cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gray Matter Regions Associated With Functional Mobility in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults

Background/objectives Neuroimaging indicators of reduced brain health in the form of lower gray matter volume (GMV), lower fractional anisotropy (FA), and higher white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) have been related to global mobility measures, such as gait speed, in older adults. The purpose was to identify associations between brain regions and specific mobility functions to provide a greater understanding of the contribution of the central nervous system to independent living. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Research laboratory. Participants Seventy community-ambulating healthy older adults (mean age = 76 ± 5 years). Measurements Participants performed the following tests: gait speed, Five Times Sit to Stand, Four Square Step Test (FSST), and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Structural magnetic resonance imaging of each participant's brain was collected. Measures of regional GMV, tract-specific WMHV, and FA were extracted. Correlational analyses between the mobility measures and neuroimaging measures were conducted using whole brain and regional and tract-specific measures. This was followed by linear regression models relating the mobility measures to regions or tracts identified in the correlation analysis, and adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. Results Significant associations were found between higher GMV in multiple regions, primarily the parietal and temporal lobes, and better performance in gait speed, DGI, and FSST. After adjusting for personal factors, greater parahippocampus GMV was independently associated with greater gait speed. Greater inferior parietal lobe, supramarginal gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus GMVs were associated with gait function. Greater postcentral gyrus, parahippocampus, and superior temporal gyrus GMVs were associated with faster FSST performance. The WMHV and FA were not significantly correlated with the mobility measures. Conclusions Gray matter regions associated with higher performance in mobility measures serving gait function and multidirectional stepping were those structures related to vestibular sensation, spatial navigation, and somatosensation. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1023-1028, 2020.
Post-Intensive-Care Syndrome for the Pediatric Neurologist

The number of children who survive critical illness has steadily increased. However, lower mortality rates have resulted in a proportional increase in post-intensive-care morbidity. Critical illness in childhood affects a child's development, cognition, and family functioning. The constellation of physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms that begin in the intensive care unit and continue after discharge has recently been termed post-intensive-care syndrome. A conceptual model of the post-intensive-care syndrome experienced by children who survive critical illness, their siblings, and parents has been coined post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics. Owing to their prolonged hospitalizations, the use of sedative medications, and the nature of their illness, children with primary neurological injury are among those at the highest risk for post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics. The pediatric neurologist participates in the care of children with acute brain injury throughout their hospitalization and remains involved after the patient leaves the hospital. Hence it is important for pediatric neurologists to become versed in the early recognition and management of post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics and its risk factors. We also discuss our experience establishing Pediatric Neurocritical Care Recovery Programs at two large academic centers. Last, we provide a battery of validated tests to identify and manage the different aspects of post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics, which have been successfully implemented at our institutions. Dissemination of this "road map" may assist others interested in establishing recovery programs, therefore mitigating the burden of post-intensive-care morbidity in children.
Immunization strategies in networks with missing data.

Network-based intervention strategies can be effective and cost-efficient approaches to curtailing harmful contagions in myriad settings. As studied, these strategies are often impractical to implement, as they typically assume complete knowledge of the network structure, which is unusual in practice. In this paper, we investigate how different immunization strategies perform under realistic conditions—where the strategies are informed by partially-observed network data. Our results suggest that global immunization strategies, like degree immunization, are optimal in most cases; the exception is at very high levels of missing data, where stochastic strategies, like acquaintance immunization, begin to outstrip them in minimizing outbreaks. Stochastic strategies are more robust in some cases due to the different ways in which they can be affected by missing data. In fact, one of our proposed variants of acquaintance immunization leverages a logistically-realistic ongoing survey-intervention process as a form of targeted data-recovery to improve with increasing levels of missing data. These results support the effectiveness of targeted immunization as a general practice. They also highlight the risks of considering networks as idealized mathematical objects: overestimating the accuracy of network data and foregoing the rewards of additional inquiry.
The communicative importance of agent-backgrounding: Evidence from homesign and Nicaraguan Sign Language

Abstract Some concepts are more essential for human communication than others. In this paper, we investigate whether the concept of agent-backgrounding is sufficiently important for communication that linguistic structures for encoding this concept are present in young sign languages. Agent-backgrounding constructions serve to reduce the prominence of the agent – the English passive sentence a book was knocked over is an example. Although these constructions are widely attested cross-linguistically, there is little prior research on the emergence of such devices in new languages. Here we studied how agent-backgrounding constructions emerge in Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL) and adult homesign systems. We found that NSL signers have innovated both lexical and morphological devices for expressing agent-backgrounding, indicating that conveying a flexible perspective on events has deep communicative value. At the same time, agent-backgrounding devices did not emerge at the same time as agentive devices. This result suggests that agent-backgrounding does not have the same core cognitive status as agency. The emergence of agent-backgrounding morphology appears to depend on receiving a linguistic system as input in which linguistic devices for expressing agency are already well-established.
Abstract IA17: PARP inhibition modulates the tumor immune microenvironment in Brca1-deficient ovarian tumor

Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown promising clinical activities for patients with BRCA mutations and are changing the landscape of ovarian cancer treatment. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of action for PARP inhibition in the interaction of tumors with the tumor microenvironment and the host immune system remain unclear. We recently reported that inhibition with a PARP inhibitor (olaparib) triggers robust local and systemic antitumor immunity involving both adaptive and innate immune responses through a STING-dependent antitumor immune response in Brca1-deficient ovarian tumors. This effect is further augmented when olaparib is combined with PD-1 blockade. However, all PBM-bearing mice treated with olaparib alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade eventually succumbed to the disease. These data indicate that although multiple PARP inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of BRCA-deficient ovarian cancers, eradication of this type of cancer remains a challenge. I will discuss our recent efforts on identifying resistance mechanisms to PARP inhibition and developing potential therapeutic strategy that overcomes the resistance to improve the treatment outcome. Citation Format: Liya Ding, Qiwei Wang, Michael Kearns, Tao Jiang, Panagiotis Konstantinopoulos, Ursula Matulonis, Jean Zhao. PARP inhibition modulates the tumor immune microenvironment in Brca1-deficient ovarian tumor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA17.
Imprecision and Preferences in Interpretation of Verbal Probabilities in Health: a Systematic Review

Many health providers and communicators who are concerned that patients will not understand numbers instead use verbal probabilities (e.g., terms such as “rare” or “common”) to convey the gist of a health message. To assess patient interpretation of and preferences for verbal probability information in health contexts. We conducted a systematic review of literature published through September 2020. Original studies conducted in English with samples representative of lay populations were included if they assessed health-related information and elicited either (a) numerical estimates of verbal probability terms or (b) preferences for verbal vs. quantitative risk information. We identified 33 original studies that referenced 145 verbal probability terms, 45 of which were included in at least two studies and 19 in three or more. Numerical interpretations of each verbal term were extremely variable. For example, average interpretations of the term “rare” ranged from 7 to 21%, and for “common,” the range was 34 to 71%. In a subset of 9 studies, lay estimates of verbal probability terms were far higher than the standard interpretations established by the European Commission for drug labels. In 10 of 12 samples where preferences were elicited, most participants preferred numerical information, alone or in combination with verbal labels. Numerical interpretation of verbal probabilities is extremely variable and does not correspond well to the numerical probabilities established by expert panels. Most patients appear to prefer quantitative risk information, alone or in combination with verbal labels. Health professionals should be aware that avoiding numeric information to describe risks may not match patient preferences, and that patients interpret verbal risk terms in a highly variable way.
The Pharmacological Understanding of Psychoactive Drugs

A scientific understanding of the effects of psychoactive drugs begins with recognition of the importance of physical interactions between exogenous drugs and endogenous systems. The powerful effects of personal and social expectancies regarding the experience of intoxication and withdrawal notwithstanding (Benson & Epstein, 1975; Schafer & Fals-Stewart, 1993), much can be learned about the psychoactive effects of drugs through a manipulation of basic pharmacological variables that influence the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and/or excretion of a drug. Scientists and nonscientists alike have long been manipulating these basic pharmacological variables through alterations in initial dose, method of administration, concurrent drug use, past drug use, and patterns of multiple use. Of course, scientists have also manipulated other important variables associated with the environment in which drug use occurs or with the expectations of the user. This reveals that the “psychological” aspects of drug use also lend themselves to sound experimental investigation (see Chapters 1 & 2, this volume). However, the focus at present is upon how failures to recognize the importance of basic pharmacological facts about drugs prevent the scientific understanding of psychoactive drugs.
Graph theory and Gaussian elimination.

This paper surveys graph-theoretic ideas which apply to the problem of solving a sparse system of linear equations by Gaussian elimination. Included are a discussion of bandwidth, profile, and general sparse elimination schemes, and of two graph-theoretic partitioning methods. Algorithms based on these ideas are presented.
A new statistic for the 3x + 1 problem

A finite (3x+1)-trajectory is a sequence a = a 1 ,…, an of positive integers such that a i+1 = 3a i + 1 if a i is odd, a i+1 = a i /2 if a i is even, a i > 1 if i < n and a n = 1. For such a sequence a we define C(a) = = (a 1 a 2 +...+a n-1 a n +a n a 1 )/(a 2 1 +...+a 2 n ). We prove that 9/13 < C(a) < 5/7 if a 1 is odd and a 1 ≥ 3. Histograms suggest that C may have an interesting limiting distribution.
Identifying Local Corrections in Human-Computer Dialogue

Miscommunication in human-computer interaction is unavoidable, although speech recognition accuracy continues to improve. The perceived difficulty of correcting miscommunications has an even larger negative impact on assessments of system quality than does the absolute error rate. Therefore it is essential to improve error resolution capabilities in spoken language systems. While prior research has emphasized identifying the corrective status of an utterance, we focus in this paper on identifying the point of local correction. Users of spoken language systems often do not use specific syntactic structures or cue phrases to identify corrective intent or corrected content; most commonly a valid utterance is simply repeated, possibly slightly reworded. However, users do exploit prosodic cues to signal both presence and location of a correction. Using utterances from the 2000 and 2001 Communicator evaluation data collections, we build a boosted classifier to automatically identify the point of local correction in a corrective utterance. Exploiting the within sentence rank of prosodic cues including pitch maximum, pitch range, and intensity maximum, we distinguish locally corrected elements from other elements at 85.5% accuracy, a nearly 50% reduction in error rate over a naive majority class assignment.
Adenovirus Preterminal Protein Binds to the CAD Enzyme at Active Sites of Viral DNA Replication on the Nuclear Matrix

Adenovirus (Ad) replicative complexes form at discrete sites on the nuclear matrix (NM) via an interaction mediated by the precursor of the terminal protein (pTP). The identities of cellular proteins involved in these complexes have remained obscure. We present evidence that pTP binds to a multifunctional pyrimidine biosynthesis enzyme found at replication domains on the NM. Far-Western blotting identified proteins of 150 and 240 kDa that had pTP binding activity. Amino acid sequencing of the 150-kDa band revealed sequence identity to carbamyl phosphate synthetase I (CPS I) and a high degree of homology to the related trifunctional enzyme known as CAD (for carbamyl phosphate synthetase, aspartate transcarbamylase, and dihydroorotase). Western blotting with an antibody directed against CAD detected a 240-kDa band that comigrated with that detected by pTP far-Western blotting. Binding experiments showed that a pTP-CAD complex was immunoprecipitable from cell extracts in which pTP was expressed by a vaccinia virus recombinant. Additionally, in vitro-translated epitope-tagged pTP and CAD were immunoprecipitable as a complex, indicating the occurrence of a protein-protein interaction. Confocal fluorescence microscopy of Ad-infected NM showed that pTP and CAD colocalized in nuclear foci. Both pTP and CAD were confirmed to colocalize with active sites of replication detected by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. These data support the concept that the pTP-CAD interaction may allow anchorage of Ad replication complexes in the proximity of required cellular factors and may help to segregate replicated and unreplicated viral DNA.
Manganese Oxidation by Sphaerotilus discophorus

Johnson, A. H. (Washington State University, Pullman), and J. L. Stokes. Manganese oxidation by Sphaerotilus discophorus. J. Bacteriol. 91:1543-1547. 1966.-Cell suspensions of Sphaerotilus discophorus in 0.02 m potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) readily oxidized MnSO(4) to dark-brown manganic oxide. The latter appeared to be MnO(2), since its color was the same as MnO(2) and, like the latter, it was readily soluble in HCl with the evolution of chlorine. The amount of O(2) consumed in the oxidation of Mn(++) was 63% or more of theoretical. The ability of the cells to oxidize Mn(++) was destroyed by heating the cells at 93 C for 5 min. Only cell suspensions prepared from cultures of S. discophorus grown with MnSO(4) were able to oxidize Mn(++). It was concluded that the oxidation of manganous ions by S. discophorus is catalyzed by an inducible enzyme(s).
Peptoid nanosheets as soluble, two-dimensional templates for calcium carbonate mineralization

Nacre-mimetic materials are of great interest, but difficult to synthesize, because they require the ordering of organic and inorganic materials on several length scales. Here we introduce peptoid nanosheets as a versatile two-dimensional platform to develop nacre mimetic materials. Free-floating zwitterionic nanosheets were mineralized with thin films of amorphous calcium carbonate (of 2–20 nm thickness) on their surface to produce planar nacre synthons. These can serve as tunable building blocks to produce layered brick and mortar nanoarchitectures.
Risky business in myeloma

The present and future for patients with myeloma has never looked better. Yet for high-risk patients, much work remains to be done.
Metering the capillary-driven flow of fluids in paper-based microfluidic devices.

This article describes an exceedingly simple and low-cost method for metering the capillary-driven flow rate of fluids within three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic, paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). Initial prototypes of 3D μPADs control the spatial distribution of fluids within a device, but they provide little control over how quickly (or slowly) fluids move within the device. The methods described in this article provide control over when and how quickly a fluid is distributed into detection zones. These methods are inexpensive (the metering regions are composed of paraffin wax), the devices are easy to fabricate, and they are capable of controlling the flow of fluids to detection zones with precise time delays (e.g., ±6% of the total wicking time). We anticipate that this type of precise control over fluid distribution rates will be useful particularly for point-of-care assays that require multiple steps (where each step requires that the reagents interact for a defined period of time) or for simu...
Circles Inscribed in Rhombuses

In this teaching oriented article, I am introducing the concept of an equilateral rhombus, which is completely characterized. Three main theorems are given with proofs in Section 2. Most of the time, the rhombuses that are discussed are not squares. For a given circle of a specified radius σ > 0, there is exactly one equilateral rhombus unique up to congruence. Cabri II based computer diagrams are used to illustrate these geometrical properties.
A hybrid-stress quadratic serendipity displacement mindlin plate bending element

Abstract A hybrid-stress plate bending element is developed for thin and moderately thick plates based on a Serendipity-type quadratic displacement assumption. The through-thickness displacement behavior is consistent with Mindlin plate theory, and all components of stress are included. By proper choice of the transverse shear stress distributions, the element stiffness possesses correct rank, and results show no signs of locking in the thin plate limit; these and other considerations discussed herein suggest that the stress assumption used is optimum for the 8-node element. Results are compared with 8-node Serendipity and 9-node Lagrange assumed-displacement elements. The present element demonstrates high accuracy for all problems considered and has no apparent deficiencies.
Pure-shear Failure of Thin Films by Laser-induced Shear Waves

The measurement of mode-dependent thin film interfacial properties is important in evaluating the quality of the interfaces between thin films and substrates. Previous work has proved that tensile and mixed-mode strength of a thin film/substrate interface can be evaluated using a laser-induced thin film spallation technique. To further examine the application regime of this technique and identify the individual roles of the tensile and shear stress in the resulting interfacial failure, a special sample design is adopted in the current work to realize pure-shear loading at the thin film/substrate interface. Our result demonstrates that for sufficiently high stress amplitude, interfacial failure can be induced solely by the in-plane shear stress and the stress can be quantitatively determined from optical interferometric measurements. Together with the previous tensile and mixed-mode studies, a complete picture of the mode-dependent thin film interfacial strength can now be reliably determined using the laser-induced thin film spallation techniques.
THE MASKING OF AORTIC STENOSIS BY MITRAL STENOSIS.

Abstract The clinical data (signs and symptoms, x-ray and electrocardiographic analysis) and hemodynamic findings in 10 patients with severe mitral and aortic stenosis have been presented. All patients had signs, symptoms, and radiologic stigmata of mitral stenosis. Normal sinus rhythm was present in 7 of the 10 patients, and right ventricular hypertrophy in only 3. Many of the features usually considered to be a sine qua non of severe aortic stenosis were absent in these cases. However, all patients had at least one manifestation other than the typical murmur of aortic stenosis (e.g., angina, syncope, abnormal carotid pulse, left ventricular enlargement by x-ray or ECG examination, calcification of the aortic valve, or dilatation of the aortic root). All patients with ECG evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy also had angina pectoris and significantly elevated timetension indices. This was due largely to a prolongation of the systolic ejection period. It is suggested that ECG evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy in this clinical setting, without significant mitral or aortic regurgitation, signifies severe left ventricular stress and severe aortic stenosis. A decrease in cardiac output secondary to mitral stenosis reduces the differences in pressure across the aortic valve and, there-fore, reduces the total left ventricular stress, as reflected by the time-tension index. It is believed that this reduction in output is the basic cause of inconstancy of symptoms and signs of aortic stenosis in patients with tight mitral and aortic stenosis. When aortic stenosis is suspected in patients with severe mitral stenosis, the only certain method of quantitative evaluation is catheterization of the left side of the heart, with simultaneous measurement of transvalvular pressure differences and blood flow.
Of horseshoes and horse races: Experimental studies of the impact of poll results on electoral behavior

The article examines the impact of poll results on voter support for candidates. An experimental design was used to manipulate candidates' level of support in reputable opinion polls. The poll results were presented in a television newscast. The effects of the poll‐related news report were assessed with regard to voters' intention to vote, their assessments of the candidates' prospects, and their voting preference. Our results indicate that exposure to poll results influences individuals' preferences significantly (people become more positive toward the leading candidate) but not their intention to vote.
PON1 Q192R and Clopidogrel: A Case of the Winner's Curse or Inadequate Replication?

The antiplatelet drug clopidogrel is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world, but there is wide interpatient variability in its antiplatelet effects. The majority of this variation is due to genetic effects, but there is controversy over which genetic variants are important and their relative contribution. This controversy may stem from the genetic association research paradigm, which casts the “winner's curse.” Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2011); 90 6, 771–774. doi:10.1038/clpt.2011.226
“You Have to be Positive.” Social Support Processes of an Online Support Group for Men Living with HIV

Over the past decade, improved treatments have helped people with AIDS enjoy a state of restored health and greater hope for long-term survival. Because of these changes, social support is an even more important resource for those battling HIV/AIDS. One source for social support is a support group, which offers social and emotional resources to meet the needs of its members. The online support group investigated in this study serves gay men with HIV/AIDS and requires that they talk only about positive aspects of life. To understand the implications this rule has for support processes, a thematic analysis was conducted to determine how this group constructs social support. Rules and resources aimed at the group goal of positivity help develop a unique speech community. Implications for social support, support groups, and the Internet are discussed.
Low-noise frequency downconversion for long-distance distribution of entangled atomic qubits

Distribution of quantum resources such as entanglement over distances beyond a few fiber attenuation lengths requires realization of quantum repeaters that utilize entanglement swapping to extend the distance between the entangled qubit pairs [1]. A quantum repeater is a small quantum computer capable of generating entangled qubit pairs with its neighboring repeaters and storing them in stable quantum memories. Once the entangled pairs are generated, it will perform Bell basis measurements, classical communication with appropriate repeaters, and single qubit gates necessary for entanglement swapping. For high fidelity operation, it might perform local operations and classical communications (LOCC) such as entanglement distillation [2] and/or quantum error correction [3,4]. Generation of remote entangled ion pairs mediated by photonic qubits has been demonstrated [5] but their reach is limited since the photons used in the experiment are in the UV part of the spectrum. Coherent conversion of the photons emitted by Yb ion at 369.5nm to a photon at 1310 nm would enable entanglement generation over long distances [6].
User perceptions of the library’s web pages: A focus group study at Texas A&M University

Abstract This focus group study explored library patrons’ opinions about the library’s Web pages. The results indicated that patrons are frustrated and confused when trying to navigate the Public Access Menu. The insights gained into information-seeking behavior will enable the Web Team to create a more intuitive interface.
Magnetic field, temperature and electric field dependence of magneto-transport for polyaniline nanofiber networks

Abstract We report large magnetoresistance (up to 55% at T = 2.5 K and H = 8 T) for polyaniline nanofiber networks. Magneto-transport behavior has been studied at low and high magnetic and electric fields for temperatures 2–250 K. A crossover from positive magnetoresistance (MR) to negative MR is observed at ∼ 87.5 K. Two competing mechanisms which account for the MR behavior are shrinkage of localized electron wavefunctions and destruction of the quantum interference of wavefunctions of electrons propagating along various paths during charge hopping processes in the applied magnetic field. We also observed that the magnitude of positive magnetoresistance decreases with increasing electric field which we propose is due to decrease in the activation energies in hopping process.
Developing an Effective Transition Program for Students Entering Middle School or High School.

(2006). Developing an Effective Transition Program for Students Entering Middle School or High School. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 80, No. 1, pp. 15-25.
The effects of behavioral activation therapy with inpatient geriatric psychiatry patients.

Abstract This study examined the effects of Behavioral Activation (BA) treatment on depressive symptoms and quality of life among older adult patients in a geriatric psychiatry facility. There were 50 participants with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, each being 65 years of age or older. A 2 (between) × 3 (time of measurement) design was used in this study comparing control (treatment-as-usual) and experimental (BA) conditions at pre-, mid-, and posttreatment. BA consisted of eight 30- to 60-minute sessions across 4 weeks. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated a significant Group × Time interaction on depressive symptoms, with this effect remaining when only completer data were included. Further analyses indicated that this effect was due to significant change early in treatment in both the full and completer samples. There was no evidence of a significant effect on the quality-of-life measure. Cognitive status was not related to change in depressive symptoms, suggesting that BA may be useful across a range of older adults.
Stability and Structure of Some Organic Molecular Complexes in Aqueous Solution

On the basis of a simple model of 1:1 complex formation between planar molecules, this equation was derived: △G°u = A(G°SL — G°MS —G°ML),where △G°u is the standard unitary free energy change for complex formation, A is the area of overlap in the plane-to-plane interaction between the two molecules, and G°IJ is a free energy of interaction per unit area between I and J (S, L, and M represent substrate, ligand, and medium.) If the parenthesized term is roughly constant for a series of substrates and ligands in a constant medium, it is suggested that the quantity G°SL does not play a major role, and that the complex stability is primarily con-trolled by repulsive solvent interaction terms (G°MS and G°ML). It follows that the system will assume an orientation of S and L such as to maximize A. Therefore, maximal overlap areas were estimated for 18 neutral and 32 ionic complexes. A substantial improvement in the area correlation was obtained, and the observation was made that there is no significant difference between the average behavior of neutral and charged complexes. The maximal overlap concept provides a general “first-order” description of molecular complex formation in aqueous solution. Deviations from the line are significant and may be associated with specific structure-stability relationships. Application of the maximal overlap approach leads to average complex structures without introducing arbitrary assumptions about specific group interactions. The structures thus generated are consistent with the chemical reactivity of the complexes.
Twice Weekly Fluconazole Prophylaxis for Prevention of Invasive Candida Infection in High-risk Infants of <1000 Grams Birth Weight

Objectives We tested the hypothesis that twice weekly prophylactic dosing of fluconazole prevents invasive candidiasis without promoting resistant Candida species in high-risk, preterm infants. Study design We compared our previous dosing schedule (Group A) to a less frequent dosing schedule of twice a week (Group B) of fluconazole prophylaxis for up to 6 weeks in a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial in preterm infants weighing Results Candida colonization was documented in 5 (12%) of 41 Group A and in 4 (10%) of 40 Group B infants. Candida sepsis developed in two (5%) of Group A and one (3%) of Group B infants (risk difference, −0.02; 95% confidence interval, −0.14-0.10; P =.68). All fungal isolates remained sensitive to fluconazole, and no drug side effects were documented. Conclusions Twice weekly dosing of prophylactic fluconazole can decrease Candida colonization and invasive infection, cost, and patient exposure in high-risk, preterm infants weighing
Academic health centers and society: an ethical reflection.

Academic health centers--which combine university, medical school, and hospital--exist to satisfy universal human needs and thus are by definition instruments of social purpose. Their core mission is threefold: to provide medical knowledge that can help relieve and prevent illness and suffering, to
Retinoic Acid Mediates Regulation of Network Formation by COUP-TFII and VE-Cadherin Expression by TGFβ Receptor Kinase in Breast Cancer Cells

Tumor development, growth, and metastasis depend on the provision of an adequate vascular supply. This can be due to regulated angiogenesis, recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitors, and/or vascular transdifferentiation. Our previous studies showed that retinoic acid (RA) treatment converts a subset of breast cancer cells into cells with significant endothelial genotypic and phenotypic elements including marked induction of VE-cadherin, which was responsible for some but not all morphological changes. The present study demonstrates that of the endothelial-related genes induced by RA treatment, only a few were affected by knockdown of VE-cadherin, ruling it out as a regulator of the RA-induced endothelial genotypic switch. In contrast, knockdown of the RA-induced gene COUP-TFII prevented the formation of networks in Matrigel but had no effect on VE-cadherin induction or cell fusion. Two pan-kinase inhibitors markedly blocked RA-induced VE-cadherin expression and cell fusion. However, RA treatment resulted in a marked and broad reduction in tyrosine kinase activity. Several genes in the TGFβ signaling pathway were induced by RA, and specific inhibition of the TGFβ type I receptor blocked both RA-induced VE-cadherin expression and cell fusion. Together these data indicate a role for the TGFβ pathway and COUP-TFII in mediating the endothelial transdifferentiating properties of RA.
Standardized intracardiac measurements of two-dimensional echocardiography.

Thirty-five healthy adults were studied by two-dimensional echocardiography to attempt to standardize a simple method for measurement of intracardiac dimensions. Both ventricles and the atria and aorta were measured in five different views: parasternal long-axis, parasternal short-axis at the level of the aortic valve, the chordae tendineae and the papillary muscles and an apical four chamber view. The minor axis of each chamber was measured in all five views; the major axis in the apical four chamber view also was measured. All measurements are presented as a range of values (mean and 2 standard deviations about the mean); the mean value is given as well as the absolute range of values measured. Normalization according to body surface area is also presented. Data from these multiple views allow assessment of asymmetry of cardiac chambers in normal subjects. The mean minor axis dimension at end-diastole of the right ventricle in the parasternal long-axis view (1.9 to 3.8 cm) was 13.6% smaller than in the four chamber view (2.2 to 4.4 cm), whereas the minor axis dimension of the left ventricle in the parasternal long-axis view (3.5 to 6.0 cm) was only 1.1 % larger than in the four chamber view (3.3 to 6.0 cm). Therefore, the right ventricular minor axis dimensions are not interchangeable. Reproducibility in 10 subjects for all dimensions showed a maximal variability of 4.8%. These values permit a standardized and expeditious method for measuring intracardiac dimensions by two-dimensional echocardiography.
The wave operator on Sn: Estimates and applications

An optimal compact embedding theorem related to the wave operator on an n-dimensional sphere is established. The existence of nontrivial 2π time periodic solutions of nonlinear wave equations on Sn is proved in the case when the nonlinear term g(u) ~ ¦u¦ p − 2u, p is less than the critical exponent 2(n + 1)(n − 1), by suitable approximation and variational methods, even though the associated functional does not satisfy the Palais-Smale condition for n odd. Furthermore the regularity of weak solutions is proved for n even by establishing a special LP estimate for the wave operator.
Digital Image Viewing Stations: Radiologist Interests And Attitudes

In order to provide a PAC system which will appeal to, and be used by our Radiology staff, we have surveyed their attitudes about digital imaging in general and viewing sta-tions in particular. We anticipate installing a number of these stations in the full PACS, and we want these stations to provide improvement over the way we currently handle digital images. For these reasons, we felt it necessary to ask the radiologists who will be using the viewing systems what features and functions they would like to have available. The faculty, fellows, and residents in our Radiology department were asked to complete a questionnaire about digital imaging and workstations for viewing. They were asked to comment on existing viewing systems (i.e. CT consoles , nuclear imaging systems, and DIVA consoles). This paper discusses the results of the survey along with our ideas on how best we can implement the functions needed and requested.
Absence—and Mediated Communication—Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: Clarifying the Predictors of Satisfaction and Commitment in Long-Distance Friendships

This study sought to integrate research in the areas of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and long-distance (romantic and dating) relationships (LDRs). Specifically, predictions extracted from the hyperpersonal model of CMC and research on idealization in LDRs were tested. Five hundred ninety-two participants completed an online survey. Results indicated that the amount of time since individuals last communicated face to face moderates the relationship between media use frequency and satisfaction and commitment for long-distance friends. The findings provide support for hyperpersonal idealization mechanisms in some types of long-distance friendships.
3d electron delocalization from Mössbauer measurements on ferrous halides

Abstract Measurements on the anhydrous ferrous halides indicate (a) that the Mossbauer quadrupole splitting (QS) and isomer shift (IS) have a common origin and (b) that both properties may provide estimates of 3d electron delocalization. As in the case of similar series of Au, Sn, Sb and Te compounds, the IS in ferrous halides is linearly related to the Pauling electronegativity.
Construction of a tracheal pouch in rabbits

A tracheal pouch containing 8–9 cartilage rings was constructed in rabbits. The histology of the pouch showed intact cartilaginous rings, submucosa and mucosa. Plasma cells were present in the lamina propria. The pouches could be maintained free of infection for extended periods. The pouch mucus contained secretory IgA.
Preferential effects of the chemotherapeutic DNA crosslinking agent mitomycin C on inducible gene expression in vivo

The immediate effects of a single dose of the chemotherapeutic DNA crosslinking agent, mitomycin C (MMC), on the expression of several constitutive and drug-inducible genes were examined in a simple in vivo system, the 14 day chick embryo. We observed no effect of MMC on the steady-state mRNA expression of the constitutively expressed beta-actin, transferrin, or albumin genes. In contrast, MMC treatment significantly altered both the basal and drug-inducible mRNA expression of two glutethimide-inducible genes, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthase and cytochrome P450 CYP2H1. The basal expression of these genes was transiently but significantly increased over a 24 hr period following a single dose of MMC. Conversely, MMC significantly suppressed the glutethimide-inducible expression of these genes when administered 1 to 24 hr prior to the inducing drug. The effects of MMC on both basal and drug-inducible ALA synthase and CYP2H1 mRNA expression were principally a result of changes in the transcription rates of these genes. In contrast, MMC treatment had little or no effect on glutethimide-induced expression of ALA synthase or CYP2H1 when administered 1 hr after the inducing drug, suggesting that a very early event in the induction process represents the target for these MMC effects. Covalent binding studies demonstrated that the effects of MMC on gene expression were closely correlated temporally with formation of [3H]-porfiromycin-DNA adducts. These results support the hypothesis that genotoxic chemicals specifically target their effects to inducible genes in vivo.
Darwin: not the first to sketch a tree.

In the Perspective by A. Rokas, “Genomics and the tree of life” (29 Sept., p. [1897][1]), the caption to the accompanying photo identifies Charles Darwin's 1868 notebook sketch as “the first known sketch of an evolutionary tree.” This is mistaken. Nearly 60 years earlier, in 1809, Jean
A modified saturation‐recovery approximation for multiple spin‐echo pulse sequences

In equations describing multiple spin-echo pulse sequences, the T1 dependence is often approximated by a saturation-recovery expression, which is valid only when the repetition time TR is much greater than the time required for the echoes. A slight modification of this approximation greatly increases its accuracy for small TR values. © 1986 Academic Press, Inc.
Effective model-based mask fracturing for mask cost reduction

The use of aggressive resolution enhancement techniques like multiple patterning and inverse lithography (ILT) has led to expensive photomasks. Growing mask write time has been a key reason for the cost increase. Moreover, due to scaling, e-beam proximity effects can no longer be ignored. Model-based mask fracturing has emerged as a useful technique to address these critical challenges by allowing overlapping shots and compensating for proximity effects during fracturing itself. However, it has been shown recently that heuristics for model-based mask fracturing can be suboptimal by more than 1.6× on average for ten real ILT shapes, highlighting the need for better heuristics. In this work, we propose a new model-based mask fracturing method that significantly outperforms all the previously reported heuristics. The number of e-beam shots of our method is 23% less than a state-of-the-art prototype version of capability within a commercial EDA tool for e-beam mask shot decomposition (PROTO-EDA) for ten ILT mask shapes. Moreover, our method has an average runtime of less than 1.4s per shape.
On the conformation of the anticodon loops of initiator and elongator methionine tRNAs

The solution conformations of analogues of initiator and elongator tRNA anticodon stem-loops have been compared by NMR. The data indicate that both have conformations closely similar to those reported for crystalline elongator tRNAs. The two loops differ in their dynamics, however: that of the elongator analogue is more flexible than its initiator counterpart. The anticodon stem-loops of initiator tRNAs are more likely to be distinguished from those of elongator tRNAs during initiation on the basis of their distinctive stem sequences, than they are by differences in the conformations of their anticodon loops.
Electrical stimulation for the management of aspiration during Swallowing

Protection of the airway during swallow is often compromised following stroke and other neurological diseases. If a patient fails to recover airway protection with standard therapy, they are often left with few if any options to avoid repeated pneumonia resulting from aspiration. For them, the only option is no food by mouth and a PEG-tube for nutrition. Functional electrical stimulation offers possible solutions for restoring airway protection. Here we report the capabilities of transtracheal stimulation for vocal fold closure and selective stimulation of the XII cranial nerve to produce elevation of the hyolaryngotracheal complex. These stimulation locations add to our toolbox for managing swallowing difficulties and allow patients to maintain oral feeding.
TH‐D‐BRA‐02: Late Effects from Modern Radiation Therapy

Long‐term survival rates for patients with cancer are large and increasing. In survivors who received radiotherapy the prevalence of radiogenic late effects is also large and increasing with the potential to become a public health issue of considerable proportion. A multitude of late effects are associated with radiation exposure include the development of second cancers cardiac toxicity cognitive deficits and musculoskeletal growth abnormalities in children. In modern radiotherapy much effort is devoted to developing personalized treatments that control the tumor while minimizing acute toxicities to surrounding healthy tissues; comparatively less attention is paid to minimizing late effects. However in recent years much progress has been made toward quantifying the radiation exposures and the associated risks of late effects from modern external beam radiation radiotherapies. The objectives of this lecture are to provide an introduction to radiotherapy‐induced late effects including the governing biologic and technical factors to discuss techniques to minimize radiation exposures and risks and to speculate on future developments that will enable personalized risk‐optimized radiation treatments. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand sources of radiation exposure and risk of relevance to radiogenic related late effects following modern external beam radiotherapy. 2. Understand techniques to quantify radiation exposures and to predict the associated risks of late effects. 3. Understand techniques to minimize radiation exposures and risks using existing technologies.
Validity and reliability of an instrument for assessing health-related quality of life and treatment preferences: the Insulin Delivery System Rating Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE —To provide a preliminary assessment of the validity and reliability of a new measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and treatment preference for insulin delivery systems. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —Study participants were 197 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who completed the Insulin Delivery System Rating Questionnaire (IDSRQ), a self-administered questionnaire developed for this study. The IDSRQ assessed patient perceptions of treatment satisfaction, impact of treatment on daily activities, clinical efficacy, diabetes-related worries and social burdens, psychological well-being, and overall treatment system preference of patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and multiple daily injections (MDI). RESULTS —The IDSRQ subscales had acceptable reliability (α = 0.67–0.92, median 0.82) and test-retest correlations (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.67–0.94, median 0.88). Floor effects (0–10%, median 0%) and ceiling effects (0–18%, median 4%) were minimal. There were statistically significant differences ( P P = 0.096); differences in means were 0.3–1.4 SD units (median 0.9). Multiple regression analysis (controlling for age, sex, and type of diabetes) showed that treatment satisfaction, perceived clinical efficacy, and psychological well-being were independently associated with overall treatment preference and accounted for half of the difference in preference between CSII and MDI patients. CONCLUSIONS —Preliminary findings suggest that the IDSRQ is a valid and reliable measure of HRQOL and treatment preferences for insulin delivery systems. The subscales are comprehensive, sensitive to differences in user populations, and account for most of the preference for a particular insulin delivery system.
Comparison of the influences of adrenocortical hormones on the growth and involution of lymphatic organs.

PRELIMINARY investigations of the acute involution of lymphatic organs induced by administration of cortisone demonstrated that the hormone-induced involution of lymphatic tissue was a response of the continuous variate type (Santisteban, 1953). Accordingly, more detailed studies were performed to ascertain whether the regression relationships of certain lymphatic organs could be employed to elucidate further the quantitative interrelationships of amounts and molecular structures of certain adrenocortical hormones to the growth and involution of lymphatic organs. Although the method presented here might be adapted to various types of bioassay procedures, the emphasis in these studies has been directed towards establishing the comparative potencies and structural activity relationships of those adrenocortical hormones which were known to have the capacity to induce acute lymphatic organ involution (reviewed by Dougherty, 1952). Other steroid hormones which have been reported by various authors to produce g...