cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic lesion characteristics associated with successful ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia.

Ablation for Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia. Introduction: Catheter ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia has proven difficult. Despite the use of intracardiac echocardiography to help direct radiofrequency (RF) application to the anatomic target of the superolateral crista terminalis (CT), multiple RF lesions often are required. Furthermore, the characteristic echo-anatomic changes with RF application associated with a reduction in heart rate have not been defined. A characteristic echo signature, if present, may facilitate the ablation process. The purpose of this retrospective study was to define the echocardiographic characteristic changes associated with effective RF ablation for inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Methods and Results: Detailed intracardiac echocardiographic imaging characterization of the superolateral CT was performed before and at the time of successful heart rate reduction. Using on-line videotape intracardiac echocardiography (9 MHz, 9 French), changes in wall thickness and echodensity at the CT lesion site were assessed at baseline, after each RF lesion, and with the lesion that produced heart rate reduction in 17 patients (age 32 ± 9 years; 15 women) with inappropriate sinus tachycardia. In all patients, RF ablation was anatomically based and targeted only the superolateral CT. RF lesions were created using 20 to 50 W for up to 2 minutes using an 8-mm tip electrode. Successful heart rate reduction (≥ 20 beats/min) was achieved in 15 of 17 patients and required 41 ± 31 RF applications (range 5 to 110, median 40). Effective RF (reduced heart rate) was observed starting with the 34th ± 24th lesion (range 3rd to 86th, median 25th). After effective RF, CT wall thickness was increased (11.4 ± 3.1 mm vs 7.7 ± 2.4 mm at baseline) and wall swelling expanded to adjacent superior vena cava, but the degree of thickening was not specific for effective RF associated with heart rate reduction. Importantly, we noted echodensity changes reaching directly to the epicardium with the development of a linear low echodensity or echo-free space at the time of effective RF resulting in heart rate reduction. In two patients without effective heart rate reduction, echodensity changes never reached the epicardium. No complications (superior vena cava-right atrial junction orifice narrowing > 50% or pericardial effusion) of RF were identified. Conclusion: An echocardiographically guided anatomic approach to RF ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia is safe and effective. A characteristic echocardiographic signature suggesting transmural/epicardium damage appears to be present at the time of successful heart rate reduction and may serve as an appropriate guide for directing additional RF when using this anatomic echocardiographically based approach.
Therapy-Related Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia with Monocytic Features and Rearrangement of Chromosome 11q

Excerpt Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia has been increasingly recognized as a complication of cancer treatment. Therapy-related leukemia has commonly been reported (1) after treatment of lymphomas an...
Direct numerical simulations of shock propagation in bubbly liquids

The propagation of a pressure wave in an initially quiescent bubbly liquid of relatively high void fraction contained in a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) rectangular domain is investigated by direct numerical simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations using a front-tracking/finite-volume method. The gas pressure inside the bubbles is either set equal to a constant or varied by the polytropic relation. Results obtained for 2D and 3D domains show mean shock speeds in agreement with those of one-dimensional homogeneous bubbly liquid theory.
The Behavior of Polylogarithms at z = 1

This note discusses the analytic behavior of the general polylogarithm Li s (z) at the singularity z = 1. We consider both integer and complex values for s. Using these results, we derive yet another way of extending the Riemann zeta function to the entire plane.
Workforce Development for Optics and Photonics

The need for photonics technicians is rapidly increasing, but the present and future needs will most likely not be met. How do we encourage students to enter this continually transforming field, and adequately prepare them to become vital professionals?
Viewpoints: Mathematical Perspective and Fractal Geometry in Art, by Marc Frantz and Annalisa Crannell

Viewpoints: Mathematical Perspective and Fractal Geometry in Art, by Marc Frantz and Annalisa Crannell, Princeton, NJ, Princeton University Press, 2011, 232 pp., US $45.00 (hardcover), ISBN: 978-0-...
A Large Deviation Principle for Stochastic Integrals

Assuming that {(Xn,Yn)} satisfies the large deviation principle with good rate function I♯, conditions are given under which the sequence of triples {(Xn,Yn,Xn⋅Yn)} satisfies the large deviation principle. An e-approximation to the stochastic integral is proven to be almost compact. As is well known from the contraction principle, we can derive the large deviation principle when applying continuous functions to sequences that satisfy the large deviation principle; the method showed here skips the contraction principle, uses almost compactness and can be used to derive a generalization of the work of Dembo and Zeitouni on exponential approximations. An application of the main result to stochastic differential equations is given, namely, a Freidlin-Wentzell theorem is obtained for a sequence of solutions of SDE’s.
IVIG Therapy: Interfering with Interferon-γ

The immunosuppressive mechanism of action of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) has remained enigmatic despite the many years of clinical experience in the treatment of autoimmunity. In this issue of Immunity, Park-Min et al. demonstrate that IVIG engagement of Fcgamma RIII receptor on monocytes inhibits the cellular response to interferon-gamma.
U.S. Food Insecurity Status: Toward a Refined Definition

United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecure as answering affirmatively to three or more food insecurity questions describing a household’s ability to acquire enough food. Households indicating low levels of food insecurity (one or two affirmative responses) are considered food secure. This paper compares the characteristics of households with one or two positive survey responses (termed marginally secure in this paper) to those with zero positive responses (food secure) and those with three or more positive responses (food insecure). The analysis utilizes Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement data to compare the characteristics and food purchasing of food secure, marginally secure and food insecure households using binomial and multinomial logistic regression and t-tests. Binomial logistic regression models indicate that grouping insecure and marginally secure households together does not change predictors of food insecurity. Multinomial logistic regression models suggest a three category definition of food insecurity is appropriate because there are distinctions among the three categories. There are significant differences in food spending across the groups. Prevalence of U.S. food insecurity and need for food assistance may be underestimated because marginally food secure households are considered food secure. The current measure fails to recognize that marginally secure households may experience poorer quality of life as do food insecure households.
Media Consumption and the Dynamics of Policy Mood

Research has detailed the potential link between exposure to the mass media and the process of developing attitudes. Less examined, however, are the consequences of differing levels of media consumption on the nature of attitudes at both the individual and aggregate levels. This paper assesses the relationship between media consumption and public opinion in the U.S. (expressed through the macro concept of Policy Mood and an analogous micro concept we call policy liberalism). At the individual level, we find that increased levels of newspaper readership reduce variance in opinion, but that increased levels of television viewership do not. At the aggregate level, our results show that the opinions of media-consuming subgroups move in parallel for the most part, with similar causal dynamics. A slight exception to this parallelism lies with those who barely, if ever, read newspapers.
Genetic coregulation of longevity and antioxienzymes in Neurospora crassa.

Abstract Further analysis of a model of the biochemical genetics of cellular longevity in Neurospora crassa confirms and amplifies the hypothesis that antioxienzymes and lifespans are genetically co-regulated. The model consists of seven classes of closely related strains with genetically determined lifespans ranging from 7 to 90 days and differing by about 15-day intervals. The nuclear gene mutations Age− and age+ respectively decrease and increase both lifespans and the constitutive enzyme activities relative to the wild-type parent. Here the number of such enzymes correlated with lifespans is extended from 6 to 12. Four of these enzymes have not been previously noted in Neurospora. Statistical analysis indicates that the genes may coordinate the 12 enzymes' activities with respect to one another to facilitate their “collaborative” function. The genes probably perform a regulatory role in the synthesis of the antioxienzymes. Neurospora may have a global unit of genetic function, an oxy-regulon, analogous to that of enteric bacteria.
The Relationship Between Suicide Ideation and Late-Life Depression

Objective: To describe the course of suicide ideation (SI) in primary-care based late-life depression treatment, identify predictors of SI, characterize the dynamic relationship between depression and SI, and test the hypothesis that collaborative care decreases the likelihood of reporting SI by decreasing the severity of depressive symptoms. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing collaborative care to usual care for late-life depression. Participants were 1,801 adults age 60 and older from eight diverse primary-care systems. Depression was measured using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-20). SI was operationalized using one item from the HSCL-20. Predictors of incident SI were identified by a series of univariate analyses followed by multiple logistic regression. A mediator analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis that the effect of collaborative care on SI can be ascribed to the intervention’s effect on depressive symptoms. Results: The prevalence of SI was 14% (N253); the cumulative incidence over 24 months was 21% (385). The likelihood that SI emerged after baseline was highly dependent on change in depression (odds ratio: 5.38, 95% confidence interval: 3.93–7.36, df81, t10.66, p 0.0001). As hypothesized, the effect of collaborative care on SI was mediated by the treatment’s effect on depression. Conclusion: SI is not uncommon in depressed older adults being treated in primary care. The likelihood that depressed older adults will report SI is strongly determined by the course of their depression symptoms. Providers should monitor SI throughout the course of depression treatment. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2007; 15:1024–1033)
Abundance and distribution within a guild of benthic stream fishes: local processes and regional patterns

1. Spatial patterns at regional and local scales were examined for evidence that species interactions can influence distribution and abundance within a guild of benthic fishes in upland streams of Oklahoma, U.S.A. Three groups of community patterns were examined: the species–area relationship, species–habitat associations, and interspecific associations. 2. The species–area relationship for riffle habitats was compared to a null species–area model based on random placement. The observed species–area curve was steeper resulting in less species per unit area in small streams than predicted by the null model. 3. Small, species-poor streams had summed fish densities at least as high as larger, species-rich streams, suggesting density compensation. 4. Several significant patterns of negative covariation were found among species at the regional scale, before and after statistically accounting for effects due to measured habitat variables. 5. For two of these negatively covarying taxa (Cottuscarolinae and Etheostomaspectabile), the influence of each species on the distribution of the other was evaluated experimentally in field enclosures varying in depth and current velocity. The sculpin C. carolinae caused a shift in habitat use by the darter E. spectabile, but no reciprocal shift was found. 6. These results indicate an agreement between local and regional patterns of distribution for C. carolinae and E. spectabile and suggest that biotic interactions can influence regional patterns of distribution for species within this guild.
Practical considerations in future psoriasis therapies

Exciting new therapies are becoming available that allow dermatologists and patients safe and effective alternatives to traditional psoriasis therapy. Because these new biologic drugs are parenterally administered, practical aspects of their integration into clinical practice must be addressed. This article offers guidelines for incorporating subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injectables into dermatology offices. Several tiers of psoriasis care are outlined to encourage individual physicians to choose the optimum level of service compatible with their individual practices.
Histochemical Study of Dentin in Parathyroidectomized Rats

Sections of dentin from intact and parathyroidectomized rats were subjected to various histochemical reactions to determine the changes in dentin after parathyroidectomy. The results indicate that there was an alteration in the protein-mucopolysaccharide complex of the organic matrix, resulting in deficient mineralization.
Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular derangements: pathophysiology and management.

Hypertension frequently coexists with diabetes mellitus, occurring twice as frequently in diabetic as in nondiabetic persons. It accounts for up to 75% of added cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in people with diabetes, contributing significantly to the overall morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population. Patients with hypertension are two times more prone to have diabetes than are normotensive persons. Hypertension substantially increases the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, retinopathy, and nephropathy. In patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension usually clusters with the other components of the cardiometabolic syndrome, such as microalbuminuria, central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypercoagulation, increased inflammation, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). In type 1 diabetes, hypertension often occurs subsequent to the development of diabetic nephropathy. Hypertension in people with diabetes is characterized by volume expansion, increased salt sensitivity, isolated systolic blood pressure (BP) elevation, loss of the nocturnal dipping of BP and pulse, and increased propensity toward orthostatic hypotension and albuminuria. Among the treatment strategies tested in hypertensive diabetic persons, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol lowering to less than 100 mg/ dL and aggressive BP control to less than 130/80 mm Hg have proven effective in CVD risk reduction. The combination of two or more drugs is usually necessary to achieve the target BP.
Software tool for physics chart checks.

Abstract Purpose Physics chart check has long been a central quality assurance (QC) measure in radiation oncology. The purpose of this work is to describe a software tool that aims to accomplish simplification, standardization, automation, and forced functions in the process. Methods and materials Nationally recognized guidelines, including American College of Radiology and American Society for Radiation Oncology guidelines and technical standards, and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group reports were identified, studied, and summarized. Meanwhile, the reported events related to physics chart check service were analyzed using an event reporting and learning system. A number of shortfalls in the chart check process were identified. To address these problems, a software tool was designed and developed under Microsoft. Net in C# to hardwire as many components as possible at each stage of the process. Results The software consists of the following 4 independent modules: (1) chart check management; (2) pretreatment and during treatment chart check assistant; (3) posttreatment chart check assistant; and (4) quarterly peer-review management. The users were a large group of physicists in the author's radiation oncology clinic. During over 1 year of use the tool has proven very helpful in chart checking management, communication, documentation, and maintaining consistency. Conclusions The software tool presented in this work aims to assist physicists at each stage of the physics chart check process. The software tool is potentially useful for any radiation oncology clinics that are either in the process of pursuing or maintaining the American College of Radiology accreditation.
Long-term and short-term characteristics of speech: implications for hearing aid selection for young children.

This study examined the effects of distance and postural position of both parents and children on the long-term and short-term spectral characteristics of speech produced by the parents. Thirty children (ages 2 months to 3 1/2 years) and their parents (30 mothers and 15 fathers) participated. Third-octave band and overall levels of the long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS) for each speech sample were analyzed in three postural positions and a 1-meter reference condition for each age category. Short-term spectral characteristics of three phonemes (/s/, /∫/, /t∫/) also were analyzed. Results show that typical levels at the input to a child’s hearing aid microphone may be as much as 20 dB higher than those found in face-to-face adult conversation. Furthermore, the spectral shape may deviate substantially from an idealized version of the LTASS. Results of the short-term analysis reveal that the peak levels of the three selected phonemes often exceed the LTASS by more than the 12 dB that is often quoted to...
Two Theorems on the Hubbard Model

In the attractive Hubbard model (and some extended versions of it) the ground state is proved to have spin angular momentum S = 0 for every (even) electron filling. In the repulsive case, and with a bipartite lattice and a half filled band, the ground state has S = 1/2∥B∣ − ∣A∥, where ∣B∣ (resp. ∣A∣) is the number of sites in the B (resp. A) sublattice. In both cases the ground state is unique. These theorems hold for all values of U, the attraction or repulsion parameter. The second theorem confirms an old, unproved conjecture in the ∣B∣ = ∣A∣ case; the generalization given here yields, with ∣B∣ ≠ ∣A∣, the first provable example of itinerant electron ferromagnetism. Since topology is irrelevant for the proofs, the theorems hold in all dimensions without even the necessity of a periodic lattice structure.
Submarine extension of the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa Volcano, Hawaii: Visual Observations from U.S. Navy Deep Submergence Vehicle DSV Sea Cliff

North-south–trending dikes exhibiting well-developed columnar jointing have been visually observed on a series of submersible dives to the submarine extension of the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa Volcano, Hawaii. These dikes are exposed along a west-facing 1,900-m-high scarp that is the sea-floor expression of the southwest rift zone. They form prominent walls, 10 to 60 m high and 1 to 3 m thick at their crests, separated by sediment- and rubble-mantled benches. The talus at the base of each dike consists of faceted blocks of basalt broken from the face of the wall. Major-element analyses of samples collected in situ show the rocks to be of “normal” Mauna Loa tholeiite composition.
Geographic distribution of Strumigenys louisianae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Summary Strumigenys spp. are tiny predatory ants that feed on soil arthropods. Strumigenys louisianae has the broadest geographic distribution of any New World Strumigenys. Here, I compiled >700 site records of S. louisianae to document its biogeography. The known range of Strumigenys louisianae is largely continuous from Argentina to North Carolina (and possibly Virginia and Illinois) and on most major West Indian islands. The occurrence of S. louisianae throughout this region in a wide diversity of habitats makes it difficult to distinguish where it is native and where it has been introduced. The possibility remains that S. louisianae has a very broad native range, but no introduced populations. Alternatively, some isolated S. louisianae populations may be exotic, such as those on the Galapagos Islands, Cocos Island, many West Indian islands, and in Arizona. Genetic analyses are needed to determine where S. louisianae is native and where it is exotic.
Multiple scattering measurements of energetic positrons in a thin gold polycrystal

Abstract As a step towards developing fast positrons as a probe to measure electron density and spin magnetic density in crystals, an experiment has been performed to measure the multiple scattering distribution of MeV positrons penetrating through thin polycrystalline films in both random and channeling directions. Image plate detectors were used to determine the angular distribution of emergent positrons. Image plate sensitivity was measured for high-energy positrons and for the background radiation encountered in our experiment. The image plates showed good sensitivity and good linearity for MeV positrons. The multiple scattering results are compared with the theory for random direction and show disagreement due to crystal effects and quantum mechanical considerations.
The sine-Gordon chain. II. Nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

A calculation of the current carried on the sine-Gordon chain in an external field with viscous damping is formulated in terms of the solution of a Smolouchowski equation. The Smolouchowski equation is solved by employing its relationship to the BBGKY hierarchy and by using transfer-integral techniques. The method of solution is not specific to the sine-Gordon chain and can be usefully employed in examining other nonlinear systems. The solution of the Smolouchowski equation takes the form of a self-consistent equation for the single-particle distribution function; the solution describes the system for all values of the external field. At low field, the current is proportional to the field and due to thermally activated phase solitons; at high field, the current is proportional to the field and the conductivity many orders of magnitude greater than the low-field conductivity. A region of very nonlinear conduction separates the low-field and high-field regimes. It is possible to determine the effects of various perturbations on the conductivity of the sine-Gordon chain.
Improving the quality of radiology reporting: A physician survey to define the target

Abstract Purpose Our long-term goal is to improve the quality of reports in radiology imaging interpretation. The rationale for this project focused on identifying the characteristics of a high-quality report from the perspective of referring physicians and radiologists. Methods We undertook a survey of physician faculty at a large Midwestern academic medical center (including university, children's, veteran's, county and private practice hospitals) regarding radiology report quality concepts. Results Using a 5-point Likert scale, >95% of respondents indicated the highest importance rating (score=5) for radiology report characteristic "Accurate," with mean score of 4.94. Seventy-eight to 83% of respondents considered "Clear," "Complete" and "Timely" to have the highest importance rating, with means of these scores between 4.73 and 4.79. Somewhat less desirable characteristics included "Well-organized" and "Mentions pertinent negatives"—though radiologists tended to think the latter was less important than did all other categories of physician respondents. The single greatest problem area in reporting is lack of timeliness. Using a 10-point Likert scale, respondents gave a median score of seven for overall satisfaction with current reporting. Conclusions For high-quality radiology reporting, accuracy is most important. Clarity, completeness and timeliness are also very important. Radiologists tend to consider mentioning pertinent negatives as less important than do referring physicians; otherwise, respondents from different specialties largely agreed on which characteristics are most important for high-quality reports. There is room for improvement in physician satisfaction with radiology reporting.
The clinical impact of the universal diagnosis of myocardial infarction

Background: All of the recent guidelines now endorse the use of troponin as the biomarker or choice for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Review of the recent guidelines criteria. Results: Rising and/or falling values of troponin in patients who appear to have ischemic heart disease will result in the diagnosis of AMI. The recent guidelines emphasize the use of the 99th percentile value for troponin and suggest it should be measurable with a high level of precision. They also suggest how to operationalize determining a significant change for patients who appear to have recurrent infarction and classify AMI into five subtypes. Conclusions: Understanding these criteria will be important to a consistent approach to the diagnosis of AMI in the future.
Flame Emission Spectroscopy for Equivalence Ratio Monitoring

The dependence of UV-visible emission characteristics in hydrocarbon flames as a function of flame equivalence ratio and total flow rate is examined for low-pressure acetylene/oxygen flames used for materials synthesis and for atmospheric-pressure methane/air flames typically seen in industrial boilers and heaters. In both flames, the OH and CH emission features show significantly different variations with respect to changes in equivalence ratio, while variations with changes in total flow rate are nearly identical. These results suggest that flame emission spectroscopy can be used as a sensitive, on-line process diagnostic for equivalence ratio monitoring in flame reactors.
Early Tertiary Foraminifera from Jasper Ridge, San Mateo County, California: ABSTRACT

Thin-section and washed-residue examination of a well-indurated pebble conglomerate from the base of the Butano (?) Sandstone of Dibblee and about 15 feet stratigraphically above depositional contact of the conglomerate with a sill-like serpentine intrusion on Jasper Ridge, San Mateo County, California, reveals an extraordinary assemblage of plant and animal microfossils that date the stratum as the oldest marine Tertiary unit thus far recognized in the structurally complex southwestern part of the Palo Alto quadrangle. Conspicuous in the microfauna which was isolated from the calcareous matrix are Alabamina wilcoxensis Toulmin of Mallory and Discorbis baintoni Mallory, both early Tertiary index foraminifers in California. These, together with several other rotaliines and a few miliolids, cibicidids, anomalinids, textulariids, and globigerinids, suggest that the Jasper Ridge conglomerate was laid down in neritic waters that had a limited access to the open sea in late Paleocene (Bulitian) or early Eocene (Penutian) time, according to Mallory's tabulation of these protozoans in Paleogene strata of the California Coast Ranges. The conglomerate crops out about midway between the San Andreas fault zone and the distorted sedimentary section exposed in the trench for the Stanford linear accelerator. Therefore, the early Tertiary segment is in an area that has been profoundly affected by numerous diastrophic events. The lithologic character itself furnishes significant paleogeologic and paleogeographic data, because the pebbles appear to have been derived mainly from a Franciscan terrane. The dominant pebble type is greenstone, with relic basaltic and andesitic textures, and characterized by albite, chlorite, pumpellyite, and other low-grade metamorphic minerals. Pebbles in small amounts include chert, graywacke, limestone, felsite, quartzite, semi-schist, and metagabbro. About 95 per cent of the pebbles are wel -sorted basalt and 3 per cent red radiolarian chert. It could not be ascertained whether the serpentine layer was intruded during Cretaceous time into the Franciscan on Jasper Ridge as Dibblee reported in 1966. However, the fact that the serpentine was exposed at least during the early Tertiary is confirmed by its juxtaposition with the fossiliferous conglomerate. Correlation with the large, plug-like serpentine mass described in 1951 by Thomas from exposures 2-3 miles toward the northwest is postulated, although the Redwood City area ultrabasic body was considered by Thomas to be a cold re-intrusion into Eocene strata, emplacement having occurred between late Eocene and early Miocene. End_of_Article - Last_Page 466------------
Daily stress and symptom exacerbation in interstitial cystitis patients

Stress-related exacerbation of interstitial cystitis (IC) symptoms has been frequently reported. Previous research has found stress-related IC symptom exacerbation in an experimental model. However, this relation has not been objectively examined with daily life stressors. We used a prospective daily symptom diary methodology to investigate relations between stress and bladder symptoms in IC patients and age-matched healthy controls. A total of 45 previously diagnosed female IC patients completed a bladder symptom and stress diary nightly for 1 month; 31 female age-matched healthy controls completed a similar diary for 7 days. Symptom questions were modified from the Interstitial Cystitis Database study. Patients reported greater mean daily stress, bladder pain, urgency, daytime and nocturnal frequency than controls (all P-values ,0.001). Among all patients, a significant relationship between stress and urgency was observed. In addition, a significant relation between stress and pain was observed among patients with moderate and severe disease. As disease severity increased, more pronounced relations between stress and the symptoms of urgency and pain were evidenced. Greater stress was associated with greater nocturnal frequency among patients with more severe disease. These stress-symptom relations were not observed among controls. Higher levels of stress were related to greater pain and urgency in IC patients but not in controls. In addition, the relation of stress and these IC symptoms was stronger among patients with more severe symptomatology. This study indicates that life stress is associated with greater IC symptoms, particularly among patients whose disease is not well controlled.
Cellular replicative capacity correlates primarily with species body mass not longevity

Although the limited replicative capacity of human fibroblasts in culture is frequently used as a model for aging, a question of major interest is whether the relationship between in vitro fibroblast proliferative capacity and species longevity is primary or secondary to a relationship with species body size. In this report we establish that body mass is the primary correlative of proliferative potential rather than species life-span.
Carbochlorination of Aluminum from Non-Bauxite Sources

There has been increased interest in the United States in developing the technology to recover aluminum from non-bauxite sources stemming from a need to develop domestic aluminum sources.1, 2 Several domestic sources of aluminum have been defined by the U.S. Bureau of Mines;3 the types and approximate tonnages of these are listed in Table I. Patterson and Dyni4 of the U.S. Geological Survey identified several additional non-bauxite sources of aluminum, including alunite (37% Al2O3), dawsonite (35% Al2O3), and coal ash (8–40% Al2O3). The U.S. Bureau of Mines has indicated that the future aluminum resources consist mainly of anorthosites, and has listed research on the recovery of alumina from kaolin, anorthite, and dawsonite as a major objective.5 It is also interesting to note that there has been a discussion of the importance of finding a method for processing lunar anorthite to produce construction materials for space.6
A canonical statistical theory of oceanic internal waves

We use the methods of statistical mechanics to develop a theoretical relationship between the observed oceanic spectra and the probability distributions usually studied in statistical mechanics. We also find that the assumption that in terms of Lagrangian variables the oceanic internal wave field is near canonical equilibrium (i.e. the internal wave modes are populated in accordance with a Maxwell–Boltzmann-type distribution) yields expressions for the various marginal or reduced Eulerian spectra associated with both moored and towed measurements which are in striking qualitative agreement with experiment. In developing this theory it is important to distinguish carefully between Lagrangian and Eulerian variables. The important difference between the two sets of variables is due to the advective nonlinearity (i.e. (v ∇) v where v is the Eulerian velocity) which is present only in the Eulerian frame. Our method treats the dynamics within the Lagrangian frame, where because of the absence of the advective nonlinearity it is fundamentally simpler, and then transforms to the Eulerian or measurement frame. We find that at small wavenumbers the four-dimensional Eulerian frequency wavenumber spectrum is approximately equal to the corresponding Lagrangian frequency wavenumber spectrum. At large wavenumbers, however, advective contributions become important and the two types of spectra are significantly different. While from a Lagrangian frame point of view the system is entirely wavelike, at large wavenumbers the Eulerian spectrum is not confined to the dispersion surface and the system, from an Eulerian frame point of view, is not wavelike. Further, the three-dimensional Eulerian wavenumber spectrum exhibits a large-wavenumber advective tail which decays as a power law and results in one-dimensional marginal spectra which are in excellent qualitative agreement with experiment. The above features are exhibited independent of the detailed nature of the underlying Lagrangian frequency wavenumber spectrum.
Deficient Behavioral Inhibition and Anomalous Selective Attention in a Community Sample of Adolescents with Psychopathic Traits and Low-Anxiety Traits

Socialization is the important process by which individuals learn and then effectively apply the rules of appropriate societal behavior. Response modulation is a psychobiological process theorized to aid in socialization by allowing individuals to utilize contextual information to modify ongoing behavior appropriately. Using Hare’s (1991) Psychopathy Checklist and the Welsh (1956) anxiety scale, researchers have identified a relatively specific form of a response modulation deficit in low-anxious, Caucasian psychopaths. Preliminary evidence suggests that the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD; Frick & Hare, 2001) may be used to identify children with a similar vulnerability. Using a representative community sample of 308 16-year-olds from the Child Development Project (Dodge, Bates, & Pettit, 1990), we tested and corroborated the hypotheses that participants with relatively low anxiety and high APSD scores would display poorer passive avoidance learning and less interference on a spatially separated, picture-word Stroop task than controls. Consistent with hypotheses, the expected group differences in picture-word Stroop interference were found with male and female participants, whereas predicted differences in passive avoidance were specific to male participants. To the extent that response modulation deficits contributing to poor socialization among psychopathic adult offenders also characterize a subgroup of adolescents with mild conduct problems, clarification of the developmental processes that moderate the expression of this vulnerability could inform early interventions.
GAVis: a Tool for Visualization and Control of Genetic Algorithms for -omic Data Analysis

A visualization and steering application, GAVis, has been developed to aid in understanding the behavior of and guiding the convergence of genetic algorithms running in parallel over long time periods. When classification techniques such as support vector machines (SVMs) paired with complete leave-one-out validation are used as a fitness function for identification of markers in -omic data, the time to complete one generation can exceed an hour on modern high-performance computing clusters. Separate solution populations on "islands" can help maintain a more diverse solution space and conveniently map to compute nodes on a cluster. Adjustments can be made at runtime to speed the convergence of genetic algorithms by stimulating lagging island populations with migrations of high-performing individuals or by selectively increasing mutation rates
Synthesis and characterization of M(II) (M = Mn, Fe and Co) azafulvene complexes and their X3(-) derivatives.

The syntheses of M(II) (M = Mn, Fe, Co) complexes bearing the tris(5-cycloaminoazafulvene-2-methyl)amine (H3N(afaCy)3) ligand in its datively coordinated, tautomeric form is reported. The metal–azafulvene complexes [N(afaCy)3M](OTf)2 are generated in high yields, featuring a secondary coordination sphere composed of amino moieties from the ligand platform. To investigate the ability of the hydrogen bonding network to support hydrogen-bond accepting, coordinating anions, pseudohalide derivatives, [N(afaCy)3MX](OTf) (X = NCS−, NCO−, N3−) were synthesized by exposure of [N(afaCy)3M](OTf)2 to an equivalent of the corresponding salt, [(nBu)4N](X). Structural characterization of the products reveals two isomorphs of the desired species. One complex features a single hydrogen bonding interaction with the pseudohalide, while the second compound has two H-bonds from the secondary coordination sphere to the coordinated anion. These complexes showcase the structural and electron flexibility of the ligand platform, presenting a scaffold capable of accessing a different number of hydrogen bonds for stabilizing a given moiety.
Congress, Courts, and Commerce: Upholding the Individual Mandate to Protect the Public's Health:

Among multiple legal challenges to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is the premise that PPACA's "individual mandate" (requiring all individuals to obtain health insurance by 2014 or face civil penalties) is inviolate of Congress' interstate commerce powers because Congress lacks the power to regulate commercial "inactivity." Several courts initially considering this argument have rejected it, but federal district courts in Virginia and Florida have concurred, leading to numerous appeals and prospective review of the United States Supreme Court. Despite creative arguments, the dispositive constitutional question is not whether Congress' interstate commerce power extends to commercial inactivity. Rather, it is whether Congress may regulate individual decisions with significant economic ramifications in the interests of protecting and promoting the public's health. This article offers a counter-interpretation of the scope of Congress' interstate commerce power to regulate in furtherance of the public's health.
Unsettling Universities' Incongruous, Gendered Bureaucratic Structures: A Case-study Approach

Recent research shows that women faculty members in academia continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity and advancement and that these barriers are particularly strong in science and engineering, and in university administration. University administrators and faculty members, however, have been slow to recognize that systemically gendered barriers will have to be reduced or eliminated in order for women faculty to advance in their careers. One key problem is that many, if not most, leaders in powerful decision-making roles in universities continue to embrace women-centred explanations for gender disparities in advancement through the academic ranks. University leaders' lack of recognition of institutionalized gender barriers suggests the need for greater dissemination of research findings (and training) about how systemic barriers operate and why these barriers disproportionately disadvantage women. In this article I first theorize universities as incongruous, gendered bureaucratic structures. I then outline an intervention strategy for enabling university faculty members and administrators to see incongruous, gendered bureaucratic structures and to then use this knowledge to develop strategies for addressing the problem of women's underrepresentation among science and engineering faculty. The strategy described is a case-study approach recently implemented at a mid-sized research-intensive university in the US Midwest. The workshop was part of a broader university programme aimed at transforming the university's cultures, practices and structures in ways that help to enhance the recruitment, retention and promotion of women scientists. I conclude by discussing the benefits and limitations of the case-study approach as a method for unsettling accepted knowledge about the gendered structures and normative practices of the university.
Confirmation of the cellular targets of benomyl and rapamycin using next-generation sequencing of resistant mutants in S. cerevisiae

Investigating the mechanisms of action (MOAs) of bioactive compounds and the deconvolution of their cellular targets is an important and challenging undertaking. Drug resistance in model organisms such as S. cerevisiae has long been a means for discovering drug targets and MOAs. Strains are selected for resistance to a drug of interest, and the resistance mutations can often be mapped to the drug's molecular target using classical genetic techniques. Here we demonstrate the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) to identify mutations that confer resistance to two well-characterized drugs, benomyl and rapamycin. Applying NGS to pools of drug-resistant mutants, we develop a simple system for ranking single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on their prevalence in the pool, and for ranking genes based on the number of SNPs that they contain. We clearly identified the known targets of benomyl (TUB2) and rapamycin (FPR1) as the highest-ranking genes under this system. The highest-ranking SNPs corresponded to specific amino acid changes that are known to confer resistance to these drugs. We also found that by screening in a pdr1Δ null background strain that lacks a transcription factor regulating the expression of drug efflux pumps, and by pre-screening mutants in a panel of unrelated anti-fungal agents, we were able to mitigate against the selection of multi-drug resistance (MDR) mutants. We call our approach “Mutagenesis to Uncover Targets by deep Sequencing”, or “MUTseq”, and show through this proof-of-concept study its potential utility in characterizing MOAs and targets of novel compounds.
Dissecting the in vivo metabolic potential of two human gut acetogens

Fermenting microbial communities generate hydrogen; its removal through the production of acetate, methane, or hydrogen sulfide modulates the efficiency of energy extraction from available nutrients in many ecosystems. We noted that pathway components for acetogenesis are more abundantly and consistently represented in the gut microbiomes of monozygotic twins and their mothers than components for methanogenesis or sulfate reduction and subsequently analyzed the metabolic potential of two sequenced human gut acetogens, Blautia hydrogenotrophica and Marvinbryantia formatexigens in vitro and in the intestines of gnotobiotic mice harboring a prominent saccharolytic bacterium. To do so, we developed a generally applicable method for multiplex sequencing of expressed microbial mRNAs (microbial RNA-Seq) and, together with mass spectrometry of metabolites, showed that these organisms have distinct patterns of substrate utilization. B. hydrogenotrophica targets aliphatic and aromatic amino acids. It increases the efficiency of fermentation by consuming reducing equivalents, thereby maintaining a high NAD+/NADH ratio and boosting acetate production. In contrast, M. formatexigens consumes oligosaccharides, does not impact the redox state of the gut, and boosts the yield of succinate. These findings have strategic implications for those who wish to manipulate the hydrogen economy of gut microbial communities in ways that modulate energy harvest.
Testing and monitoring system for a first generation intracortical visual prosthesis device using Java, Labview and VGA / NTSC output

Hardware designed for a specific application presents a unique problem of testing it for accuracy and behavior. The visual prosthesis device designed in the Laboratory of Neural Prosthetic Research at IIT, (Chicago) uses an FPGA to capture images from a camera, performs image processing, and generates an instruction set which is sent on a radio frequency magnetic link to an implanted module in the visual cortex producing electrical currents in a group of intracortical electrodes. The design of this visual prosthesis device presents the problem of testing it both quantitatively and qualitatively, prior to implantation in a human. We can test the individual components of a visual prosthesis device using software simulations but the problem is to test it end to end. The problem is further complicated by the fact that the system is processing 50 frames/ second and generating data at a rate of 1.25 Mbits/sec. To evaluate all possible inputs and do an exhaustive test becomes a daunting task. In this paper we describe a method developed in our laboratory to easily and effectively test, and monitor, our system. Along with the test modules for our dedicated hardware, we have developed a secondary module as a requirement for visually monitoring the behavior of the system during non-human / human primate experiments, providing a means for estimating the cortical response and resultant visual perception. This system will also be used for human psychophysical experiments.
Charged up: Creating energy in organizations

The ability of an individual to energize others is a determinant of individual and group success. People who are “energizers” are more effective at motivating others, eliciting productive solutions, getting work done, and advancing their careers. Drawing on their research into social networks, the authors examine five dimensions of energizing relationships and offer some simple questions for determining whether you are an energizer or a de-energizer. © 2004 by Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation
Fatal Multiple Drug Intoxication Following Acute Sertraline Use

A 53-year-old Caucasian male victim of suicide was suspected of overdose with sertraline and alprazolam after death-scene investigation. The concentration of sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was determined by a gas chromatograph with mass selective detection. The concentration of alprazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine, was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The sertraline concentration was reported at 1.0 mg/L in peripheral blood, which is greater than previously reported in other postmortem cases in which death was attributed to a multiple drug overdose. The N-desmethylsertraline concentration was reported at 0.2 mg/L in peripheral blood, which is far less than in other postmortem cases and suggests acute intoxication in this case. The alprazolam concentration was reported at 33 microg/L in heart blood, which is within the therapeutic range. The cause of death was multiple drug intoxication following acute use of sertraline, the manner of death was suicide, and the mechanism of death is an unexplained drug interaction and/or toxicity.