and environmental components. The present study focuses on a major component of airborne pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], which negatively impacts cognitive development in children who have been exposed in utero. In our study, prenatal exposure of Cpr(lox/lox) timed-pregnant dams to B(a)P (0, 150, 300, and 600 μg/kg body weight via oral gavage) on embryonic day (E14-E17) consistent with our susceptibility-exposure paradigm was combined with the analysis of a replicated autism risk gene, the receptor tyrosine kinase, Met. The results demonstrate a dose-dependent increase in B(a)P metabolite generation in B(a)P-exposed Cpr(lox/lox) offspring. Additionally, a sustained persistence of hydroxy metabolites during the onset of synapse formation was noted, corresponding to the peak of Met expression. Prenatal B(a)P exposure also downregulated Met RNA and protein levels and dysregulated normal temporal patterns of expression during synaptogenesis. Consistent with these data, transcriptional cell-based assays demonstrated that B(a)P exposure directly reduces human MET promoter activity. Furthermore, a functional readout of in utero B(a)P exposure showed a robust reduction in novel object discrimination in B(a)P-exposed Cpr(lox/lox) offspring. These results confirm the notion that common pollutants, such as the PAH B(a)P, can have a direct negative impact on the regulated developmental expression of an autism risk gene with associated negative behavioral learning and memory outcomes.
Genetic predisposition to cancer — insights from population genetics

Individuals differ in their inherited tendency to develop cancer. Major single-gene defects that cause early cancer onset have been known for many years from their inheritance patterns, and inherited defects that have weaker effects on predisposition were also suspected to exist. Recent progress in cancer genetics has identified specific loci that are involved in cancer progression, many of which have key roles in DNA repair, cell-cycle control and cell-death pathways. Those loci, which are often mutated somatically during cancer progression, sometimes also contain inherited mutations. Recent genetic studies and quantitative population-genetic analyses provide a framework for understanding the frequency of inherited mutations and the consequences of these mutations for increased predisposition to cancer.
A geometric approach to spectral subtraction

The traditional power spectral subtraction algorithm is computationally simple to implement but suffers from musical noise distortion. In addition, the subtractive rules are based on incorrect assumptions about the cross terms being zero. A new geometric approach to spectral subtraction is proposed in the present paper that addresses these shortcomings of the spectral subtraction algorithm. A method for estimating the cross terms involving the phase differences between the noisy (and clean) signals and noise is proposed. Analysis of the gain function of the proposed algorithm indicated that it possesses similar properties as the traditional MMSE algorithm. Objective evaluation of the proposed algorithm showed that it performed significantly better than the traditional spectral subtractive algorithm. Informal listening tests revealed that the proposed algorithm had no audible musical noise.
FEL research and development at the SLAC sub-picosecond photon source, SPPS☆

Abstract An upgrade project to the SLAC linac allows ultra-short electron bunches to be interleaved with the routine high-energy physics program operation, for use with an undulator to produce short-pulse, high-brightness X-rays. The linac upgrade comprises of the installation in the summer of 2002 of a bunch compressor chicane of similar design to the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) project. A final compression stage in the high-energy Final Focus Test Beam (FFTB) line compresses the 28 GeV, 3.4 nC electron bunch to 80 fs FWHM, where a 5 m section of undulator ( K =4.45) will produce 1.5 A X-rays with 3×10 7 photons per pulse and a peak brightness of 4×10 24 photons mm −2 mrad −2 s −1 (0.1% BW). The facility will allow us to test the dynamics and associated technology of bunch compression and gain valuable experience for the LCLS using the SLAC linac. New ultra-short electron bunch diagnostic techniques will be developed hand in hand with the same ultra-fast laser technology to be used for LCLS. Issues of high peak power (27 GW) X-ray transport and optics can be addressed at this facility as well as pump-probe and ultra-fast laser timing and stability issues.
Shadow Box: an interactive learning toy for children

The Shadow Box is a tangible computing project that exploits visual association and auditory clues to teach children the representational relationship between words and their meanings. The Shadow Box contains three major components: the main box, picture blocks and word blocks. The Shadow Box activates when a block or a matching pair of blocks is placed inside. The box prompts children to find matching blocks and combine them together. When children successfully combine the right word and picture, the box rewards them with an animated video as if they had made the objects come alive. An informal study shows that children responded positively to the concept of the box. They played with it for a length of time and engaged in a collaborative learning process with other children.
Role of the local anesthetic receptor in the state-dependent inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels by the insecticide metaflumizone.

Sodium channel inhibitor (SCI) insecticides selectively target voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels in the slow-inactivated state by binding at or near the local anesthetic receptor within the sodium channel pore. Metaflumizone is a new insecticide for the treatment of fleas on domesticated pets and has recently been reported to block insect sodium channels in the slow-inactivated state, thereby implying that it is also a member of the SCI class. Using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, we examined metaflumizone inhibition of rat Nav1.4 sodium channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Metaflumizone selectively inhibited Nav1.4 channels at potentials that promoted slow inactivation and shifted the voltage dependence of slow inactivation in the direction of hyperpolarization. Metaflumizone perfusion at a hyperpolarized holding potential also shifted the conductance-voltage curve for activation in the direction of depolarization and antagonized use-dependent lidocaine inhibition of fast-inactivated sodium channels, actions not previously observed with other SCI insecticides. We expressed mutated Nav1.4/F1579A and Nav1.4/Y1586A channels to investigate whether metaflumizone shares the domain IV segment S6 (DIV-S6) binding determinants identified for other SCI insecticides. Consistent with previous investigations of SCI insecticides on rat Nav1.4 channels, the F1579A mutation reduced sensitivity to block by metaflumizone, whereas the Y1586A mutation paradoxically increased the sensitivity to metaflumizone. We conclude that metaflumizone selectively inhibits slow-inactivated Nav1.4 channels and shares DIV-S6 binding determinants with other SCI insecticides and therapeutic drugs. However, our results suggest that metaflumizone interacts with resting and fast-inactivated channels in a manner that is distinct from other compounds in this insecticide class.
Factor Structures of Three Measures of Research Self-Efficacy

Measures of research self-efficacy have the potential to facilitate graduate training and mentoring, but the hypothesized factor structures of these measures have not been confirmed empirically. Mo...
Cytochrome P450‐dependent metabolism of midazolam in hepatic microsomes from chickens, turkeys, pheasant and bobwhite quail

In vitro putative cytochrome P450 3A mediated activity, and inhibition thereof, were measured in four avian species using midazolam (MDZ) as a substrate and ketoconazole as an inhibitor. All species produced 1-hydroxymidazolam (1-OH MDZ) to a much greater extent than 4-hydroxymidazolam (4-OH MDZ). Calculated Vmaxapparent values for formation of 1-OH MDZ were 117 ± 17, 239 ± 108, 437 ± 168, and 201 ± 55 pmol/mg protein*min and Kmapparent values were 2.1 ± 0.8, 2.4 ± 1.6, 6.7 ± 5.1 and 3.2 ± 2.1 μ [smallcapital m] for chicken, turkey, pheasant and bobwhite quail, respectively. For the formation of 4-OH MDZ the Vmaxapparent values were 21 ± 10, 94 ± 46, 144 ± 112, and 68 ± 30 pmol/mg protein*min and Kmapparent values for 4-OH MDZ formation were 12.4 ± 10.1, 18.0 ± 10.8, 38.6 ± 34.7 and 29.1 ± 10.1 μ [smallcapital m] for chicken, turkey, pheasant and bobwhite quail, respectively. In all four species, ketoconazole inhibited the production of both major metabolites of MDZ, with 4-OH MDZ formation more sensitive to inhibition than 1-OH MDZ. Pheasant and bobwhite quail appeared most sensitive to ketoconazole inhibition.
Type of physical activity goal influences participation in healthy midlife women.

Methods. A random sample of healthy, midlife women (40–60 years of age) was selected to participate in a longitudinal study (n 156). This study fit a linear mixed model to the data to investigate the fixed effects of physical activity goals on physical activity participation, controlling for Body Mass Index (BMI) and Social Support. Mediational analyses were conducted to investigate whether commitment and planning mediated these results. Results. There were significant differences between participants with distinct types of goals on physical activity participation over time (i.e., baseline, 1 month, and 1 year postbaseline), controlling for the effects of BMI and Social Support. Participants with Weight Loss and Health Benefits goals participated in significantly less physical activity than those with Sense of Well-being and Stress Reduction goals. Commitment and Planning each mediated the relationship between participant goals and their physical activity participation. Conclusions. These data suggest having physical activity goals that aim to decrease weight or benefit health may not bode well for healthy midlife women who desire to sustain physically active lives. Instead, health care providers and health promotion specialists might better facilitate long-term participation among healthy women if they emphasize physical activity as a means to enhance their quality of life.
Representations for Recognizing Complex Curved 3D Objects

While there have been great strides in the development of systems to recognize 3D objects in images using viewpoint independent features, we have yet to develop algorithms for recognizing complex curved objects from large model databases; in part, the difficulty arises because image features are viewpoint dependent. Consequently, we must either develop viewer centered representations or have methods for directly relating viewpoint dependent features to 3D models. Aspect graphs, which enumerate all topologically distinct line drawings, may be too weak by themselves to support recognition. However, they can be used to control the search for image-model correspondences when coupled with the constraints afforded by viewpoint dependent features. When objects are represented by algebraic surfaces, these constraints can be expressed as systems of polynomial equations which can be solved using well established techniques. Alternatively, a new representation has been proposed called HOT Curves. Like representations based on geometric invariance, HOT Curves encode the relationship of image features for a particular 3D object. The representation can be constructed directly from a set of images, the features are viewpoint dependent, and indexing schemes are supported.
A Course on Terror Medicine: Content and Evaluations

Introduction The development of medical school courses on medical responses for disaster victims has been deemed largely inadequate. To address this gap, a 2-week elective course on Terror Medicine (a field related to Disaster and Emergency Medicine) has been designed for fourth year students at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey (USA). This elective is part of an overall curricular plan to broaden exposure to topics related to Terror Medicine throughout the undergraduate medical education. Rationale A course on Terror Medicine necessarily includes key aspects of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, though the converse is not the case. Courses on Disaster Medicine may not address features distinctively associated with a terror attack. Thus, a terror-related focus not only assures attention to this important subject but to accidental or naturally occurring incidents as well. METHODS: The course, implemented in 2014, uses a variety of teaching modalities including lectures, videos, and tabletop and hands-on simulation exercises. The subject matter includes biological and chemical terrorism, disaster management, mechanisms of injury, and psychiatry. This report outlines the elective's goals and objectives, describes the course syllabus, and presents outcomes based on student evaluations of the initial iterations of the elective offering. RESULTS: All students rated the course as "excellent" or "very good." Evaluations included enthusiastic comments about the content, methods of instruction, and especially the value of the simulation exercises. Students also reported finding the course novel and engaging. CONCLUSION: An elective course on Terror Medicine, as described, is shown to be feasible and successful. The student participants found the content relevant to their education and the manner of instruction effective. This course may serve as a model for other medical schools contemplating the expansion or inclusion of Terror Medicine-related topics in their curriculum. Cole LA , Natal B , Fox A , Cooper A , Kennedy CA , Connell ND , Sugalski G , Kulkarni M , Feravolo M , Lamba S. A course on Terror Medicine: content and evaluations. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(1):1-4. Language: en
'THE CHOREOGRAPHY OF EXISTENCE: COMMENTS ON HAGERSTRAND'S TIME-GEOGRAPHY AND ITS USEFULNESS

The need for human geography to turn inward with respect to the definition of research problems and the use of conceptual structures is pointed to, and it is suggested that Haigerstrand's time-geography is especially appropriate for this purpose. The contents and intents of Hiigerstrand's time-geography are briefly presented. The planning applications of timegeography are sketched, and the possible applications of the framework to traditional themes in human geography are discussed. Other possible uses for the time-geography framework are also considered. Finally, the challenge posed by Hagerstrand's time-geography is summarized.
A Tentative Scheme for the Treatment of the Genera of the Pezizaceae

For many years past the writer has been engaged in the preparation of a monograph of the operculate cup-fungi of North America and, in fact, the work is so far advanced that it can be published (with illustrations) at any time when the funds seem to be available. Much time has been spent in trying to stabilize the genera on the basis of priority in accordance with the rules of the American code of nomenclature. In view of the fact that
A method of studying the effect of serum upon tissues

In the investigation of the action of serum ferments on animal tissues chemical methods have been almost exclusively used. Within the last few years the dialysis method developed by Abderhalden has been extensively employed in experimental as well as clinical investigations. While the technique of this method is not as difficult as it is usually assumed to be, at every step of the procedure a not inconsiderable number of errors are likely to creep in. It requires very careful preparation of the substrate, absolutely uniform dialyzing tubes and great care in boiling the dialysate.The most weighty objection to the dialysis method, however, lies in the fact that it gives only indirect evidence of the enzymatic action of the serum on the tissue. It is due to this fact that recently Bronfenbrenner and others have claimed that a positive Abderhalden test does not show the proteolytic action of the serum on the tissue substrate at all, but that during the incubation of the serum with tissue, the antiferment of t...
Analysis the alterations of psychological healthy status in traffic patients

Objective To explore the alterations of psychological healthy status in traffic patients and analyze the the possible significances. Methods The information of two hundred traffic patients were collected,which included individual information,injury severity score (ISS),SCL-90 table,SAS table and SDS table. The parameters were statistically analyzed by SPSS 13.0 software. Results The total score and individual score in SCL-90 table of the 200 traffic patients were significantly higher in comparison group than control group (P0.01). The total score in SAS table and SDS table were also significantly higher in comparison group than control group (P0.01). Conclusion It can be confirmed from our results that the alterations of psychological healthy status in traffic patients are significant. Besides the emergency treatments,mental intervention should be timely administered for the high-risk patients.
Combined Psychotherapy with Psychopharmacology

Medication prescribing in immigrant youth populations both reveals and engages very complex dynamics of family and culture. When pursuing psychopharmacologic intervention, the pharmacotherapist must be attuned to this array of elaborate dynamics. Understanding the significance of medication to the patient and their associated family system is incredibly informative to the conceptualization of the case. Psychological meanings will be embedded in many aspects of the pharmacotherapeutic process, and the prescribing clinician must remain curious about these meanings. This chapter will discuss how to examine context in the pharmacotherapeutic process, common dynamics to explore, issues around autonomy that arise, as well as collaborative care models of medication and psychotherapy treatment planning.
Electron Spin Resonance at the Level of 1 0 4 Spins Using Low Impedance Superconducting Resonators

We report on electron spin resonance measurements of phosphorus donors localized in a 200 μm^{2} area below the inductive wire of a lumped element superconducting resonator. By combining quantum limited parametric amplification with a low impedance microwave resonator design, we are able to detect around 2×10^{4} spins with a signal-to-noise ratio of 1 in a single shot. The 150 Hz coupling strength between the resonator field and individual spins is significantly larger than the 1-10 Hz coupling rates obtained with typical coplanar waveguide resonator designs. Because of the larger coupling rate, we find that spin relaxation is dominated by radiative decay into the resonator and dependent upon the spin-resonator detuning, as predicted by Purcell.
Influenza and Parainfluenza Infection in Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Respiratory viral infections are a cause of morbidity and mortality after stem cell and solid organ transplantation. Most of our knowledge of these viral infections in the transplant population comes from hospitalized patients, which may underrate the incidence and overestimate the severity of disease caused by these respiratory viruses. Besides rhinovirus, influenza and parainfluenza are among the most common viruses affecting transplant recipients. Because clinical presentation of these infections may not be distinctive and the etiology could be broad, the knowledge of the epidemiology of these respiratory viruses coupled with high clinical suspicion and early diagnosis is critical for managing these immunocompromised patients. In this book chapter, we underscore the early recognition of these viral infections, the rapid isolation to prevent hospital spread, the prompt empiric therapy specifically for influenza, the awareness of the risk factors for progression to the lower respiratory tract, and the appreciation of the potential long term impact on pulmonary function in this vulnerable transplant population. In addition to an extensive review of the current literature and update on management, we also discuss specific issues around these respiratory viral infections in patients after transplantation including drug resistance, nosocomial outbreaks, prolonged viral shedding, and future directions in prevention and management.
Sharing Big Data

Macromolecular Big Data provide numerous challenges and a number of initiatives that are starting to overcome these issues are discussed.
SIApopr: a computational method to simulate evolutionary branching trees for analysis of tumor clonal evolution.

Summary SIApopr (Simulating Infinite-Allele populations) is an R package to simulate time-homogeneous and inhomogeneous stochastic branching processes under a very flexible set of assumptions using the speed of C ++. The software simulates clonal evolution with the emergence of driver and passenger mutations under the infinite-allele assumption. The software is an application of the Gillespie Stochastic Simulation Algorithm expanded to a large number of cell types and scenarios, with the intention of allowing users to easily modify existing models or create their own. Availability and Implementation SIApopr is available as an R library on Github ( https://github.com/olliemcdonald/siapopr ). Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. Contact michor@jimmy.harvard.edu.
Regional population structure in postclassic Mexico

The majority of our knowledge about population structure in Mexico during the Postclassic period (a.d. 900–1520) is based on archaeological data. During this time, populations were in contact with each other through extensive trade networks and via the expansion of powerful empires in central and west Mexico. Though archaeological data provides a wealth of information about these relationships, little is known about the effects of these processes on population structure and biological, morphological variation or whether these effects vary across geographic regions. In this study, dental morphological observations are used as a proxy for genetic data in order to assess the differences in regional population structures throughout Mexico. Our analyses show differences in population structure between the various cultural and geographic areas around Mexico. We further conclude that population structures are affected by economic, political, or religious processes. This study provides bioarchaeological support for archaeological interpretations of population structure in Postclassic Mexico.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurovascular dysfunction and the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been explored in neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive and mood disorders, and autism. These disorders are correlated with hypoxia-ischemia insults during early life and are strongly associated with cognitive dysfunction. This review focuses on the hypoxia-regulated protein, VEGF, to discuss its crucial roles in brain development and function. These data implicate that alterations to VEGF signaling during early life can impair neural development, underlying the severe cognitive deficits observed in neurodevelopmental disorders. VEGF has been linked to neurological processes that influence learning and memory. VEGF is advancing towards being a novel biomarker and possible therapeutic for neurological disorders. Prenatal environmental enrichment positively impacted neurotrophic factors, brain structure, and memory in rodent models. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of VEGF in neurodevelopment will create intervention strategies for at-risk children born to adverse early-life events. By proactively working with those in a pliable neurodevelopmental state, we hope to ameliorate cognitive deficits to increase their chance to develop into high-functioning adults with disabilities.
What can data analysis recommend on design of wearable sensors

The paper aims at developing recommendations on the design and use of human activity recognition systems based on wearable sensors and their applications. Both the system structure and the application design challenges are addressed. Various design problems are investigated such as the selection of a number and types of sensors, amount of samples used for recognition, choice of machine learning techniques and the features set for a classifier design as well as the type of a training model employed. The design is implemented on the Android smartphone sensors platform and tested by conducting an empirical study in a real-life environment. The study results are provided and discussed. The recommendations on the sensor systems design are derived.
Deterministically estimated fission source distributions for Monte Carlo k-eigenvalue problems

Abstract The standard Monte Carlo (MC) k-eigenvalue algorithm involves iteratively converging the fission source distribution using a series of potentially time-consuming inactive cycles before quantities of interest can be tallied. One strategy for reducing the computational time requirements of these inactive cycles is the Sourcerer method, in which a deterministic eigenvalue calculation is performed to obtain an improved initial guess for the fission source distribution. This method has been implemented in the Exnihilo software suite within SCALE using the SP N or S N solvers in Denovo and the Shift MC code. The efficacy of this method is assessed with different Denovo solution parameters for a series of typical k-eigenvalue problems including small criticality benchmarks, full-core reactors, and a fuel cask. It is found that, in most cases, when a large number of histories per cycle are required to obtain a detailed flux distribution, the Sourcerer method can be used to reduce the computational time requirements of the inactive cycles.
Sellar and Parasellar Lesions Mimicking Adenoma

Many parasellar lesions, tumor and nontumor, may mimic pituitary adenomas clinically, endocrinologically, and radiologically (Table 1). From a review of the Mayo Clinic parasellar lesions series, Thomas and Yoss1 concluded that the etiological diagnosis of parasellar lesions is not made on clinical grounds, but rather on adjunctive examinations such as blood tests, plain skull X-rays, tomograms, and contrast studies. However, certain clinical patterns do, at times, lead suspicion toward the correct diagnosis, while at other times, even with appropriate tests, the diagnosis may be difficult. For most of these lesions, the treatment of choice is distinctly different from that of a pituitary tumor, and therefore correct diagnosis is of paramount importance. After a brief general discussion of the presenting symptoms and signs of tumors in this region, as well as the radiological manifestations, some specific discussion and examples of these entities will be presented.
Quantitative estimation of the performance delay with propagation effects in disk power savings

The biggest power consumer in data centers is the storage system. Coupled with the fact that disk drives are lowly utilized, disks offer great opportunities for power savings, but any power saving action should be transparent to user traffic. Estimating correctly the performance impact of power saving becomes crucial for the effectiveness of power saving. Here, we develop a methodology that quantitatively estimates the performance impact due to power savings. By taking into consideration the propagation delay effects. Experiments driven by production server traces verify the correctness and efficiency of the proposed analytical methodology.
Parental Control Perfection? The Impact of the DVR and VOD Boom on the Debate over TV Content Regulation

New technologies that allow families to easily tailor their media consumption undermine the pervasiveness rationale for government regulation of content.Both the variety of family programming options now available and new technologies, such as digital video recorders (DVRs) and video on demand (VOD) services, are helping to fully empower parents to control what media is consumed in their household. Included are devices that allow parents to acquire libraries of approved content, such as DVD players, VCRs and the more recent DVRs. A large variety of family-friendly programming available from broadcast, cable and satellite television further helps parents effectively manage their family's viewing habits.The widespread availability of these technologies coupled with the wealth of programming options available have profound implications for debates over the regulation of television programming. Content-based regulation of broadcast media has historically been justified by the pervasiveness rationale, or the idea that the medium is uniquely invasive in the home and readily accessible to children. The multitude of parental control options available in addition to the empowerment technologies mentioned above undermines this justification for content regulation. There is no basis for singling out broadcast media for unique regulation in light of competition from new video platforms.The pervasiveness rationale for government regulation of video content is an aging relic of bygone media and regulatory era. It would be a mistake to accord lesser First Amendment protection to any type of speech or media provider based on that rationale when parents have been empowered to control media that enters their home.