cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standardizing mammogram screening in primary care: Integrating an evidence-based approach.

Background Mammogram screening for surveillance and detection of breast cancer has been long recognized as a preventive health measure in primary care for women. However, a clear consensus on when to start screening individual women, based on age and risk factors, lacks guidance. Reputable organizations uphold varying breast cancer screening (BCS) guidelines for women potentiating the risk for fragmented and inconsistent practices among health care providers (HCPs). Objectives This review aims to evaluate the current literature on the possible risks, benefits, and limitations associated with BCS for women between 40 and 49 years and to discuss the need for a more individualized, evidence-based approach to BCS. Data sources A comprehensive systematic review of eight articles, along with five clinical practice guidelines published within the past 10 years that address advantages and disadvantages of receiving mammography for women in their fourth decade was completed. Conclusions There is insufficient evidence to promote adherence to any single clinical practice guideline for the benefit of all patients. Further high-level research is needed, as well as the assessment of individual risk factors influencing breast cancer development and screening outcomes. Implications for practice There is a significant need for further education for HCPs and the development of tools that incorporate a BCS shared decision-making process. Current practice lacks the ability to easily screen individual patients with a method that identifies the appropriate age to screen and addresses the benefits, risks, and limitations of mammography.
The strengths and limitations of using biolayer interferometry to monitor equilibrium titrations of biomolecules.

Every method used to quantify biomolecular interactions has its own strengths and limitations. To quantify protein‐DNA binding affinities, nitrocellulose filter binding assays with 32P‐labeled DNA quantify K d values from 10−12 to 10−8 M but have several technical limitations. Here, we considered the suitability of biolayer interferometry (BLI), which monitors association and dissociation of a soluble macromolecule to an immobilized species; the ratio k off/k on determines K d. However, for lactose repressor protein (LacI) and an engineered repressor protein (“LLhF”) binding immobilized DNA, complicated kinetic curves precluded this analysis. Thus, we determined whether the amplitude of the BLI signal at equilibrium related linearly to the fraction of protein bound to DNA. A key question was the effective concentration of immobilized DNA. Equilibrium titration experiments with DNA concentrations below K d (equilibrium binding regime) must be analyzed differently than those with DNA near or above K d (stoichiometric binding regime). For ForteBio streptavidin tips, the most frequent effective DNA concentration was ~2 × 10−9 M. Although variation occurred among different lots of sensor tips, binding events with K d ≥ 10−8 M should reliably be in the equilibrium binding regime. We also observed effects from multi‐valent interactions: Tetrameric LacI bound two immobilized DNAs whereas dimeric LLhF did not. We next used BLI to quantify the amount of inducer sugars required to allosterically diminish protein‐DNA binding and to assess the affinity of fructose‐1‐kinase for the DNA‐LLhF complex. Overall, when experimental design corresponded with appropriate data interpretation, BLI was convenient and reliable for monitoring equilibrium titrations and thereby quantifying a variety of binding interactions.
Targeted therapy based on germline analysis of tumor-normal sequencing (MSK-IMPACT) in a pan-cancer population.

1500Background: Tumor mutational profiling for identification of somatic alterations for targeted treatment is increasingly being performed in advanced cancer patients (pts). We sought to assess th...
Posner Tackles the Pro Se Prisoner Problem

After Judge Richard Posner announced that he was retiring from the Seventh Circuit effective September 2, 2017, effusive praise poured in. The reception to Posner’s 66th book, published shortly thereafter, has been less enthusiastic. The discussion surrounding Posner’s self-published book has centered on its descriptions of disputes with former colleagues, Posner’s decision to publish internal court documents, and his frustration that the Seventh Circuit rejected his offer to “re-write all his circuit’s staff attorneys’ memos and draft opinions before they went to his fellow judges.” Unfortunately, the book’s tone and ethical red flags are drowning out its potential for true reform. Posner draws attention to the pro se aspects of his newest project. He gave several interviews after his retirement in which he previewed the subject of Reforming the Federal Judiciary, declaring himself newly committed to the “plight of litigants who represent[] themselves in civil cases,” those with real grievances whom the legal system nevertheless treats “impatiently, dismissing their cases over technical matters.” Reforming the Federal Judiciary calls for transforming the Seventh Circuit’s staff attorney program as a result of its author’s concern for the downtrodden litigants whose fate the staff attorneys decide. Staff attorneys and the courts are not doing enough for the pro se, Posner concludes, because decisions in pro se cases are incomprehensible to pro se litigants. Before resigning, he volunteered to review and edit staff attorney opinion drafts to make them more accessible to an uneducated pro se reader. His proposals regarding the Seventh Circuit’s staff attorney program were rejected. This led to his resignation. This book review is focused on what Posner deemed the book’s “most important theme”—“the need for better treatment by the federal courts of pro se litigants.” His staff attorney proposals offer the most reform potential. This review examines the assumptions underlying Posner’s desire to assist pro se litigants, including the conclusions that pro se litigants are: “very often poorly educated and/or of limited intelligence”; “ignorant of the subtleties of the law”; and “basically fairly normal people who because of bad luck, psychological problems, poor judgment, lack of family support, or other internal or environmental misfortunes, simply have great difficulty living a law-abiding life.” In examining Posner’s newfound empathy for the pro se, this review will argue that if pro se litigants deserve equal treatment, then eliminate all staff attorney programs. Assign pro se cases directly to judges’ chambers, make staff attorneys law clerks, and allow the new law clerks to work directly with jurists like Richard Posner.
Pathophysiology and Imaging Findings of COVID-19 Infection: An Organ-system Based Review.

Abstract Background: COVID-19 commonly presents with upper respiratory symptoms; however, studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection affects multiple organ systems. Here, we review the pathophysiology and imaging characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in organ systems throughout the body and explore commonalities. Objective: Familiarity with the underlying pathophysiology and imaging characteristics is essential for the radiologist to recognize these findings in patients with COVID-19 infection. Though pulmonary findings are the most prevalent presentation, COVID-19 may have multiple manifestations and recognition of the extrapulmonary manifestations is especially important because of the potential serious and long-term effects of COVID-19 on multiple organ systems.
Moody Study Buddy: Robotic Lamp that Keeps Students' Company During the Pandemic

COVID-19 has affected many people's mental health, especially those of students whose usual campus life got replaced by virtual learning platforms. Here, Moody Study Buddy, a robotic lamp that keeps students' company during the pandemic, aims to support their learning experience by reminding them that they are not alone. As they study with Moody Study Buddy, it smiles over at them brightly, and an astronaut figure climbs up and plants a flag on top, helping students feel content and distressed during their use. Its target users expand onto students, work-from-home workers, and lonely elderlies during the pandemic.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Abstract Objectives This article describes the pathophysiology and causes of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Implications for nurses are also reviewed. Data Sources Pee-reviewed articles and up-to-date references were used to check accuracy of the information and provide information for current management of this syndrome. Conclusion DIC is an oncologic emergency in which bleeding and clotting occur simultaneously. In the cancer population, the syndrome is frequently associated with certain malignancies or sepsis. If not recognized and treated early, mortality can be high. This article describes the risk factors that contribute to DIC, clinical manifestations of DIC, and its treatment. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses need to consider the presenting diagnosis of the patient and understand laboratory abnormalities that signify DIC. The nurse plays a key role in early recognition of this syndrome as prompt treatment can reduce fatality.
Association for Specialists in Group Work Guiding Principles for Group Work

This 2021 document provides a principled framework for group work grounded in the rich history of the Association for Specialists in Group Work. Here, group workers and scholars can find a contempo...
Study the plasmonic property of gold nanorods highly above damage threshold via single-pulse spectral hole-burning experiments.

Intense femtosecond laser irradiation reshapes gold nanorods, resulting in a persistent hole in the optical absorption spectrum of the nanorods at the wavelength of the laser. Single-pulse hole-burning experiments were performed in a mixture of nanorods with a broad absorption around 800 nm with a 35-fs laser with 800 nm wavelength and 6 mJ/pulse. A significant increase in hole burning width at an average fluence of 106 J/m2 has been found, suggesting a tripled damping coefficient of plasmon. This shows that the surface plasmonic effect still occurs at extremely high femtosecond laser fluences just before the nanorods are damaged and the remaining 10% plasmonic enhancement of light is at the fluence of 106 J/m2, which is several orders of magnitude higher than the damage threshold of the gold nanorods. Plasmon-photon interactions may also cause an increase in the damping coefficient.
Preoperative hemostatic evaluation: which tests, if any?

WHEN THE WHOLE BLOOD clotting time and the Duke bleeding time were the tests used to screen hemostatic function preoperatively, the question posed in the title of this brief review was easy to answer: Do not bother with these insensitive tests, rely on the patient's history. However, the reliability today of screening techniques that can detect virtually all patients with hemostatic abnormalities has changed the answer and rendered it more complex.
The myth of enterprise database redesign

This chapter illustrates how IT-enabled business process reengineering can fail if top management fails to understand the underlying process problems and limitations of data-centric enterprise software. Vicro Communications (we use a pseudonym to mask the organization's name) attempted to reengineer its basic business processes with the aid of data-centric enterprise software. Vicro management however made the mistake of relying completely on enterprise software to improve the performance of its business processes. It was hoped that the software would increase information sharing, process efficiency, standardization of IT platforms, and data mining/warehousing capabilities. Management however made no attempt to rethink existing processes before embarking on a very expensive implementation of the software. Unfortunately for Vicro, the reengineering effort failed miserably even after investing hundreds of millions of dollars in software implementation. As a result, performance was not improved and the software is being phased out. By using a phenomenological approach, we were able to socially construct the events surrounding the case to gain a rich understanding of what really happened. From deep analysis, we were able to develop emergent theory about a set of factors influencing enterprise database integration success.
Tunable and nonlinear 3-D photonic crystals of nano-liquid crystals droplets in polymer matrix

This study investigates tunable and nonlinear 3-D photonic crystals of nano-liquid crystal droplets in polymer matrix. A four-coherent UV laser beam set up generated by a compact beam splitting device is used in the fabrication of the photonic crystal structure. After employing a relatively short exposure, the resultant 3-D periodic structures of liquid crystals and optically cured polymer matrix exhibit very good optical quality with low scattering loss, and show high Bragg diffraction and selective angular reflection properties.
On parallel models of computation

The emerging trend on multi-core chips is changing the technology landscape of computing system in the scale that has not been witnessed since the Intel microprocessor chip commissioned in early 1970s. However, the implication of this technology revolution is profound: its success can only be ensured if we can successfully (productively) implement parallel computer architecture on a chip as well as its associated software technology. Recently, a great deal has been said, studied, and written on the transaction memory model and its implementation as a promising solution for parallel programming/execution models and their architecture support - especially in the multi-core era. In this talk, we present a review on two types of memory events and their ordering in a parallel program - due to the data (or control) dependence and the mutual exclusion, respectively. We argue that the solutions based on the transaction memory model are intrinsically inefficient to support the fine-grain memory synchronization due to the data (or control) dependence in parallel programs in the scientific computation domain. We then comment on some fundamental work on parallel models of computation that goes back to 1960s and early 1970s that should be freshly reviewed and extended to resolve the new challenges in parallel architecture and software models presented by the multi-core chip technology.
Sequential early stages in the in vitro initiation of replication at the origin of the Escherichia coli chromosome.

Complexes previously identified in the reconstitution of stages in the initiation of replication of plasmids (oriC) bearing the origin of the Escherichia coli chromosome have been examined further. These are: (i) an ATP complex of dnaA protein, (ii) an initial complex of ATP.dnaA protein with oriC DNA, (iii) an open complex in which a portion of the oriC duplex has been opened by dnaA protein action, (iv) a prepriming complex of the open complex with dnaB, dnaC, and HU proteins, and (v) a complex with a small bubble opened at oriC by dnaB helicase action and by coating with single strand-binding protein (SSB). Helicase and gyrase actions can enlarge the bubble; coupling to priming and replication propagates bidirectional fork movement. Formation and stability of these complexes are profoundly affected by ATP, Mg2+, and temperature, as well as the levels of the participating proteins, including HU and SSB. As examples, the open complex is stable to isolation at a temperature near 38 degrees C but not at 24 degrees C; the prepriming complex requires an elevated temperature and high ATP levels for its formation, but is maintained at a low temperature and is destabilized by Mg2+. These successive steps, subject to a variety of controls, are designed to open the supercoiled duplex for priming and bidirectional replication.
Sustainable Organizations: A Simple Matter of Evidence

In this note, I analyse the latest response by Kira and van Eijnatten in which they claim that fundamentally different ways of looking at reality and profound differences in worldview play a role in this current debate. Their response has three elements, a repetition of their position and two appeals, to authority and to a majority. By basing their response on logical fallacies, their latest note, plus the history of this debate, shows that the real difference is between an approach based on acceptable standards for scientific practices and evidence and one which is not. As evidence takes precedence over fallacies, I pose a question for Kira and van Eijnatten—do they believe the evidence I have presented? I look forward to their answer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncovering Molecular Relaxation Processes with Nonlinear Spectroscopies in the Deep UV

Abstract Nonlinear laser spectroscopies in the deep UV spectral range are motivated by studies of biological systems and elementary processes in small molecules. This perspective article discusses recent technical advances in this area with a particular emphasis on diffractive optic based approaches to four-wave mixing spectroscopies. Applications to two classes of systems illustrate present experimental capabilities. First, experiments on DNA components at cryogenic temperatures are used to uncover features of excited state potential energy surfaces and vibrational cooling mechanisms. Second, sub-200 fs internal conversion processes and coherent wavepacket motions are investigated in cyclohexadiene and α-terpinene. Finally, we propose new experimental directions that combine methods for producing few-cycle UV laser pulses in noble gases with incoherent detection methods (e.g., photoionization) in experiments with time resolution near a singlefemtosecond. These measurements are motivated by knowledge of extremely fast non-adiabatic dynamics and the resolution of electronic wavepacket motions in molecules.
Learning to make things happen in different ways: Causality in the writing of middle-grade English language learners

Abstract This study addresses two issues: the similarity between L1 and L2 writing development and the nature of the developmental path. The frequency of two types of causality markers in 5th–8th grade essays written by 189 students in ESL and 546 students in regular language arts classes is analyzed. Students wrote on one of two informative “how-to” prompts. The regular language arts students were found to differ in their usage of causality markers between the two topics, whereas the ESL students used the markers similarly across both topics. There were no differences between students at different grade levels in either group. In addition, the ESL students were found to have higher usage of causality markers in general than the regular language arts students. It is suggested that the developmental path for both groups involves moving away from primarily narrative expansion of topic towards display of diverse language forms and discourse strategies.
Intrinsic fluorescence emission of intact oxy hemoglobins.

Abstract Fluorescence has not been previously detected in intact hemoproteins. We have been able to measure significant fluorescence emission in purified oxy HbA using front-face fluorometry. The excitation maximum (293 nm), the emission maximum (325 nm) and the fluorescence spectra of Hb Rothschild (β 37 Trp → Arg) allows us to conclude that β 37 Trp is primarily responsible for the fluorescence signal of HbA. We propose that this intrinsic fluorescence of hemoglobin may be used as a probe to study conformational changes in hemoglobin and possibly other heme-containing proteins.
Control of Interaction Strength in Hydrogen-Bonded Polymer Blends via the Density of the Hydroxyl Group

Deuterium-labeled polystyrene modified by random distributions of the comonomer p-(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-hydroxyisopropyl)-α-methylstyrene [DPS(OH)] has been blended with poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) and studied with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Miscibility is induced via hydrogen bonding between the DPS(OH) hydroxyl group and PBMA carbonyl groups. As the density of the hydroxyl group increases, the susceptibilities of the related blends decrease, while those of the pure DPS(OH) increase. The extrapolated spinodal temperature increases linearly with comonomer density, and the hydrogen-bond enthalpy deduced from the SANS data is in good agreement with previously reported values.
Correlation between parameters of spinal cord impact and resultant injury

It is difficult and expensive to produce and maintain animals with experimental spinal cord injuries. In order to reduce the expenditure of time, money, and animals, a method of predicting the final neurologic deficit from the mechanical parameters of the initial injury is needed. An attempt was made to ascertain the mechanical parameter(s) of a spinal cord injuring impact which best predict(s) the extent of the subsequent injury. Twelve rats were laminectomized and the spinal cords contused with an impactor which recorded force and cord surface displacement. Spinal cord lesion volume was measured after killing at 21 days. The records of displacement and force were used to generate velocity, momentum, power, and energy. The maximum values of the six descriptors of the impact were checked for linear statistical correlation with lesion volume. The nonparametric correlations of the impact descriptors with gait scores from other work were also examined. All descriptors correlated at the 1% level many times; force and displacement correlated at the 1% level most of the time. The displacement of one cord surface with respect to the other was judged to be the most useful parameter because it correlated very nearly as well as force with the subsequent measures of trauma and better than the others (but perhaps not significantly better), and because it is technically easier to measure and control.
Subject Analysis Training for Cataloging Paraprofessionals: A Model for Ongoing Learning and Support

Oregon State University has trained paraprofessionals to assign subject headings to theses and dissertations. This article describes the training program for the paraprofessionals and the ongoing support provided by weekly meetings to discuss works that are difficult to analyze. The transition from copy cataloging to subject analysis is a major one for many paraprofessionals. The article identifies common errors made by new subject analysts and how they can be overcome. These meetings provide a venue for further training on subject analysis, practice in subject heading assignment, and building cooperation among staff. They also allow the cataloging supervisor to manage his/her own time better.
Roles of the Werner syndrome protein in pathways required for maintenance of genome stability

Werners syndrome is a disease of premature aging where the patients appear much older than their chronological age. The gene codes for a protein that is a helicase and an exonuclease, and recently we have learned about some of its protein interactions. These interactions are being discussed as they shed light on the molecular pathways in which Werner protein participates. Insight into these pathways brings insight into the aging process.
Generalizations of a contamination model for continuous type random variables

In 1965, Stanley Warner (Warner, 1965) introduced a model for contaminating discrete type random variables. He presented this scheme as being potentially useful in survevs where sensitive in-formation is being gathered. Since that time much research has been conducted and many papers written on the development of these discrete type randomized response models. More recently, atten-tion has been focused on the application of randomized response type models for preservation of confidentiality in existing data files (Boruch 1971 and 1972, Ranney 1975, Felligi 1974, and Inge-marsson 1975). In 1974, Poole (Poole, 1974) introduced a randomized response model for a positive continuous type random variable which was basically a continuous variable analog of the discrete variable Warner model. In this paper the results of the 1974 paper are extended to a lt-dimensional continuous type random variable in k-dimensional Euclidean space.
Intraoperative Imprint Cytology and Frozen Section Pathology for Margin Assessment in Breast Conservation Surgery: A Systematic Review

Background Achieving negative surgical margins is critical to minimizing the risk of tumor recurrence in patients undergoing breast conservation surgery (BCS) for a breast malignancy. Our objective was to perform a systematic review comparing reexcision rates, sensitivity and specificity of the intraoperative use of the margin assessment techniques of imprint cytology (IC) and frozen section analysis (FSA), against permanent histopathologic section (PS).
In the ventromedial nucleus of the rat hypothalamus, GABA-immunolabeled neurons are abundant and are innervated by both enkephalin- and GABA-immunolabeled axon terminals.

Immunohistochemical-labeling for the neurochemicals gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and enkephalin are abundant in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). In VMN, both GABA and enkephalin may function to regulate feeding behavior, as well as other hormone-controlled behaviors. Importantly, in several brain areas, enkephalin is often thought to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission. Therefore, we used dual-labeling immunohistochemistry with electron microscopic analysis to study the circuitry of neurons containing GABA- and/or enkephalin-labeling within the VMN. Somato-dendritic profiles containing GABA-labeling were three fold more abundant than GABA-labeled axon terminals (117 soma or dendrites vs. 34 axons). In addition, axon terminals containing GABA-labeling sometimes synapsed onto GABA-labeled somata or dendrites (25% or 9/34). In contrast, under these conditions labeling for enkephalin was primarily restricted to axon terminals, which were very abundant throughout VMN. Enkephalin-containing terminals accounted for a large fraction (25% 23/92) of the axons in contact with GABA-labeled dendrites, although they also contacted unlabeled dendrites. These observations suggest that a population of VMN neurons are GABAergic. These may be either local circuit 'interneurons' or projection neurons. In addition, GABA-labeled VMN neurons may be regulated by either enkephalin or GABA. These morphologic observations provide the basis for disinhibitory mechanisms to function within the VMN.
The use of network delay estimation for multimedia data retrieval

Multimedia data have specific temporal presentation requirements. For example in video conferencing applications the voice and images of the participants must be delivered and presented synchronously. These requirements can be achieved by scheduling or managing system resources. We present a technique called limited a priori scheduling (LAP) to manage the delivery channel from source to destination for digital multimedia data. By using delay estimation a LAP scheduler can retrieve stored digital media spanning arbitrary networks with unspecified delays. The use of delay estimation also facilitates selective degradation of service in bandwidth and buffer limited situations. Such degradation enables the continuous real-time playout and synchronization of various media arriving from different sources. The performance of the LAP scheduler is described based on implementation and experimentation using Ethernet.
Minority groups: an outdated concept?

English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, the United States, and perhaps India and South Africa, either have initiated or renewed their interests in multicultural diversity with a focus on decreasing minority, racial and ethnic disparities in health. The use of the word ‘minority’ is inappropriate in this context because of the way it is defined and used. The United States government definition of the word minority, ‘a group differing, especially in race, religion, or ethnic background from the majority’, not only includes race, religion and ethnic background as qualification for minority status, but also other more controversial sub-groups, such as those characterized by a distinctive alternative lifestyle (Office of Minority Health 2004). These minorities have become well recognized and therefore established. Accordingly, some groups are excluded as a minority and members of some minorities are not easily recognized as being part of other groupings. Moreover, ordering groups of people as ‘minorities’ carries the connotation of lesser than, or not as important as, the majority. Inevitably this has an adverse affect on education endeavours and government policy, and more importantly on health care. Using the word ‘minority’ in this way, with established meanings that are embedded in healthcare practices and encoded
Immunoreactive glial fibrillary acidic protein in pituicytes of the rat neurohypophysis

The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has been associated with glial filaments. Electron microscopic examination of rat pituicytes in our laboratory has revealed few of these 8-9 nm filaments that are present in other astrocytes. Since the literature is inconsistent on the existence of filaments in pituicytes, we investigated the content of GFAP in these cells. Immunocytochemical methods revealed a strong positivity for GFAP in pituicytes. Furthermore, the primary antiserum dilution required for optimal staining suggests that there may be more GFAP in pituicytes than in other glial elements. The significance of immunoreactive GFAP in pituicytes is discussed in terms of possible functions and embryonic origins.
Missouri satellite air quality project

The St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas each face challenges in meeting national ambient air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone. This effort introduces CALIPSO and OMI satellite observations into State air-quality decision-making. By integrating remote sensing data, monitoring will evolve from a sparse, 2-D network into the third (vertical) dimension to allow for modeling comparisons above ground level. In support of the air quality and public health national applications and focusing on air quality compliance, planning, and emissions Inventories, the work proposes to enhance the Missouri State implementation plan (SIP) decision support system with NASA Earth science results to improve decision-making related to ozone and particulate matter. Expected outcomes include improved decision support information providing enhanced decisions, improved air quality management choices, improved air quality, improved health, and lowered societal cost.
Steering error optimization of the Macpherson strut automotive front suspension

Abstract A vehicle model is developed employing a detailed nonlinear kinematic representation of a MacPherson strut front independent automotive suspension with a rack and pinion steering system. The vehicle model is capable of front wheel steering motions as well as vehicle body rolling motions. The vehicle model is used to simulate steady-state turning maneuvers on a smooth, flat road. The model is employed in conjunction with a realistic set of constraints to optimize a representative suspension and steering system with respect to steering error for turn radii and body roll angles typical of highway driving. Improved suspension and steering geometries are presented for two optimization studies.
Chasing the Bad News: An Analysis of 2005 Iraq and Afghanistan War Coverage on NBC and Fox News Channel

This study analyzes all stories aired on NBC Nightly News and Fox News Channel's Special Report With Brit Hume during 2005 about the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and compares that coverage with real-world indicators to address an important question: Did the news media over-report bad news from these conflicts, as claimed by the Bush administration and as one might expect given research into the press' negativity bias? This study finds that while both channels focused a fair amount on negative storylines, overall the news actually underplayed bad news from both countries. Fox News was much more sympathetic to the administration than NBC, suggesting that scholars should consider Fox as alternative, rather than mainstream, media.
Suppression of J/{psi} and {psi}{sup {prime}} production in high-energy Pb on Pb collisions

The anomalous J/{psi} suppression in Pb-Pb collisions at 158AGeV observed recently by NA50 can be explained as due to the transition to a phase of strong J/{psi} absorption, which sets in when the local energy density exceeds about 3.4 GeV/fm{sup 3}. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
An epigenetic chromatin remodeling role for NFATc1 in transcriptional regulation of growth and survival genes in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors functions as integrators of multiple signaling pathways by binding to chromatin in combination with other transcription factors and coactivators to regulate genes central for cell growth and survival in hematopoietic cells. Recent experimental evidence has implicated the calcineurin/NFAT signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of various malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying NFATc1 regulation of genes controlling lymphoma cell growth and survival is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the transcription factor NFATc1 regulates gene expression in DLBCL cells through a chromatin remodeling mechanism that involves recruitment of the SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable chromatin remodeling complex ATPase enzyme SMARCA4 (also known as Brahma-related gene 1) to NFATc1 targeted gene promoters. The NFATc1/Brahma-related gene 1 complex induces promoter DNase I hypersensitive sites and recruits other transcription factors to the active chromatin site to regulate gene transcription. Targeting NFATc1 with specific small hairpin RNA inhibits DNase I hypersensitive site formation and down-regulates target gene expression. Our data support a novel epigenetic control mechanism for the transcriptional regulation of growth and survival genes by NFATc1 in the pathophysiology of DLBCL and suggests that targeting NFATc1 could potentially have therapeutic value.
Kinetic patterns of microbial amino acid uptake and mineralization in marine waters

Abstract Uptake and mineralization of single amino acids and amino acid mixtures by microbial communities in Long Island coastal waters were measured with 14C-labelled compounds. Diverse kinetic patterns of uptake and mineralization of various amino acids, not conforming to the Michaelis-Menten model, were observed frequently, especially in relatively oligotrophic waters. The results suggest that it is sometimes impossible to solve for all the kinetic parameters, particularly V and K + S. A number of possible mechanisms for these aberrations, including population diversity, threshold effects, transport limitation, and experimental artifacts, are discussed. Plots of carbon mineralization and net uptake were often strikingly similar, with inflections occurring at the same positions in both curves, suggesting that filtration artifacts are not the primary cause for the shape of the curves. Despite the complexity of the observed kinetic patterns, the extrapolated turnover times for glycine did not differ dramatically from the specific turnover times at the lowest glycine concentration employed, suggesting that a single low concentration of an organic substrate can be used to estimate natural turnover time.
Oxidized low density lipoproteins induce a pathologic response by retinal pigmented epithelial cells

The accumulation of apolipoprotein B100 lipoproteins in Bruch membrane is an early event thought to promote age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Immunohistochemistry using an anti-oxidized low density lipoprotein antibody on 10 AMD specimens showed staining in Bruch membrane including basal deposits, a marker of AMD. To determine whether retinal pigmented epithelial cells develop a pathologic phenotype after interaction with lipoproteins, ARPE-19 cells were exposed to low density lipoproteins (LDL) or oxidized LDLs (oxLDL). Analysis using the Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA) gene chip showed physiological and pathological transcriptional responses after LDL and oxLDL treatment, respectively. LDL induced a down-regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis genes while oxLDL induced transcriptional alterations in genes related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Electrospray mass spectrometry showed that oxLDL, but not LDL induced large cellular increases of sphingomyelin, ceramides, and cholesteryl esters. With TUNEL labeling, oxLDL caused 14.6% apoptosis compared to <1% after LDL. Addition of an inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthase inhibited this apoptosis by 41%. These data support the hypothesis that oxidized lipoproteins are one trigger for initiating early events in the pathogenesis of AMD.
089 Tensile Strength Deficiency in Skin and Wounds Of Substance P Receptor (NK1R) Knockout Mice

Diabetic neuropathy leads to reduced innervation that may in turn diminish the availability of tachykinins such as Substance P (SP). In diabetic mice, exogenous SP has positive effects on wound closure. The role of SP was tested by inactivating the murine SP receptor gene (neurokinin-1 receptor, NK1R). Age-matched, NK1R-/- mice and C57/BL6 control mice were each given 2 full thickness 6 mm excisional wounds on their dorsal surface and creation of two dead space wounds by the insertion of two 1 × 3 mm PVA sponge disks under the skin through a 1.5 cm long ventral midline incision. Digital images for wound closure analysis were collected until day 10 when tissues were harvested for biochemical, histological and tensiometric analysis. There was a striking reduction (2.5 fold, p < 0.05) in the tensile strength of intact, unwounded skin of the NK1R-/- mice, and tensile strength of 10 day incisions was likewise reduced (1.8 fold, p < 0.0126). Wound closure rates were also reduced in the knockout mice, but not to a significant level. Sponge granulation tissue had equivalent protein and DNA content at 10 day post-implantation while collagen content was diminished. Histological examination of excisions, normal skin and sponges showed no readily observable difference in thickness or organization however NK1R-/- mice exhibited visibly less collagen in excisional wounds. The principal dermal effect seen in this gene deletion appears to be the accumulation and organization of connective tissue. Our preliminary results with a non-diabetic NK1R-/- mouse do not indicate a marked difference in reepithelization, but instead a significant decrease in biomechanics. The parallel diminution of intact skin and wound strength suggests an intrinsic defect in collagen fiber maturation that may be reflected in ultrastructural organization or covalent crosslinking.
Coordination between proteasome impairment and caspase activation leading to TAU pathology: neuroprotection by cAMP

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The main component of NFTs is TAU, a highly soluble microtubule-associated protein. However, when TAU is cleaved at Asp421 by caspases it becomes prone to aggregation leading to NFTs. What triggers caspase activation resulting in TAU cleavage remains unclear. We investigated in rat cortical neurons a potential coordination between proteasome impairment and caspase activation. We demonstrate that upon proteasome inhibition, the early accumulation of detergent-soluble ubiquitinated (SUb) proteins paves the way to caspase activation and TAU pathology. This occurs with two drugs that inhibit the proteasome by different means: the product of inflammation prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) and epoxomicin. Our results pinpoint a critical early event, that is, the buildup of SUb proteins that contributes to caspase activation, TAU cleavage, TAU/Ub-protein aggregation and neuronal death. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate that elevating cAMP in neurons with dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) or the lipophilic peptide PACAP27 prevents/diminishes caspase activation, TAU cleavage and neuronal death induced by PGJ2, as long as these PGJ2-induced changes are moderate. db-cAMP also stimulated proteasomes, and mitigated proteasome inhibition induced by PGJ2. We propose that targeting cAMP/PKA to boost proteasome activity in a sustainable manner could offer an effective approach to avoid early accumulation of SUb proteins and later caspase activation, and TAU cleavage, possibly preventing/delaying AD neurodegeneration.
Internal Reflection Spectra of Several Tetracyclines

The infrared internal reflection spectra of the hydrochloride salts of tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, 6-deoxyoxytetracycline, and 6-methylene-oxytetracycline as well as tetracycline base and oxytetracycline base are reported from 1700 to 300 cm−1. This technique yielded sharp, well defined spectra with numerous strong absorption peaks.
Crystal perfection in Czochralski grown nickel single crystals

Abstract To study the relationship between crystal growth conditions and resultant crystalline perfection, large nickel single crystals more than 12 cm long and 2 to 3 cm in diameter have been grown from the melt by the Czochralski method. The crystal perfection of as-grown nickel single crystals has been assessed by X-ray dynamical diffraction topography with an asymmetrical (double) crystal topographic (ACT) camera. Transmission topographs were obtained from crystals of thickness ranging from 0.37 mm (μL = 18) to 1.03 mm (μL = 52) using {111}, (002) and (220) diffraction. The 0-diffracted (transmitted) and the H -diffracted (Bragg-diffracted) beams display almost identical disruption images of crystal imperfections in the interior of the crystals. The types of imperfection and the degree of crystal perfection have been sorted by a set of crystal growth parameters, such as seed orientation and rotation rate. In addition to the images of crystal imperfections, there are disruption images of 71° and 109° magnetic domain walls in the topographs. In this work it has been found that nickel single crystals with perfections between 400 and 1000 dislocation lines/cm 2 can be produced by controlling practical process parameters, such as the rotations of the seed and the melt, and the growth directions. However, more crucial factors influencing the ultimate level of crystal perfection are governed by some crystallographic effects closely related to the behavior of dislocations in grown crystals.
Rovibronic structure in slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy of CH2CN− and CD2CN−

We report high-resolution anion photoelectron spectra of the cryogenically cooled cyanomethide anion, CH2CN−, and its isotopologue, CD2CN−, using slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging (SEVI) spectroscopy. Electron affinities of 12 468(2) cm−1 for CH2CN and 12 402(2) cm−1 for CD2CN are obtained, demonstrating greater precision than previous experiments. New vibrational structure is resolved for both neutral species, especially activity of the ν5 hydrogen umbrella modes. The ν6 out-of-plane bending mode fundamental frequency is measured for the first time in both systems and found to be 420(10) cm−1 for CH2CN and 389(8) cm−1 for CD2CN. Some rotational structure is resolved, allowing for accurate extraction of vibrational frequencies. Temperature-dependent SEVI spectra show marked effects ascribed to controlled population of low-lying anion vibrational levels. We directly measure the inversion splitting between the first two vibrational levels of the anion ν5 umbrella mode in both species, finding a splitting of 130(20) cm−1 for CH2CN− and 81(20) cm−1 for CD2CN−. Franck-Condon forbidden activity is observed and attributed to mode-specific vibrational autodetachment from the CH2CN− and CD2CN− dipole bound excited states. We also refine the binding energy of the anion dipole bound states to 39 and 42 cm−1, respectively, for CH2CN− and CD2CN−.
Quantitative comparison of Kawase's approach versus the retrosigmoid approach: implications for tumors involving both middle and posterior fossae.

Objective Few quantitative data are available to describe Kawase's exposure of the posterior fossa. We used a cadaveric model to compare Kawase's and the retrosigmoid approach to the petroclival region. Methods Eighteen cadaveric specimens were dissected and analyzed (6 retrosigmoid, 6 Kawase's, and 6 retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approaches). Clival and brainstem working areas and surgical freedom were measured. Results The retrosigmoid approach provided a significantly larger clival and brainstem working area than Kawase's approach. Surgical freedom at the trigeminal root entry zone, origin of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and Dorello's canal was equivalent across approaches. Kawase's approach provided the most surgical freedom at the trigeminal porus. However, the addition of a suprameatal extension significantly improved the surgical freedom provided by the retrosigmoid approach. Conclusion The retrosigmoid approach is a powerful approach to lesions of the cerebellopontine angle and ventral brainstem. Lesions involving the trigeminal porus and Meckel's cave can be approached through Kawase's approach or a suprameatal extension of the retrosigmoid approach. Kawase's approach is best suited for accessing middle fossa lesions with smaller petroclival components located above the internal auditory canal.
Bypass trapped flow analysis system (ByT-FAS) used in application: quantitative chemiluminescent detection of whole intact E. coli cell genetic transcription levels via induction of luciferase with tetracycline.

Abstract Bypass trapped flow analysis system (ByT-FAS) is a new trapped flow apparatus designed to perform chemical measurements with flow injection systems at physical steady state using small volumes (10–150 μl) of injected sample and reagent. We have used a micro-volume version of ByT-FAS instrumentation with a chemiluminescent detection system to quantitate the protein transcription levels of transformed whole intact E. coli cells. The cells were transformed using a firefly luciferase encoding plasmid with a tetracycline inducible promoter. Luciferase synthesis was induced in E. coli cells containing multiple copies of this plasmid by different levels of tetracycline in the growth media. The level of induction was determined by measuring the velocity of luciferase enzyme per absorbance unit of the injected culture. The micro-volume ByT-FAS instrumentation permitted the rapid determination of the level of induced luciferase and was significantly faster than the traditional quantitative determination of genetic transcription levels. The micro-volume ByT-FAS assays also used significantly lower amounts of the expensive substrate luciferin. This is the first reported use of ByT-FAS for the detection and analyses of transformed cells. ByT-FAS with chemiluminescent detection has the potential of being a useful tool for the rapid analyses of promoter DNA sequences, promoters, and transcription repressors in whole intact bacterial cells by molecular biologists and biochemists.
Communicating advanced cancer patients’ symptoms via the Internet: A pooled analysis of two randomized trials examining caregiver preparedness, physical burden, and negative mood

Background:Using available communication technologies, clinicians may offer timely support to family caregivers in managing symptoms in patients with advanced cancer at home.Aim:To assess the effec...