cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The cellular genomic diversity, regulatory states and networking of the metastatic colorectal cancer microenvironment

ABSTRACT Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) involves tumor cells seeding distant organs. Metastatic CRC genome biology has intrinsic properties related to heterogeneous clonal tumor cells and extrinsic properties of the cellular niche of the tumor microenvironment (TME). To characterize mCRC’s cell types and states, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and DNA sequencing (scDNA-seq) on metastases in the liver and omentum, a tissue lining the abdomen. We performed scRNA-seq on 49,637 cells derived from mCRC, paired normal tissue and peripheral blood. We performed whole genome scDNA-seq on 3,683 mCRC cells from the same samples. These metastases had intrinsic heterogeneity, with clone-specific copy number variation and lineage differentiation. For the extrinsic niche, TME macrophages had a cellular state resembling cirrhotic macrophages and foam cells with indicators of increased activity for extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. TME fibroblasts had an expression program influencing ECM composition that was not observed in matched normal tissue. Only a few CD8 T cells were present among the liver mCRCs, indicating immune exclusion. Receptor-ligand analysis revealed that TME macrophages and fibroblasts formed an interactome, thus providing intercellular coordination which increased T cell exhaustion and exclusion. For one mCRC, we used in a patient-derived ex vivo tissue model that captures the TME components of the original metastatic tumor, applied specific perturbations to the TME immune cells and evaluated cellular state changes with scRNA-seq. Overall, our study identified tumor cell clonal variation, characterized specific TME properties of the CRC metastatic niche and demonstrated an experimental model of perturbing the cellular TME milieu.
Breastfeeding initiation among women with preeclampsia with and without severe features.

BACKGROUND Timely delivery and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) are mainstay in the treatment of preeclampsia with severe features (PWSF). Premature delivery, severity of illness and mother-infant separation may increase the risk for breastfeeding (BF) initiation failure. OBJECTIVE To compare BF initiation among women with late-onset PWSF treated with MgSO4 to women with late-onset preeclampsia without severe features (WOSF) who did not receive MgSO4. METHODS Retrospective study of 158 women with PWSF and 104 with WOSF who delivered at ≥34 weeks. Intention to BF, formula feed (FF) or partially BF was declared prenatally. At discharge, exclusive BF included direct BF or direct BF with expressed breast milk (EBM). RESULTS PWSF and WOSF groups were similar in age, race, and obstetric history. PWSF and WSOF differed in primiparity (65 & 51%), late preterm births (73 vs 15%), admission to NICU (44 &17%) and mother (5 & 4d) and infant (6 & 3d) hospital stay. Both groups were similar in intention to BF (80 & 84%), to FF (16 & 13%) and to partially BF (5 & 5%). At discharge, exclusive BF (37 & 39%), partial BF (33 & 31%) and FF (30 & 30%) were similar. Exclusive BF in the PWSF group was 43% direct BF, 28% direct BF and EBM and 29% EBM alone whereas in the WOSF group exclusive BF was 93% direct BF and 7% direct BF and EBM. CONCLUSION BF initiation rates for women with PWSF and WOSF were similar. EBM alone or with direct BF enabled infants in the PWSF group to exclusively BF at discharge.
Optimal multi-period pricing with service guarantees

We consider the multi-period pricing problem of a service firm facing time-varying capacity levels. Customers are assumed to be fully strategic with respect to their purchasing decisions, and heterogeneous with respect to their valuations, and arrival-departure periods. The firm's objective is to set a sequence of prices that maximizes its revenue while guaranteeing service to all paying customers. Although the corresponding optimization problem is non-convex, we provide a polynomial-time algorithm that computes the optimal sequence of prices. We show that due to the presence of strategic customers, available service capacity at a time period may bind the price offered at another time period. Consequently, when customers are more patient for service, the firm offers higher prices. This leads to the underutilization of capacity, lower revenues, and reduced customer welfare. Variants of the pricing algorithm we propose can be used in more general settings, such as a robust optimization formulation of the pricing problem.
Are price discounts on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) linked to household SSB purchases? – a cross-sectional study in a large US household and retail scanner database

Price promotions on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are commonly used by retailers to provide economic incentives for purchasing. Surprisingly, there is a lack of high-quality articles that examine the frequency and magnitude of sugary beverage discounting and consumer responses to discounts. The objective of this study is to quantify the association between exposure to price discounts and SSB purchases. This cross-sectional study linked 2016 SSB consumption data from a U.S. household consumer panel (analytic sample N = 11,299 households) and weekly prices at stores where they shopped. We derived percent of the time SSBs were discounted (annual promotion frequency) and the amount of the discount (annual promotion magnitude) and assessed their association with household annual per capita SSB purchase ounces. Linear regression models adjusted for household size, income per capita, age, education, presence of children, race, occupation, region, and urbanicity. We also evaluated whether the association between promotion and purchase varied by socioeconomic status and race subgroups. Data were analyzed in 2019–2020. On average, households were exposed to SSBs price promotions 44% of the time. A 10-percentage point increase in annual SSB promotion frequency was associated with 13.7% increase in annual per capita purchasing (P 0.2). More frequent and deeper price promotion was associated with higher annual per capita SSB purchases. Restricting SSB price promotions may be effective at reducing SSB consumption.
Yes, We Have no Bananas: Re-regulating Global and Regional Trade

This paper analyzes competing global and regional attempts to regulate the world banana market in the current era of trade liberalization. We argue that the ongoing trade dispute, the "Banana Wars," is best understood as a conflict between two historically constituted commodity systems: the US centered "Dollar Banana" system and the "ACP Banana" trade between Europe and its former African, Caribbean, and Pacific colonies. Using a comparative commodity system approach, we illuminate the divergent trade geography, state sponsorship, corporate involvement, social relations of production, and environmental conditions characterizing each of these production systems. We highlight the role of political contingency in the global organization of the banana industry and demonstrate how Dollar and ACP Bananas have been socially defined as distinct commodities. Our analysis explores the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the reregulation of international trade. While recent WTO rulings in the Banana Wars privilege the interests of the United States and transnational corporations, the fate of the banana trade is being hotly contested by international organizations, regional trading blocs, national governments, producer associations, labor,and community groups. This study reveals an incipient Fair Trade Banana system which could represent an important countermovement to the socially and environmentally devastating corporate domination of the agro-food system.
Design of Mobile Learning for Outdoor Environments

Given their portability, mobile devices allow users to access information, record field observations, or search databases on-site to identify plant and animal species present in natural, outdoor settings. This paper presents five empirically based design guidelines for mobile learning outdoors that our research team used to design a mobile app to help families learn about tree life cycles. We link theory to practice by illustrating how the five guidelines were applied in the context of an outdoor mobile learning project called Tree Investigators.
Acquisition of Proof Skills in Geometry

The ACT theory of learning is applied to the domain of high school geometry. The concern is with how students become skilled at planning a proof of a geometry problem. A general control structure is proposed for integrating backward and forward search in proof planning. This is embodied in a production system framework. Two types of learning are described. Knowledge compilation is concerned. with how students transit from a declarative characterization of the domain to a set of operators for performing a specific task in that domain. Tuning is concerned with how students learn which problem features are predictive of the success of which operators.
Trade Costs and Shadow Benefits: EU Economic Partnership Agreements as Models for Progressive Development of International IP Law

This chapter addresses the specific question whether “development-friendly” provisions incorporated in recent European Union (EU) economic partnership agreements (EPAs) may serve as models for the progressive development of international intellectual property law. Other chapters in this volume strongly suggest that the intellectual property (IP) provisions represent a concession or cost for developing country parties in favor of the EU, including generally by eliminating flexibility to develop and implement industrial policy. The EU may view incorporation of the objective of sustainable development, enhanced protection of geographical indications (GIs), adherence to the Madrid System treaties and/or references to transfer of technology as representing benefits or gains for developing country parties. The general objective of sustainable development already is recognized in the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization and various other international instruments, and its incorporation in EPAs does not confer material supplemental benefits on developing country parties. The EPA between the EU, on one side, and Colombia and Peru, on the other (EU/CP EPA), also incorporates references to sustainable development relating to protection of biodiverse resources. However, these references do not commit the EU beyond what it has already accepted in multilateral forums or internal legislation. While developing countries may (or may not) benefit from enhanced protection of GIs depending on their particular situation, the list of GIs subject to protection under the EU/CP EPA is weighted very heavily in favor of EU products, suggesting that EU producers will gain substantially more from the agreement than Colombian or Peruvian exporters. The latter countries will also bear costs associated with internal displacement of agricultural products. Developing country parties may gain from adherence to the Madrid System agreements because such adherence is helpful to small and medium-sized enterprises. But these countries do not need an EPA to undertake such adherence. Finally, the technology transfer provisions in the EPAs are framed in hortatory terms, and lack concrete funding mechanisms. In the absence of concrete funding commitments, it is difficult to construe these provisions as providing material benefits. In sum, the provisions that might be considered “development friendly” appear insufficient to offset the loss of flexibility and specific concessions on IP made by developing countries in the EPAs, and generally do not lend themselves as models for the progressive development of international IP law.
Exploring Techniques for Improving Retrievals of Bio-optical Properties of Coastal Waters

Abstract : Long term goals: Development of algorithms for improved retrievals and monitoring of inherent water optical properties (IOP) from satellite imagery of coastal waters with current and future sensors for improvement of Navy electro-optical system performance utilizing: 1) VIS-NIR channels, 2) polarization characteristics of light in sea water and 3) advanced atmospheric correction schemes. Objectives: Enhancement of algorithms for IOP retrieval from reflectance spectra with utilization of VIS and NIR bands through: a) the use of reflectance characteristics obtained from red-NIR measurements as additional constraints in basic inversion models, b) utilization of satellite data (SeaWiFS, MODIS, MERIS, etc.) and the data from the LISCO offshore platform. Utilization of underwater and above water polarization components of reflectance spectra for the improvement of in-water visibility by particle type discrimination, and algorithm development through: a) the simulation of polarization components of reflectance for coastal water environments using polarized radiative transfer and b) measurements of polarization characteristics in field conditions to validate radiative transfer modeling and assess possibilities for the separation of organic and inorganic particulate components, improvement of underwater visibility and target detection. Development of advanced atmospheric correction models including a) incorporation of additional constraint for atmospheric correction in coastal waters, b) development of the interface to perform retrievals based on real time radiometer and lidar observations.
The role of steroid metabolism in protective and specificity conferring mechanisms of mineralocorticoid action

Publisher Summary Glucocorticoids and/or their metabolic products play a major role in renal Na+ retention. The routes by which glucocorticoids (GCs) and mineralocorticoids (MCs) are metabolized may dictate and/or regulate the magnitude of the physiological actions of these steroid hormones in Na+-transporting target tissues such as the kidney. Thus, the intracellular activity of various steroid-metabolizing enzymes in target tissues determines electrolyte homeostasis and may modulate blood pressure. Further experiments are now necessary to elucidate the signaling mechanisms (“unmasked”) that govern these protective mechanisms. Each of the distinct protective mechanisms for the MR and the GR that must exist along the various portions of the renal tubule must also be defined. Experiment are required to determine whether inhibition of 11P-OHSD isoforms 1 and/or 2 and 5β-R and other “inactivating” enzymes in vivo is responsible for or is part of this unmasking effect and also to determine the biochemical processes at the genomic level are integrally related to these protective mechanisms.
c≤25 noncritical strings

Abstract The “volume” of the diffeomorphism group of a surface depends on the metric on the surface, a dependence distinct from that of the Faddeev-Popov determinant. Assuming such a dependence can be consistently described by a natural extension of the ansatz of David, and Distler and Kawai, an anomalous mixing between the conformal factor and the bosonized ghost field above c = 1 results. Consequences for the physics of strings above c = 1 are indicated.
Reentry: Supporting Students in the Final Stage of Study Abroad.

It is often more challenging for students to readjust to their home culture upon return from an international or cross-cultural experience than it is for them to adjust to their new culture upon arrival in a foreign community. Many professionals argue that the readjustment process is actually the most important stage of the international experience. How can we as educational administrators help our students in the process of turning reverse culture shock into a positive learning experience?
Seismic regionalization in North America based on Average Regional Seismic Hazard Index

Cumulative Seismic Hazard Index (CSHI) is the logarithm of the sum of the seismic energies experienced at any location. Average Regional Seismic Hazard Index (ARSHI) is the regional average of Cumulative Hazard Index values normalized to 100 years. Both can be expressed in the same units as Mercalli intensity. ARSHI differs from previously proposed measures of seismicity in that it compensates for variations in the completeness of the historic record and for variations in the rate of attenuation of seismic energy with distance. More rapid attenutation of intensity with distance in the West than in the East reduces the difference in hazard between these regions. In North America between 30° and 50° N latitude, ARSHI varies from 8.44 in the Western Nevada to 5.28 in the Canadian Shield and Plains provinces. Since ARSHI is measured on a logarithmic scale, this is a range of a factor of over 1,000 in average energy flux. A trough of low seismicity between areas of high seismicity roughly coincides with areas of recent volcanic activity and high heat flow in parts of the Great Basin, the Columbia Plateau and adjoining areas. This low seismicity is interpreted as possibly being due to weakening of the crustal rocks by higher than normal temperatures. This interpretation would mean that low seismicity in this area is not evidence of a lack of tectonic activity. It is consistent with either a rising convection cell, a branch of the East Pacific Rise system underlying this area, or with igneous upwelling over an old subduction zone.
Designing Highly Active siRNAs for Therapeutic Applications

The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) generated considerable interest in developing short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for understanding basic biology and as the active agents in a new variety of therapeutics. Early studies showed that selecting an active siRNA was not as straightforward as simply picking a sequence on the target mRNA and synthesizing the siRNA complementary to that sequence. As interest in applying RNAi has increased, the methods for identifying active siRNA sequences have evolved from focusing on the simplicity of synthesis and purification, to identifying preferred target sequences and secondary structures, to predicting the thermodynamic stability of the siRNA. As more specific details of the RNAi mechanism have been defined, these have been incorporated into more complex siRNA selection algorithms, increasing the reliability of selecting active siRNAs against a single target. Ultimately, design of the best siRNA therapeutics will require design of the siRNA itself, in addition to design of the vehicle and other components necessary for it to function in vivo. In this minireview, we summarize the evolution of siRNA selection techniques with a particular focus on one issue of current importance to the field, how best to identify those siRNA sequences likely to have high activity. Approaches to designing active siRNAs through chemical and structural modifications will also be highlighted. As the understanding of how to control the activity and specificity of siRNAs improves, the potential utility of siRNAs as human therapeutics will concomitantly grow.
Global Sensitivity Analysis for multivariate output using Polynomial Chaos Expansion

Abstract Many mathematical and computational models used in engineering produce multivariate output that shows some degree of correlation. However, conventional approaches to Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) assume that the output variable is scalar. These approaches are applied on each output variable leading to a large number of sensitivity indices that shows a high degree of redundancy making the interpretation of the results difficult. Two approaches have been proposed for GSA in the case of multivariate output: output decomposition approach [9] and covariance decomposition approach [14] but they are computationally intensive for most practical problems. In this paper, Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE) is used for an efficient GSA with multivariate output. The results indicate that PCE allows efficient estimation of the covariance matrix and GSA on the coefficients in the approach defined by Campbell et al. [9] , and the development of analytical expressions for the multivariate sensitivity indices defined by Gamboa et al. [14] .
Measuring absorption coefficients in small volumes of highly scattering media: source-detector separations for which path lengths do not depend on scattering properties

The noninvasive measurement of variations in absorption that are due to changes in concentrations of biochemically relevant compounds in tissue is important in many clinical settings. One problem with such measurements is that the path length traveled by the collected light through the tissue depends on the scattering properties of the tissue. We demonstrate, using both Monte Carlo simulations and experimental measurements, that for an appropriate separation between light-delivery and light-collection fibers the path length of the collected photons does not depend on scattering parameters for the range of parameters typically found in tissue. This is important for developing rapid, noninvasive, and inexpensive methods for measuring absorption changes in tissue.
Selective nontreatment and spina bifida: a case study in ethical theory and application.

Defective newborn children are to be considered human persons. Thus, primary duty in proxy consent is to act with the infant's best interest in mind. This duty may at times override the otherwise prima facie right to life, but only under restricted circumstances. Refinements of McCormick's “relational potential” criteria and of ordinary-extraordinary means analysis prove useful in such decisions. Utilitarian considerations of social consequences have impact but can be kept subsidiary. The importance for decision making of available child support services is considered. Spina bifida is used throughout as an example of issues discussed.
o-Quinonoid heterocycles: benzo[c]tellurophene

The first synthesis of the o-quinonoid heterocycle benzo[c]tellurophene (5) has been achieved. Compound 5, prepared in two steps from the known 1,3-dihydrobenzo[c]tellurophene diiodide (6), was characterized spectroscopically, and by Diels-Alder trapping reactions.
The effects of beach replenishment on the benthos of a sub-tropical Florida beach

Abstract Changes in the benthic fauna of the near-shore zone were examined before and after a beach replenishment project on the central Florida east coast. Results indicated that the near-shore sand beach community is relatively species rich, although abundance is dominated by only two species of bivalves, the coquina clams Donax variabilis and Donax parvula. Strong gradients of increased species richness and abundance were found, with values increasing at the more seaward sites for both control and nourishment locations. This distributional pattern was unchanged by beach nourishment. Comparison of mean number of individuals per core across dates and among transects (two-way analysis of variance) showed no indication of significant negative effects of beach nourishment. Similar analysis for mean number of species per core also failed to show significant negative effects. Negative biological effects of beach nourishment may have been minimized in the present case due to a seasonal offshore movement of the dominant coquina clams. The close match of mean fill grain size to ambient grain size and an apparent lack of substantial fill movement into the biologically more diverse offshore areas may also have diminished biological damage.
Adenine nucleotide extraction from multicellular organisms and beach sand: ATP recovery, energy charge ratios and determination of carbon/ATP ratios

Investigations were conducted comparing the efficiency of adenine nucleotide extraction from bacteria, unicellular algae, invertebrates (copepods, isopods and polychaetes), and beach sand using boiling buffers and cold acid extraction procedures. Cellular levels of ATP, ADP, and AMP obtained by these procedures were used to calculate the adenylate energy charge ratio (ECA = [ATP] + 12 [ADP]/[ATP] + [ADP] + [AMP]). Although both extraction procedures efficiently extract ATP from unicellular micro-organisms, the results with multicells and beach sand indicate that the cold acid procedure preserves a greater percentage of the total adenine nucleotides ([AT] = [ATP] + [ADP] + [AMP]) in the form of ATP, resulting in higher energy charge ratios. There were relatively large losses of ATP when multicellular organisms were extracted in boiling buffers. These data suggest that ATP hydrolysis may be important in certain fluid-solid mixtures, and also adds experimental support to the thermal gradient hypothesis. The C/ATP ratios calculated from these data indicate that multicellular organisms have C/ATP ratios < 100, as compared with the 250 ratio commonly found in micro-organisms. These results are discussed in terms of the proportion of structural (non-living) carbon vs protoplasm (living) carbon within each of these groups of organisms, as well as the relative intracellular levels of non-adenine nucleotide triphosphates. These differences in the C/ATP ratios must be considered whenever ATP measurements are used for biomass determinations.
An improvement of the piggyback algorithm for parallel model checking

This paper extends the piggyback algorithm to enlarge the set of liveness properties it can verify. Its extension is motivated by an attempt to express in logic the counterexamples it can detect and relate them to bounded liveness. The original algorithm is based on parallel breadth-first search and piggybacking of accepting states that are deleted after counting a fixed number of transitions. The main improvement is obtained by renewing the counter of transitions when the same accepting states are visited in the negated property automaton. In addition, we describe piggybacking of multiple states in either sets (exact) or Bloom filters (lossy but conservative), and use of local searches that attempt to connect cycles fragmented among processing cores. Finally it is proved that accepting cycle detection is in NC in the size of the product automaton's entire state space, including unreachable states.
Theory of optically induced molecular reorientations and quantitative experiments on wave mixing and the self-focusing of light

We present a theoretical treatment of optical-field-induced molecular reorientations and quantitative experimental verifications of the associated nonlinear-optical processes in the nematic phase of liquid crystals. Explicit analytic expressions are obtained in the small-angle linearized approximation of the Euler-Lagrange equation describing the molecular reorientation. It is found that optical-field strengths much lower than the so-called optical Freedericksz transition threshold can create substantial molecular reorientations and generate easily observable nonlinear-optical effects such as self-focusing and degenerate four-wave mixings. The theoretically predicted dependences on the scattering geometry, the optical intensities, and the nematic thicknesses are in excellent agreement with experimental data. The relative contribution of thermal effect is also determined.
The role of 20-hydroxyecdysone in the moulting of Biosteres longicaudatus, a parasite of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa

Abstract Ecdysteroid levels in whole body extracts of parasitized and unparasitized Anastrepha suspensa peaked 24 h after initial puparium formation. Six to eight-hour old first instars of the parasite, Biosteres longicaudatus , dissected from the host 16–18 h prior to its ecdysteroid peak never moulted in 20-hydroxyecdysone free media, while > 15% removed 6–12 h afterwards (i.e. at 24–36 h old) did. Isolation of 6–8-h old parasites within ligated abdomens of pre-wandering host larvae inhibited the parasites' moult. However, topical applications of 20-hydroxyecdysone (1.3 μg) to each host abdomen 24 and 48 h after ligation elicited host pupariation and larval-pupal apolysis as well as parasite moulting. Pre-treatment of host larvae with 2.7 μg/g hydroprene prior to parasitization and ligation prolonged host larval life. Subsequent 20-hydroxecdysone therapy of these hydroprene-treated, ligated abdomens increased parasite moult above that of abdomens receiving 20-hydroxyecdysone treatments alone. Six to eight-h old parasite first instars incubated for 4 days in 20-hydroxyecdysone-free medium increased in length by 78.3% and in head-capsule width by 23.8%. After a 24-h pulse of 10 −6 M 20-hydroxyecdysone only those that exceeded 1400 μ [X = 14.1 ± 0.9 μ (SD)] in length and 250 μ in headcapsule width, moulted. A comparison of parasite growth in vivo and in vitro suggested that size may also affect moulting competence.
Urethral length in girls with lower urinary tract symptoms and forme fruste of female epispadias.

Abstract Purpose To investigate systematically the length of the urethra in girls with lower urinary tract symptoms. Materials and methods In a group of 121 consecutive girls presented at a tertiary referral clinic for urinary incontinence or recurrent urinary tract infections, urethral length was measured by perineal ultrasound. The urethra was measured with the patient in supine position without anesthesia. Mean age of the patients was 7.8 (0–15) years. Results Average urethral length was 26 mm. Minimum length was 12 mm, measured in a 5-year-old girl with dribbling incontinence. Maximum measured length was 40 mm in a 15-year-old girl. In four girls (3.3%), aged 1–10 years (mean 6.3), a short urethra was detected, with measured lengths of 12 and 14 mm. All four had normal genitalia, and were referred with therapy-resistant urinary incontinence or urinary tract infections. A gradual increase in average urethral length was measured from 23 mm at birth to 32 mm at 15 years. Conclusion Urethral length can be measured accurately by ultrasound. Although a short urethral length is rarely detected by ultrasound in girls with incontinence, it may be associated with therapy-resistant incontinence. In such cases, different treatment options are available.
CHANGES IN THE PERCENTAGE OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS OF THE BLOOD FOLLOWING SECTION OF THE SYMPATHETIC AND VAGUS NERVES

When a splanchnic nerve or the celiac plexus was severed a definite fall in serum calcium resulted, the level falling to 6 mg. per cent and remaining low for 1 or 2 weeks. Tetany, however, did not develop. The inorganic phosphate was slightly altered. On the other hand, when the vagi nerves were severed, the serum calcium rose. The equilibrium of both calcium and phosphorus was rendered less stable by the division of the sympathetic or the parasympathetic nerves.
The allele frequency of mutations in four genes that confer enhanced susceptibility to venous thromboembolism in an unselected group of New York State newborns.

Abstract The frequencies of Factor V G1691A (FVL), prothrombin (PT) G20210A, 5′10′methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, and methionine synthase (MS) A2756G (four mutations associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism [VTE]) were determined in a sample of approximately 1500 New York State residents. Dried blood spots from approximately equal numbers of Caucasians n =504 , African-Americans n =527 and Hispanics n =522 were anonymously obtained from the New York State Department of Health Newborn Screening Program. Following PCR amplification of dried blood spot DNA, allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization was used to detect mutant alleles. The total number of individuals at increased genetic risk for VTE was 271 (17.5%) of the 1553 persons tested. Increased genetic risk was defined as the heterozygous state for FVL or PT and the homozygous state for the MTHFR or MS polymorphisms. Sixteen individuals had more than one genetic risk factor. The MS gene variant allele frequencies for African-Americans and Hispanics are the first to be reported. This report also provides an estimate of the variant PT allele in the largest group of Hispanics studied to date.
Comparison of airway diameter measurements from an anthropomorphic airway tree phantom using hyperpolarized 3He MRI and high‐resolution computed tomography

Hyperpolarized (HP) 3He MRI is an emerging modality for imaging the lungs. By introducing into the lungs 3He gas hyperpolarized by five orders of magnitude, one can use HP 3He MRI to visualize ventilation distribution in both animals (1–3) and humans (4 – 6). Its clinical potential for diagnosing lung ailments was clearly demonstrated when lung ventilation patterns of subjects with lung disease visibly differed from those of healthy subjects (6,7). One of the respiratory diseases particularly suited for investigation with HP 3He MRI is asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, remodeling, and irreversible heterogeneous constriction of the airways. Because of airway constriction, regions within the lung may be deprived of ventilation. However, to date, HP 3He MRI studies of asthma have focused on the resulting ventilation distribution (2,8,9) rather than the actual airway constriction. Through dynamic imaging protocols, the ability of HP 3He MRI to image airways has been demonstrated in both animals (10 –13) and humans (13–16). However, no work prior to that of Lewis et al. (17) attempted to measure airway caliber from HP 3He MR images. Now, encouraged by the promising results from Lewis et al.’s (17) preliminary airway diameter measurements, a rigorous model-based algorithm for quantifying airway caliber has been developed and validated on a phantom consisting of plastic tubes in series (18). The algorithm is capable of subpixel resolution, but its performance in measuring airway diameters from projection images may be hampered by the overlap of airway profiles. While the quantification of airway diameters using HP 3He MRI is still in its infancy, computed tomography (CT) has been used to measure airway luminal area and wall thickness in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic subjects since the early 1990s (19 –23). Having had more than a decade to develop and mature, CT is the established imaging modality for quantifying airway diameters. Unfortunately, CT also uses ionizing radiation, which is an undesirable trait if repeated imaging is necessary in the event that disease development must be tracked. HP 3He MRI utilizes no ionizing radiation and is being explored as an alternative to CT for airway imaging. The credibility of HP 3He MRI for measuring airway diameters has not yet been established, but would be greatly improved if the diameters it quantifies can be shown to vary little from CT-derived values. This study seeks to examine the accuracy of diameters measured with the application of a model-based algorithm on HP 3He MR images of respiratory airways by comparing them against their CT-based counterparts. The measurements are limited to the airway segments that can be unambiguously identified in HP 3He MR images. A successful trial would justify the extension of both the imaging technique and the quantification algorithm to human studies, especially those involving airway luminal changes such as asthma.
Bedside Emergency Ultrasound in a Case of Acute Parotid Duct Sialolithiasis

Abstract Background Sialolithiasis with salivary gland obstruction can mimic more frequently occurring illnesses such as facial and dental infection and abscess. It is often difficult to discern the etiology of facial pain and swelling on physical examination alone, requiring advanced imaging in the emergency department. Case Report We describe the case of a 37-year-old man who presented with 5 days of worsening unilateral facial pain and swelling. Use of bedside emergency ultrasound by an emergency physician (EP) led to an appropriate diagnosis of parotid duct sialolithiasis. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Use of bedside emergency ultrasound performed by a trained EP successfully diagnosed symptomatic sialolithiasis of the parotid duct in the emergency department without the need for computed tomography. The utility of bedside emergency ultrasound in the evaluation of sialolithiasis and the outcomes of our case are discussed here.
Asphaltene nanoparticle aggregation in mixtures of incompatible crude oils.

We study the structure and phase behavior of asphaltenes comprised of large polyaromatic molecules in blends of naturally occurring crude oils using small angle neutron scattering (SANS). When two compatible oils are blended together, the asphaltenes remain dispersed as colloidal nanoparticles; however, when two incompatible oils are blended together, these asphaltene nanoparticles can aggregate to form microscale structures. We show that SANS directly probes asphaltene aggregation in unmodified (i.e., nondeuterated) crude oil mixtures due to a significant neutron scattering length density difference between the hydrogen-poor asphaltenes and the surrounding oil. Moreover, the small length scales probed by SANS are ideally suited for studying asphaltene aggregation: SANS simultaneously provides the average size and concentration of nanoscale asphaltene particles and also the volume fraction of microscale asphaltene aggregates. These discoveries yield a practical means for directly assessing the compatibility of crude oils and for diagnosing refinery fouling problems resulting from blending incompatible oils.
A donor–acceptor adduct: sterically encumbered ter­phenyl di­chloro[2,6-bis(2,4,6-triiso­propyl­phenyl)phenyl]di­chloro­(pyridine)­gallium benzene hemi­solvate

The molecular structure of the benzene-solvated donor–acceptor complex di­chloro­[2,2′′,4,4′′,6,6′′-hexaiso­propyl-1,1′:3′,1′′-ter­phenyl-C2′](pyridine)­gallium benzene hemi­solvate, henceforth known as 2,6-Trip2-C6H3GaCl2-pyridine benzene hemi­solvate or (1) + 0.5 C6H6 (Trip = 2,4,6-triiso­propyl­phenyl), [GaCl2(C36H49)(C5H5N)]·0.5C6H6, has been determined. The asymmetric unit consists of four independent mol­ecules of (1) and two benzene solvent mol­ecules. The Ga—C, Ga—N and Ga—Cl bond lengths span the ranges 1.979 (7)–1.983 (2), 2.028 (6)–2.040 (7) and 2.179 (2)–2.212 (2) A, respectively. All independent mol­ecules of (1) have essentially the same geometry with slight differences in the orientation of the peripheral phenyl rings and iso­propyl groups in the ter­phenyl moiety.
Main Group Metal Halide Complexes with Sterically Hindered Thioureas. VIII. Complexes of Lead(II) Halides with 1,3-Dimethyl-2(3H)-imidazolethione

Abstract Two new complexes of 1,3-dimethyl-2(3H)- imidazolethione (dmit) and lead(II) halides have been synthesized and characterized. Addition of dmit in molar excess to PbX 2 (X = Cl, Br, I, SCN) solutions in hot water yielded PbCl 2 dmit and Pb(NCS) 2 (dmit) 2 . No adducts were isolated for PbBr 2 or PbI 2 . Complexes were characterized via standard methods including both solid state and solution state information. Both complexes were high melting solids and appeared to be polymeric in the solid state, and IR data indicated polymerization occurred through halogen (of pseudohalogen) bridges only. Thiocyanate was N-bonded to the metal. Solution studies concluded that both were dissociated in DMF with PbCl 2 dmit being a non-electrolyte and Pb(NCS) 2 (dmit) 2 acting like a 1:1 electrolyte.
Taste and emotionality in rats selectively bred for high versus low saccharin intake

Rats were selectively bred for high versus low saccharin ingestion, a putative measure of enhanced stress and emotionality (Dess, 1991). In Experiment 1, third-generation Occidental high-saccharin (HiS) and low-saccharin (LoS) rats were tested for saccharin ingestion and emotionality. The saccharin test confirmed that the lines differed on the selection phenotype. In addition, LoS rats were more emotional, as evidenced by longer emergence latencies and more defecation in a modified open-field test. In Experiment 2, LoS rats had lower quinine preference scores and drank saccharin-adulterated glucose less avidly. These outcomes are reminiscent of the behavior shown by inescapably shocked rats. Unlike helpless rats, however, LoS rats drank less avidly during a dilute sucrose test, an effect more reminiscent of chronic mild stress. The lines did not differ reliably on intake of concentrated glucose or Polycose, even when the latter was mixed with saccharin. In Experiment 3, LoS rats preferred saccharin less strongly than did HiS rats at concentrations of 0.05% to 0.7% and had an aversion to a 1.0% solution. In Experiment 4, LoS rats were affected more by shock, as assessed by stress-induced anorexia. These and other recent findings support the notion of shared mechanisms for taste, emotionality, and stress vulnerability.
Smart-skin antenna technology

Using smart materials and skins, one could design a smart structure with suitable feedback system architecture. This paper is designed to address some technical advances and applications of smart materials, smart skins and coatings covering a broad spectrum of electromagnetic fields. The Smart Skin Antenna Technology Program's objectives are to (1) use smart skin technologies to develop an antenna system architecture which is structurally integratable, wideband, and embedded/conformal; (2) design, develop, and fabricate a thin, wideband, conformal/arrayable radiator that is structurally integratable and which uses advanced Penn State dielectric and absorber materials to achieve wideband ground planes, and together with low RCS, wideband radomes; (3) implement a smart skin antenna system architecture. Traditional practice has been to design radome and antenna as separate entities and then resolve any interface problems during an integration phase. A structurally integratable conformal antenna, however, demands that the functional components be highly integrated both conceptually and in practice. Our concept is to use the lower skin of the radome as a substrate on which the radiator can be made using standard photolithography, thick film, or LTCC techniques.
Effect of a semi‐annular thermal acoustic shield on jet exhaust noise

Previous experimental studies have shown that reductions in jet exhaust noise were obtained by the use of an annular thermal acoustic shield consisting of a high temperature, low velocity gas stream surrounding the high velocity central jet exhaust. The reduction is believed to be caused partly by reflection of the central jet exhaust noise by the shield. However, with an annular shield, multiple reflections are possible which help contribute to the total noise level of the nozzle. The present work consisted of an exploratory study to investigate the effect of a semi‐annular shield on jet exhaust noise with the rationale that such a configuration would eliminate or reduce the multiple reflection mechanism. Noise measurements for a 10‐cm conical nozzle with a semi‐annular acoustic shield are presented in terms of lossless free field spectral data at various angular locations with respect to the nozzle. Measurements were made on both the shielded and unshielded sides of the nozzle. The results are presented parametrically, showing the effects of various shield and central stream velocities and temperatures.
Optimization of the TES-Bias Circuit for a Multiplexed Microcalorimeter Array

A transition-edge-sensor (TES) microcalorimeter’s shunt resistor (Rsh) and thermal conductance to the cryogenic bath (G) are often considered to be interchangeable knobs with which to control detector speed. Indeed, for otherwise-identical TES-parameter models, there are many combinations of Rsh and G that give the same decay time-constant (τcrit). However, our previous work showed that with time- or code-division-multiplexed readout, the distribution of signal-to-noise ratio with frequency, which depends strongly on Rsh and G, is just as important as τcrit. Here, we present a set of calculations to select the optimal values of Rsh and G, given a linear TES model and count-rate and energy-resolution requirements. Lower G and lower Rsh make multiplexing easier. Our calculations also determine the allowed combination of SQUID-readout noise (SΦ) and multiplexer row-period (trow) and row-count (Nrows). Recent improvements to SΦ and trow in the NIST time-division-multiplexing architecture have allowed a NIST eight-pixel TES array to be read out with 2.70 eV (full-width at half-maximum) average energy resolution at 6 keV. The improvements make the X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometer co-proposed by NASA and NIST for ESA’s Athena X-ray observatory straightforwardly achievable, including engineering margin, with Nrows=16.
Psychiatric comorbidity in depressed HIV-infected individuals: common and clinically consequential.

Abstract Objective To report on the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and its association with illness severity in depressed HIV patients. Methods As part of a multi-site randomized controlled trial of depression treatment for HIV patients, 304 participants meeting criteria for current Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were assessed for other mood, anxiety and substance use disorders with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, a structured psychiatric diagnostic interview. We also assessed baseline adherence, risk, and health measures. Results Complicated depressive illness was common. Only 18% of participants experienced MDD with no comorbid psychiatric diagnoses; 49% had comorbid dysthymia, 62% had ≥1 comorbid anxiety disorder, and 28% had a comorbid substance use disorder. Self-reported antiretroviral adherence did not differ by the presence of psychiatric comorbidity. However, psychiatric comorbidity was associated with worse physical health and functioning: compared to those with MDD alone, individuals with ≥1 comorbidity reported more HIV symptoms (5.1 vs. 4.1, P =.01), and worse mental health-related quality of life on the SF-12 (29 vs. 35, P Conclusion For HIV patients with MDD, chronic depression and psychiatric comorbidity are strikingly common, and this complexity is associated with greater HIV disease severity and worse quality of life. Appreciating this comorbidity can help clinicians better target those at risk of harder-to-treat HIV disease, and underscores the challenge of treating depression in this population.
In-Vitro Fluid Dynamic Characteristics of the Abiomed Trileaflet Heart Valve Prosthesis

The need for better and longer lasting trileaflet valves has led to the design and development of the Abiomed polymeric trileaflet valve prosthesis. In-vitro fluid dynamic studies on sizes 25 and 21 mm valves in the aortic position indicate an overall improvement in performance compared to the Carpentier-Edwards and Ionescu-Shiley tissue valves in current clinical use. The pressure drop studies yielded effective orifice areas of 1.99 and 1.54 cm2, and performance indices of 0.41 and 0.45 for the Nos. 25 and 21 valves, respectively. Leaflet photography studies indicated that the two valve sizes had maximum opening areas of 225 and 145 mm2, respectively, at a normal resting cardiac output. Steady and pulsatile flow velocity measurements with a laser-Doppler anemometer (LDA) system indicate that the flow field downstream of the Abiomed valve is jetlike and turbulent. Maximum mean square axial velocity fluctuations of 55 and 83 cm/s, and turbulent shear stresses of 220 and 450 N/m2 were measured in the immediate vicinity of the nos. 25 and 21 valves, respectively. The Abiomed valves studied had been originally configured for use in valved conduits, and it is therefore our opinion that further improvements can be made to the valve and stent design, which would enhance its fluid dynamic performance.