cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A nomenclature for sequence-based forensic DNA analysis.

Abstract Forensic DNA analysis of casework samples using massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology requires a system of nomenclature for uniquely labeling sequence-based alleles and artifacts. The DNA Commission of the ISFG has published considerations concerning a nomenclature format that addresses the requirement for unique labeling of sequences. Nomenclatures based on this format can be used in databasing, or communicating sequence types, but the format is lengthy for software interfaces. The sequence identifier (SID) nomenclature addresses this gap by generating short labels able to uniquely identify all sequences (allelic and artifactual) in single-source or casework profiles. Sequences in casework profiles can be uniquely labeled with only two or three SID characters, making the format compact. SID labels can be used in algorithms for identifying and filtering artifacts, and for expressing associations between artifacts and their likely parent alleles. The nomenclature is suitable for use in downstream mixture analysis by any software able to accept character values rather than numeral values. The SID nomenclature is described, and its ability to discriminate sequence-based alleles and artifacts is demonstrated, and its applicability to forensic mixture analysis is demonstrated.
Theory and Experiment of UWB Archimedean Conformal Spiral Antennas

A conformal UWB Archimedean spiral antenna on a dielectric hemisphere is theoretically and experimentally investigated. The analysis method, design, and optimization of this type of spherical antennas is performed using an efficient spatial domain method of moments in conjunction with triangular basis functions and asymptotic Green’s functions. A special conformal mapping is used to enhance the impedance bandwidth and axial ratio (AR) bandwidth for a circularly polarized spherical spiral antenna. Emphasis is given to the efficient asymptotic approach in spherical multilayered media. To validate the theory, a UWB leaky-wave conformal spiral antenna was designed, manufactured, and tested. The measured results indicate a pretty wideband behavior for this antenna starting from 1.7 to 6 GHz (1.8 octaves) in its input impedance responses. The circular polarization is maintained over 1.26 octave with less than 3 dB AR.
A solitary supraglottic neurofibroma presenting with obstructive sleep apnea in an adolescent

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is commonly encountered in the pediatric population and has a large differential diagnosis. As clinicians, we must determine who needs to undergo flexible laryngoscopy...
Differential Outcomes following Optimization of Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Viruses from Clades AE, B, and C.

ABSTRACT Simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection of rhesus monkeys is an important preclinical model for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccines, therapeutics, and cure strategies. SHIVs have been optimized by incorporating HIV-1 Env residue 375 mutations that mimic the bulky or hydrophobic residues typically found in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Env to improve rhesus CD4 binding. We applied this strategy to three SHIV challenge stocks (SHIV-SF162p3, SHIV-AE16, and SHIV-325c) and observed three distinct outcomes. We constructed six Env375 variants (M, H, W, Y, F, and S) for each SHIV, and we performed a pool competition study in rhesus monkeys to define the optimal variant for each SHIV prior to generating large-scale challenge stocks. We identified SHIV-SF162p3S/wild type, SHIV-AE16W, and SHIV-325cH as the optimal variants. SHIV-SF162p3S could not be improved, as it already contained the optimal Env375 residue. SHIV-AE16W exhibited a similar replicative capacity to the parental SHIV-AE16 stock. In contrast, SHIV-325cH demonstrated a 2.6-log higher peak and 1.6-log higher setpoint viral loads than the parental SHIV-325c stock. These data demonstrate the diversity of potential outcomes following Env375 modification in SHIVs. Moreover, the clade C SHIV-325cH challenge stock may prove useful for evaluating prophylactic or therapeutic interventions against clade C HIV-1. IMPORTANCE We sought to enhance the infectivity of three SHIV stocks by optimization of a key residue in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Env (Env375). We developed the following three new simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) stocks: SHIV-SF162p3S/wild type, SHIV-AE16W, and SHIV-325cH. SHIV-SF162p3S could not be optimized, SHIV-AE16W proved comparable to the parental virus, and SHIV-325cH demonstrated markedly enhanced replicative capacity compared with the parental virus.
Rural African Americans’ Family Relationships and Well-Being

Despite progress and achievement since the post-civil rights era, many African Americans are disproportionately poor, lack quality education, are under- and unemployed, and are in poor health. Recent changes in rural spaces due to structural economic transformations and environmental shifts have created conditions reflective of “rural ghettos.” While such conditions take a toll on rural African American families, many are able to muster the energy and wherewithal to overcome these challenges and raise healthy children. Yet, the processes by which families are able to negotiate and navigate these stressful environments are not well understood. In this chapter, we draw on contextual-driven theories as well as strength-based conceptual models to synthesize research on how rural spaces influence and are influenced by family processes and functioning of African American families. This information can inform and guide prevention strategies and policies. We highlight findings from two family-based preventive intervention efficacy trials as case studies: (1) a universal preventive intervention program designed to enhance protective processes in rural African American families that foster positive developmental outcomes in their children and (2) an investigation of African American fathers’ social experiences and involvement in their children’s lives. Each of the studies was designed within the unique context of rural African American communities in mind.
Meiotic Double-Strand Break Processing and Crossover Patterning Are Regulated in a Sex-Specific Manner by BRCA1-BARD1 in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Meiosis is regulated in a sex-specific manner to produce two distinct gametes, sperm and oocytes, for sexual reproduction. To determine how meiotic recombination is regulated in spermatogenesis, we analyzed the meiotic phenotypes of mutants in the tumor suppressor E3 ubiquitin ligase BRC-1-BRD-1 complex in Caenorhabditis elegans male meiosis. Unlike in mammals, this complex is not required for meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, the process whereby hemizygous sex chromosomes are transcriptionally silenced. Interestingly, brc-1 and brd-1 mutants show meiotic recombination phenotypes that are largely opposing to those previously reported for female meiosis. Fewer meiotic recombination intermediates marked by the recombinase RAD-51 were observed in brc-1 and brd-1 mutants, and the reduction in RAD-51 foci could be suppressed by mutation of nonhomologous-end-joining proteins. Analysis of GFP::RPA-1 revealed fewer foci in the brc-1brd-1 mutant and concentration of BRC-1-BRD-1 to sites of meiotic recombination was dependent on DNA end resection, suggesting that the complex regulates the processing of meiotic double-strand breaks to promote repair by homologous recombination. Further, BRC-1-BRD-1 is important to promote progeny viability when male meiosis is perturbed by mutations that block the pairing and synapsis of different chromosome pairs, although the complex is not required to stabilize the RAD-51 filament as in female meiosis under the same conditions. Analyses of crossover designation and formation revealed that BRC-1-BRD-1 inhibits supernumerary COs when meiosis is perturbed. Together, our findings suggest that BRC-1-BRD-1 regulates different aspects of meiotic recombination in male and female meiosis.
The Failed Masculinities of Tostig Godwinson

Tostig Godwinson, one of the middle sons of Earl Godwin of Wessex, provides us with an exemplar of failed early English aristocratic manhood. He was a flawed son, brother, husband, father, soldier, general and politician who squandered the enormous opportunities that his family provided for him. In 1051, he was a favored son of a powerful earl; by 1066, destitute and exiled, he had allied himself with a foreign power in an invasion and died fighting against his own brothers on the battlefield at Stamford Bridge. After his death, his sons identified themselves as part of their foster family rather than as his sons. Tostig exemplifies the challenges inherent in the life of an aristocratic middle son ambitious for himself rather than for his older brother. Tostig’s life also problematizes some of the accepted conventions of early English manhood (as epitomized in the Battle of Brunanburh), as he is an unwilling and ultimately disloyal thegn not only to his brother Harold Godwinson but also to his brother-in-law Baldwin of Flanders and his tenuous ally Harald of Norway.
Changes in diet and food shopping behaviors among Asian American adults due to COVID-19

ABSTRACT: Objective COVID-19 has changed diet and food shopping behaviors, but a lack of disaggregated data by racial and ethnic subgroup makes it challenging to identify whether specific populations are experiencing greater challenges in safely securing an adequate food supply and engaging in healthy eating behaviors during the pandemic Thus, the objective of this study was to measure such changes among Asian American (AA) adults, overall and by ethnic subgroup Methods Using a nationally-derived nonprobability sample, 3,084 AA adults were recruited, including 1,737 East Asian, 570 South Asian, 587 Southeast Asian, and 124 multiethnic Asian adults Participants completed an online survey with questions related to sociodemographics, health status, and diet and food shopping behaviors, including questions related to COVID-19 Logistic and linear regression were used to compare differences in survey responses by Asian ethnic subgroup Results Compared to other AA subgroups, a higher percentage of Asian Indian (17%), Filipino (13%), Vietnamese (12%), and Korean (11%) adults reported no longer getting food resources they were receiving before COVID-19 (e g , mobile meals, food pantry items) The percentage of Filipino (8%) and Vietnamese (7%) adults who reported not having enough money to buy food they need was also higher than other AA subgroups And a higher percentage of Asian Indian adults (7%) reported not having a way to get to the food store since COVID-19 than other AA subgroups Conclusions Previous work has not included disaggregated data, which may mask important disparities in food access and food insecurity among people hit hardest by COVID-19, such as Filipino, Vietnamese, and Asian Indian households This article is protected by copyright All rights reserved
Leveraging Classification Metrics for Quantitative System-Level Analysis with Temporal Logic Specifications.

In many autonomy applications, performance of perception algorithms is important for effective planning and control. In this paper, we introduce a framework for computing the probability of satisfaction of formal system specifications given a confusion matrix, a statistical average performance measure for multi-class classification. We define the probability of satisfaction of a linear temporal logic formula given a specific initial state of the agent and true state of the environment. Then, we present an algorithm to construct a Markov chain that represents the system behavior under the composition of the perception and control components such that the probability of the temporal logic formula computed over the Markov chain is consistent with the probability that the temporal logic formula is satisfied by our system. We illustrate this approach on a simple example of a car with pedestrian on the sidewalk environment, and compute the probability of satisfaction of safety requirements for varying parameters of the vehicle. We also illustrate how satisfaction probability changes with varied precision and recall derived from the confusion matrix. Based on our results, we identify several opportunities for future work in developing quantitative system-level analysis that incorporates perception models.
Words matter, humanity matters: alienating non-citizens from the COVID-19 vaccine

‘Of or belonging to another, not one’s own, foreign, strange.’ From the Latin alienus , the etymology of the word ‘alien’ signifies much of what the word connotes: a certain unnatural and inhuman nature. Nonetheless, ever since the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798, the dehumanising term ‘alien’ has repeatedly been used to refer to immigrants in the USA. On his first day in office, President Biden sent Congress the US Citizenship Act of 2021, which notably sought to change the term ‘alien’ to ‘non-citizen’ in our immigration laws. Much attention, therefore, has been given to this change and its implications within the realm of immigration, but we must also recognise the importance of similar semantic alterations within healthcare. For instance, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeatedly refers to ‘non-citizens’ as ‘aliens,’ and such terminology is ubiquitous throughout health policy and the literature more broadly. Eliciting notions of segregation, the term ‘alien’ relegates important communities to a second-class status. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated deep-rooted fissures of trust in the federal government and healthcare institutions, as demonstrated by a palpable hesitancy to receive the three authorised SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among non-citizen communities.1 2 In our efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot permit our diction to further intensify bias and, in turn, alienate immigrants from vaccination. Already, non-citizens in the USA face difficulties as they endeavour to navigate our complex healthcare system. These realities manifest themselves in disproportionately low levels of health insurance among non-citizens: 77% of lawfully present immigrants and 55% …
Current treatment of recurrent pericarditis: safety considerations and future directions.

Introduction Recurrent pericarditis is one of the most troublesome complications of pericarditis affecting a substantial amount of patients and often severely impairing the quality of life. Current medical treatments range from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine and corticosteroids to biological agents (anti IL-1 agents, especially anakinra and rilonacept), intravenous immunoglobulins and immunosuppressive treatments. Safety is a major issue to deal with since the disease often affects relatively young or middle-aged patients. Areas covered The review is aimed at providing an update on the efficacy and safety of current medical therapies for recurrent pericarditis including most recent advances represented by anti IL-1 agents. Expert opinion Therapy of recurrent pericarditis has evolved over years leading to a more evidence-based and personalized treatment based on clinical presentation and pathophysiology. The main distinction is between patients with an inflammatory phenotype (e.g. fever, elevation of markers of inflammation, pericardial and/or pleural effusion) vs. those without an inflammatory phenotype. Colchicine and anti IL-1 agents are especially efficacious and indicated for those with an inflammatory phenotype, while corticosteroids, azathioprine and immunoglobulins seem more indicated for those without evidence of systemic inflammation.
Prognostic Indicators of Survival in Sinonasal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A National Cancer Database Analysis

Objectives/hypothesis This study offers an update on the epidemiologic and prognostic factors and treatment-specific outcomes in patients diagnosed with sinonasal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods National Cancer Database was queried from 2004 to 2016 for patients with sinonasal DLBCL. Univariate Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox-regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of suspected prognostic factors with overall survival (OS). Results A total of 2,222 patients with sinonasal DLBCL were analyzed. OS was 62% at 5 years and 42% at 10 years. Prognostic factors associated with increased survival included African-American race (HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.33-0.70), chemotherapy (HR: 0.30, CI: 0.25-0.35), and radiation (HR: 0.80, CI: 0.69-0.93). Prognostic factors associated with decreased survival included patients with Charlson-Deyo scores of 1 (HR: 1.51, CI: 1.25-1.84), 2 (HR: 2.25, CI: 1.67-3.03), and 3 (HR: 2.36, CI: 1.49-3.74) and patients with Lugano stage III (HR: 1.69, CI: 1.09-2.62) and IV (HR: 1.96, CI: 1.46-2.64) disease. Stage-based split multivariate analysis was performed and revealed chemotherapy was independently associated with increased OS in patients with stage I (HR: 0.24, CI: 0.19-0.30), II (HR: 0.17, CI: 0.11-0.28), and IV (HR: 0.41, CI: 0.26-0.64) disease. Radiotherapy was independently associated with increased OS in patients with stage I disease only (HR: 0.67, CI: 0.55-0.83), while immunotherapy was an independent prognostic factor in patients with stage IV disease only (HR: 0.60, CI: 0.37-0.98). Conclusion This study is the largest to date to analyze the association of demographic features and treatment modalities with OS in patients with sinonasal DLBCL. It is the first to investigate the association of immunotherapy with OS in this population. A combination treatment of immunochemotherapy or radioimmunochemotherapy confers increased survival, particularly in patients with advanced disease. Level of evidence IV Laryngoscope, 2021.
Exchangeable Markov Processes on [k]^{\mathbb N} with Cadlag Sample Paths

Any exchangeable, time-homogeneous Markov processes on \([k]^{\mathbb {N}}\) with cadlag sample paths projects to a Markov process on the simplex whose sample paths are cadlag and of locally bounded variation. Furthermore, any such process has a de Finetti-type description as a mixture of independent, identically distributed copies of time-inhomogeneous Markov processes on \([k]\). In the Feller case, these time-inhomogeneous Markov processes have a relatively simple structure; however, in the non-Feller case, a greater variety of behaviors is possible since the transition law of the underlying Markov process on \([k]^{\mathbb N}\) can depend in a nontrivial way on its exchangeable \(\sigma \)-algebra.
Adaptive reduced-rank residual correlation algorithms for DS-CDMA interference suppression

A class of adaptive algorithms for DS-CDMA interference suppression is presented based on the multistage Wiener filter introduced by Goldstein and Reed (see IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol. 44, no.7, 1998). Unlike the principal-components method for reduced-rank filtering this method performs well when the subspace spanned by the filter is less than the dimension of the signal subspace. We present block and recursive algorithms for estimating the filter parameters, which do not require matrix inversion or an eigen-decomposition The algorithm performance in the context of a heavily loaded DS-CDMA system is characterized via computer simulation.
The Impact of Graduate Medical Education Financing Policies on Pediatric Residency Training

Objective. To review special issues related to pediatric residency training in managed care organizations, the effects of the changing health care system on the demand for pediatricians and the potential impact on financial support for residency training, current methods of financing graduate medical education (GME), possible future approaches to financing GME, and policy directions to support training of pediatricians well prepared for future practice. Methods. We reviewed current information on residency education in managed care settings, including the rationale for training in such settings and the realities of such educational experiences. We then assessed the evidence concerning the supply and demand for pediatricians in the present health care marketplace, with its evolution to managed systems of health care. We summarized current approaches to financing GME through Medicare, Medicaid, private insurers and purchasers, and direct federal and state support, with emphasis on the financing of ambulatory training which could occur in managed care settings. Lastly, we described factors influencing the upcoming revolution in GME financing and outlined possible new policy directions for the financing of relevant GME training experiences. Results. Appropriate training experiences in managed care organizations may be a valuable strategy to address the current disconnect between the traditional hospital-based education of pediatricians and the expanded competencies necessary to practice in intensively managed, integrated and accountable health systems. Present pediatrician supply appears to be in relative balance with health maintenance organization staffing patterns and with needs-based requirements estimates. However, the pediatrician-to-child population ratio is predicted to increase rapidly over the next decade, leading to an oversupply of pediatricians under likely future health care delivery system scenarios. Medicare is the largest explicit payer of GME training costs, historically directing reimbursement primarily for hospital-based education. Numerous innovative financing strategies are being considered to facilitate funding of GME training in ambulatory settings and to open up funding to greater public scrutiny and accountability. Conclusions. Although reforms in federal GME financing have been limited to date and other significant changes have been largely state-based, it is likely in the future that explicit funds will be targeted to specialties in demand that prepare physicians well for future practice. Pediatricians and medical educators must intensify their voices in the financing debate to ensure a productive future for quality pediatric residency training.
Pump-degenerate phase-sensitive amplification in amorphous Si waveguides

We demonstrate phase-sensitive amplification in hydrogenated amorphous silicon waveguides based on pump-degenerate four-wave mixing at 90 MHz and 10 GHz. An 11.7 dB (6.6 dB) phase-sensitive extinction ratio is achieved at 90 MHz (10 GHz).
Living‐Donor Liver Transplantation

Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (aLDLT) has rapidly evolved in less than a decade. In countries with a robust deceased donor-organ allocation, only about 3–4% of all liver transplantations are aLDLT. Several types of living donor grafts may be utilized for aLDLT. The donor morbidity and mortality represent shortand long-term impediments to further application of aLDLT, and our understanding of the donor risks associated with this procedure continues to evolve. The outcomes of aLDLT are favorable, and pursuing aLDLT may offer a survival advantage compared to candidates who do not have a potential living donor. The application From: Clinical Gastroenterology: Liver Transplantation: Challenging Controversies and Topics Edited by: G. T. Everson and J. F. Trotter, DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-028-1 4, c © Humana Press, Totowa, NJ
Microstrip Antennas: Analysis, Design, and Application

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Technical Background Analysis and Design Feed/Excitation Methods Dual‐Polarization and Circular‐Polarization Techniques Broadband and Dual‐Band Techniques Antenna Miniaturization Techniques Summary References
Novel Strategy for Assigning Hyperfine Shifts Using Pulsed-Field Gradient Heteronuclear Multiple-Bond Correlation Spectroscopy†

In an attempt to unambiguously assign all hyperfine shifts, pulsed-field gradient and nongradient 1H−13C heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC) maps of the bis(N-methylimidazole) complex of (5-(o-nitrophenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrinato)iron(III) are acquired. It is demonstrated for the first time that the use of pulsed-field gradients for coherence-transfer selection in combination with 1H detection is a powerful method for obtaining two- and three-bond 1H−13C connectivities between hyperfine-shifted resonances.
Serine proteases and protease-activated receptor 2-dependent allodynia: A novel cancer pain pathway

Mediators involved in the generation of pain in patients with cancer are poorly understood. Using a combined molecular, pharmacologic, behavioral, and genetic approach, we have identified a novel mechanism of cancer-dependent allodynia induced by protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). Here we show that human head and neck carcinoma cells have increased levels of proteolytic activity compared to normal human cell controls. Supernatant from human carcinoma cells, but not controls, caused marked and prolonged mechanical allodynia in mice, when administered into the hindpaw. This nociceptive effect was abolished by serine protease inhibition, diminished by mast cell depletion and absent in PAR2-deficient mice. In addition, non-contact co-culture of trigeminal ganglion neurons with human head and neck carcinoma cells increased the proportion of neurons that exhibited PAR2-immunoreactivity. Our results point to a direct role for serine proteases and their receptor in the pathogenesis of cancer pain. This previously unrecognized cancer pain pathway has important therapeutic implications wherein serine protease inhibitors and PAR2 antagonists may be useful for the treatment of cancer pain.
User community reconstruction using sampled microblogging data

User community recognition in social media services is important to identify hot topics or users' interests and concerns in a timely way when a disaster has occurred. In microblogging services, many short messages are posted every day and some of them represent replies or forwarded messages between users. We extract such conversational messages to link the users as a user network and regard the strongly-connected components in the network as indicators of user communities. However, using all of the microblog data for user community extraction is too costly and requires too much storage space when decomposing strongly-connected components. In contrast, using sampled data may miss some user connections and thus divide one user community into pieces. In this paper, we propose a method for user community reconstruction using the lexical similarity of the messages and the user's link information between separate communities.
Influence of random branching on multiple hydrogen bonding in poly(alkyl methacrylate)s

A series of linear and randomly branched poly(alkyl methacrylate)s with pendant 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidone (UPy) groups, which form quadruple hydrogen bonds, were synthesized, and the role of molecular topology on intermolecular hydrogen bonding was investigated. In solution rheological studies of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-UPy methacrylate) (PMMA-co-UPyMA) copolymers, a branched copolymer in the nonassociated state displayed a larger entanglement concentration (Ce) than a linear copolymer of equal molar mass. However, Ce of the branched copolymer approached the Ce of the linear analogue as the degree of hydrogen bond associations increased in solution, which suggested the reduced chain dimensions of the branched structure were overcome upon intermolecular association of the UPy groups. A series of linear and branched poly(2-ethylhexyl methacrylate-co-UPy methacrylate) (PEHMA-co-UPyMA) copolymers with 0−10 mol % UPy were utilized for melt rheological studies. A decrease in zero shear viscosity (η0) and re...
Detecting stiffness with the Fehlberg (4, 5) formulas

Abstract The Fehlberg (4, 5) formulas appear to be the most effective Runge–Kutta formulas of moderate order for the solution of non-stiff ordinary differential equations. A simple; cheap scheme is developed for codes based on these formulas which detects stiffness with considerable reliability. If a user accidentally or unknowingly tries to integrate a stiff problem, a code with this scheme can warn him that it will be extremely inefficient and that he should switch to a code aimed specifically at such problems.
A Novel Action of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in a Protein Aggresome Disease Model

Abstract Protein inclusions are associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [1]. Whether protein aggregates are toxic or beneficial to cells is not known. In ALS animal models, mutant SOD1 forms aggresome-like structures in motor neurons and astrocytes [2, 3]. To better understand the role of protein aggregation in the progression of disease etiology, we performed a screen for small molecules that disrupt aggresome formation in cultured cells. After screening 20,000 compounds, we obtained two groups of compounds that specifically prevented aggresome formation. One group consists mainly of cardiac glycosides and will be the subject of another study. The second group contains two compounds: one is a known histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, Scriptaid [4], and the other is a Flavin analog, DPD. Cells treated with these molecules still contained microaggregates, but these microaggregates were not transported to microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). The defect in transport was linked to modulation of the dynein/dynactin machinery as treatment with Scriptaid or DPD reversed mSOD-induced insolubilization of the dynactin subunits P50 dynamitin and P150 glued . Our findings suggest a connection between HDAC activity and aggresome formation and also lay the groundwork for a direct test of the role of aggresome formation in ALS etiology.
Preparation and properties of barium clinoptilolite

Abstract Barium clinoptilolite was prepared by ion exchange of natural clinoptilolite with 0.2 normal barium chloride solution at 85°C for 16 hours. Barium clinoptilolite is stable to 650°C, a thermal stability less than potassium clinoptilolite, greater than calcium clinoptilolite and similar to natural clinoptilolite. Barium clinoptilolite transforms hydrothermally at 425°C and 15,000 psi. to hexagonal celsian-cymrite, quartz and water; unlike natural clinoptilolite which converts at 350°C and 15,000 psi. to mordenite then to plagioclase, quartz and water at 425°C. X-ray diffraction patterns and electron micrography suggest that structural or morphological differences relative to natural clinoptilolite may also exist. Barium clinoptilolite showed low ion exchange selectivity for strontium relative to calcium; much less than that of natural clinoptilolite. It is suggested that barium clinoptilolite might exhibit ion exchange selectivity for barium or radium and might be of use in radioactive waste treatment.
Drug-induced alterations in hepatic fatty acid desaturase activity.

Abstract A significant inhibition in vitro of the hepatic fatty acid desaturase system was observed after pretreatment of animals with 3-methylcholanthrene or fenfluramine. In contrast to previous reports, no effect on the desaturase system was observed after pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital. The drug-treated animals which demonstrated decreased desaturase activities also ate less food, drank less water, and had lower body weight gains than did control or phenobarbital-treated animals. Similar inhibition of fatty acid desaturase activity was achieved by restricting food intake of non-drug-treated animals. Decreased desaturase activity occurred concomitant with elevated serum free fatty acid levels, regardless of the mechanism of fatty acid elevation. These results suggest that the hepatic fatty acid desaturase system is very sensitive to drug-induced alterations in the nutritional status of animals and that this nutritional factor must be closely evaluated in studies examining the interaction in vivo of drugs with this enzyme system. These results also suggest that the mechanism of this nutritional alteration may be related to the serum concentration of free fatty acids.
Comparing fish catches taken with gill nets of different combinations of mesh sizes

Based on net selectivity curves and the pooled relative efficiency of combinations of mesh sizes, models for comparing gill-net catches taken with different combinations of mesh sizes are presented for perch, burbot and, in more detail, for salmonids. The models enable comparison of length frequencies and the numbers of fish within any length range caught with an acceptable net efficiency. A standard for comparing salmonids is proposed.
Cross-Gender Social Normative Effects for Violence in Middle School: Do Girls Carry a Social Multiplier Effect for At-Risk Boys?

A social multiplier effect is a social interaction in which the behavior of a person in a social network varies with the normative behavior of others in the network, also known as an endogenous interaction. Policies and intervention efforts can harness social multiplier effects because, in theory, interventions on a subset of individuals will have “spillover effects” on other individuals in the network. This study investigates potential social multiplier effects for violence in middle schools, and whether there is evidence for a social multiplier effect transmitted from girls to boys. Three years of longitudinal data (2003–2005) from Project Northland Chicago were used to investigate this question, with a sample consisting of youth in Grades 6 through 8 in 61 Chicago Public Schools (N = 4,233 at Grade 6, N = 3,771 at Grade 7, and N = 3,793 at Grade 8). The sample was 49.3 % female, and primarily African American (41.9 %) and Latino/a (28.7 %), with smaller proportions of whites (12.9 %), Asians (5.2 %) and other ethnicities. Results from two sets of regression models estimating the effects of 20th (low), 50th (average), and 80th (high) percentile scores for girls and boys on levels of violence in each gender group revealed evidence for social multiplier effects. Specifically, boys and girls were both influenced by social multiplier effects within their own gender group, and boys were also affected by normative violence scores among girls, typically those of the best-behaved (20th percentile) girls. The finding that girls may have positive social influence on boys’ levels of violent behavior extends prior findings of beneficial social effects of girls on boys in the domains of education and risky driving. Further, this social normative effect presents a potential opportunity to improve school-based intervention efforts for reducing violence among youth by leveraging girls as carriers of a social multiplier effect for reduced violence in the middle school environmental context, particularly among boys, who are at greater risk.
Abomasal ulcers in captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

Abstract Abomasal ulceration was noted in 32 of 200 white-tailed deer. Ulceration was most common in the abomasal pylorus and at the abomasal–duodenal junction. Abomasal ulceration was characterized by focal to multifocal, sharply demarcated areas of coagulation necrosis and haemorrhage extending through the mucosa, with fibrin thrombi in mucosal blood vessels of small diameter. Ulcerated areas were often covered by a mixture of mucus, debris and neutrophils. Visible bacteria were not associated with ulcerative lesions. All deer with abomasal ulceration had intercurrent disease, including bacterial pneumonia, enterocolitis, intussusception, chronic diarrhoea, capture myopathy, or experimentally induced tuberculosis. The anatomical distribution of abomasal ulcers in this population of captive white-tailed deer resembled that seen in veal calves.
Optical surface polariton spectroscopy of organic crystals and monolayer assemblies

Abstract Two types of experiments involving surface polaritons are described. In the first the dispersions ω vs. k of exciton surface polaritons (ESP's) on three highly reflecting organic solids have been determined at room temperature. In the second back-bending in the dispersion curve of a plasmon surface polariton (PSP) on silver covered with a monolayer of dye molecules, is attributed to exciton-surface plasmon interactions.
Unsupervised Learning of Activities in Video Using Scene Context

Unsupervised learning of semantic activities from video collected over time is an important problem for visual surveillance and video scene understanding. Our goal is to cluster tracks into semantically interpretable activity models that are independent of scene locations; most previous work in video scene understanding is focused on learning location-specific normalcy models. Location-independent models can be used to detect instances of the same activity anywhere in the scene, or even across multiple scenes. Our insight for this unsupervised activity learning problem is to incorporate scene context to characterize the behavior of every track. By scene context, we mean local scene structures, such as building entrances, parking spots and roads, that moving objects frequently interact with. Each track is attributed with large number of potentially useful features that capture the relationships and interactions with a set of existing scene context elements. Once feature vectors are obtained, tracks are grouped in this feature space using state-of-the-art clustering techniques, without considering scene location. Experiments are conducted on webcam video of a complex scene, with many interacting objects and very noisy tracks resulting from low frame rates and poor image quality. Our results demonstrate that location-independent and semantically interpretable groupings can be successfully obtained using unsupervised clustering methods, and that the models are superior to standard location-dependent clustering.
An Examination of Ever-Divorced Women Who Attempted a Marital Reconciliation Before Becoming Divorced

Using 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Household data, this study provides some insight as to the prevalence and characteristics of ever-divorced white women who attempted a marital reconciliation before becoming divorced. In about 30% of the first marriages that end in divorce in the United States, a period of separation and reconciliation has preceded the woman's divorce. Using multivariate analysis, we find that age at first separation and duration between marriage and first separation have a significant negative relationship with attempting a reconciliation before becoming divorced. Education and age homogamy between the spouses are also significantly related to attempting a reconciliation. The implications of these results are discussed.
Genetic strategies to investigate neuronal circuit properties using stem cell-derived neurons

The mammalian brain is anatomically and functionally complex, and prone to diverse forms of injury and neuropathology. Scientists have long strived to develop cell replacement therapies to repair damaged and diseased nervous tissue. However, this goal has remained unrealized for various reasons, including nascent knowledge of neuronal development, the inability to track and manipulate transplanted cells within complex neuronal networks, and host graft rejection. Recent advances in embryonic stem cell (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, alongside novel genetic strategies to mark and manipulate stem cell-derived neurons now provide unprecedented opportunities to investigate complex neuronal circuits in both healthy and diseased brains. Here, we review current technologies aimed at generating and manipulating neurons derived from ESCs and iPSCs towards investigation and manipulation of complex neuronal circuits, ultimately leading to the design and development of novel cell-based therapeutic approaches.
The hypotympanum and infralabyrinthine cells in chronic otitis media

Seven cases are reported in which clinical evidence indicated that recurrent chronic otitis media was limited to the hypotympanum and infralabyrinthine cell system. In the five cases in which revision surgery was done, exenteration of this area resulted in an asymptomatic ear. The anatomy, radiographic evaluation, and surgical approach to the hypotympanum are reviewed. Careful inspection of the hypotympanum in primary surgery for chronic ear disease and exenteration of the hypotympanic and proximal infralabyrinthine cell tract are advocated when these regions contain cholesteatoma or extensive granulomatous disease
Binding of [3H]cholecystokinin in the ventromedial hypothalamus modulated by an afferent brainstem projection but not by ovarian steroids

Abstract The ventromedial nuclei (VMN) of the hypothalamus are innervated by cholecystokinin-immunoreactive (CCK-IR) fibers originating in the dorsal parabrachial nuclei (PBS). They also contain high levels of receptors for CCK and binding of [125I]CCK to these receptors is modulated by estrogen. In the present study, we show that unilateral lesion of the PBS increases the binding of the sulphated octapeptide of [3H]cholecystokinin ([3H]CCK) within the ipsilateral VMN of the hypothalamus, but not within other brain nuclei that contain receptors for CCK. Thus, CCK fibers originating in the PBS selectively innervate the VMN and CCK receptors within the VMN are postsynaptic to parabrachial afferents. However, treatment of ovarietomized rats with estradiol benzoate and progesterone did not affect the binding of [3H]CCK in the VMN, even after lesion of the parabrachial afferents.
Gender Assignment for Newborns With 46XY Cloacal Exstrophy: A 6-Year Followup Survey of Pediatric Urologists

Purpose: Gender assignment for newborns with ambiguous genitalia remains a challenge. An initial survey of colleagues on this subject was performed in 2004. Our objective was to understand the basis for the attitudes and practices of pediatric urologists in regard to gender assignment for 46XY cloacal exstrophy in a 6-year followup survey.Materials and Methods: A survey on a case of 46XY cloacal exstrophy was completed by 191 of the 263 fellows (73%) in the Urology Section, American Academy of Pediatrics. Questions referred to gender assignment, surgery timing, clinical outcomes and respondent demographics.Results: Of the fellows 79% favored male gender assignment. The most important factor in male assignment remained androgen brain imprinting (97%) while in female assignment it was surgical success in creating functional genitalia (96%). Respondent characteristics associated with assigning female gender were longer practice duration (greater than 15 years) (p <0.03), having trained in programs where fema...
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism: Analysis of the Dabigatran versus Warfarin Clinical Trial

Vitamin-K antagonists have played a dominant role in the long-term management of patients with venous thromboembolism, and large trials from the past decade reinforced warfarin's effectiveness as an intermediate-duration and extended-duration anticoagulant. However, promising new oral direct thrombin inhibitors are proving to be at least as effective and as safe as the vitamin-K antagonists, without the associated hepatic toxicity that was seen with earlier orally administered direct thrombin inhibitors. This article reviews the recently published Dabigatran versus Warfarin in the Treatment of Acute Venous Thromboembolism clinical trial, and discusses the limitations and clinical applicability of the trial, especially in comparison with vitamin-K antagonists and the recently studied oral direct factor Xa inhibitors, rivaroxaban and apixaban.
Orthopaedic trauma patients and depression: a prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVES:: This study prospectively followed a cohort of orthopaedic trauma patients in order to identify risk factors that contribute to depression in patients with skeletal injuries. DESIGN:: Prospective Cohort Study SETTING:: Level I Trauma Center PATIENTS:: 110 orthopedic trauma patients admitted as inpatients. INTERVENTION:: None MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores RESULTS:: 110 patients were enrolled at the time of injury in which 22 patients had moderate to major depression and 36 patients had mild depression. 48 patients completed the follow up surveys which were taken, on average, 9 months after the date of injury. Factors that were significant for mild depression (PHQ-9 > 4) at the time of injury included a history of illegal drug use (p=0.037) and a lower Duke Social Support and Stress Scale (DUSOCS) support score (p=0.002). The DUSOCS score had a negative Pearson Correlation Coefficient with PHQ-9 (n=-0.18, p=0.03). Factors that were significant for moderate to major depression (PHQ-9 > 9) at time of injury were a history of a psychiatric diagnosis (P=0.0009) and unemployment at injury (p=0.039). Both a history of psychiatric diagnosis and an elevated PHQ-9 score at the time of injury were predictors of having depression at 9 months (p=0.02 and p=0.001 respectively). Also, patients with Medicaid insurance had a significant increase in their depression scores at 9 months (p=0.02). CONCLUSION:: Depression was quite prevalent in our patient sample. A prior psychiatric diagnosis predisposed patients to depression. Socioeconomic status was also a predictive factor for increased depression scores at 9 months. Patients with a higher feeling of support from friends and family had an inverse correlation for depression. Employment also appears to have a protective effect against depression. Surprisingly, the severity of injury did not affect the depression score. Targeted consultation with a mental health care provider may obviate any morbidity associated with depression in an injured patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. Language: en
CIRCLES THROUGH TWO POINTS THAT ALWAYS ENCLOSE MANY POINTS

This paper proves that any set of n points in the plane contains two points such that any circle through those two points encloses at least $$n\left( {1/2 - 1\sqrt {12} } \right) + O(1) \approx n/4 \cdot 7$$ points of the set. The main ingredients used in the proof of this result are edge counting formulas for k-order Voronoi diagrams and a lower bound on the minimum number of semispaces of size at most k.
Color holographic storage in LiNbO3

Abstract Experimental demonstrations of real-time color holographic storage in LiNbO 3 using a “white light” laser are presented. The geometry of the recording setup and wavelength crosstalk are discussed.
The metabolism of [14C]lactate by rat kidney slices after acute mercurial intoxication

Abstract Radiorespirometric studies were made to determine both in vivo and in vitro effect of phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) and inorganic mercuric salt (Hg 2+ ) on the metabolism of [ 14 C]lactate by rat kidney. Complete conversion of labeled lactate to CO 2 and its incorporation into glutamate were definitely affected more by PMA. The 14 CO 2 production pattern from C-1 of lactate indicated the catabolic oxidation of this carbon traversing through two distinctive pathways: (1) A decarboxylation reaction, and (2) the TCA cycle. In vivo and in vitro mercury treatments affected both pathways and the effect was more pronounced with a higher concentration or a larger dose. As measured by the rate of lactate conversion, a linear correlation was found between the inhibition and the mercury concentration. However, PMA and Hg 2+ gave different concentration-effect relationships. Kidney slices, prepared from rats that received toxic doses of PMA and Hg 2+ , showed same inhibitory effect on lactate conversion, but the effect was less severe in comparison to the amount of mercury found in the tissue.