cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Deep Learning Framework for Prediction of Readmission Risk After Cancer Surgery from Mobile Data Streams

Hospital readmissions cost the US healthcare system billions of dollars annually; they are associated with high mortality rates and listed as the source of stress and suffering for both patients and family members. Accurate and early prediction of readmission risk could enable management of emerging postoperative complications before they escalate into readmissions. However, it is challenging to predict who will be readmitted to the hospital following surgery ahead of time. Traditional approaches to readmission risk stratification rely on static administrative and medical record data and generally classify all surgical oncology patients at high-risk. There are, however, different factors related to day to day behavior and activities that may contribute to or signal increased or decreased risk of readmission after discharge. In our research, we leverage the capability of mobile sensing and deep learning to measure daily readmission risk in cancer patients after discharge. Using data from mobile and Fitbit devices of 49 patients collected over 90 days after discharge from the hospital, we build a probabilistic model in an LSTM structure to infer the risk progression trajectory in each patient from their processed behavioral mobile data. Our results show that using only sensor data, the model can predict the risk progression trajectory aligned with the ground truth data.
Breast Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs After Completion of Radiation Therapy Treatment.

Purpose To identify the unmet needs of breast cancer survivors after radiation therapy. Participants & setting Patients who received radiation therapy for unilateral breast cancer with six months or longer of follow-up and exhibited no disease progression were eligible for selection to a study conducted at an outpatient radiation therapy academic practice in the southeastern United States. Methodologic approach A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken using semistructured interviews, framed by the five domains of the Survivor Unmet Needs Survey and analyzed using an iterative inductive and deductive process. Findings Of the 24 invited patients, 17 agreed to the interview (including one male patient). Themes emerged from the emotional, relationships, and information needs domains. Implications for nursing Healthcare providers should perform a comprehensive needs assessment for patients with breast cancer receiving radiation therapy. Self-management assessment instruments may address patients' confidence in managing all phases of radiation therapy side effects.
The Hills…with the Partial Credit Model

In Rasch Analysis in the Human Sciences we discussed at length the use of what we named “The Hills” (Chap. 9 How Well Does That Rating Scale Work? How Do You Know, Too?). The Hills provide a technique by which analysts can evaluate how each rating scale step is helping to measure each respondent. This chapter extends the technique presented in Rasch Analysis in the Human Sciences for rating scales to the case in which an analyst wishes to evaluate aspects of the manner in which a partial credit scale measures respondents. In this chapter we help readers understand “the Hills” of a partial credit analysis.
3D Memristor Crossbar Architecture for a Multicore Neuromorphic System

Compact online learning architectures can be used to enhance internet of things devices, allowing them to learn directly on received data instead of sending data to a remote server for learning. This saves communication energy and enhances privacy and security, as the data is not shared. This paper presents a 3D memristor based multicore architecture capable of on-line learning, where a mixed signal design utilizes memristor crossbars to both store synaptic weights and to carry out analog dot product computations. A 3D memristor architecture is one where several memristor crossbars are stacked vertically on top of each other to reduce the area footprint of a chip. A variety of deep learning applications can be processed using the proposed architecture, and we show how the simulated architecture is able to learn and classify several datasets. In this work we also examine how changing the number of vertically stacked crossbars within a neural core impacts energy, time, and area requirements of the architecture.
Methods to Assess Intra- and Extravascular Volume Status in Heart Failure Patients

Increased body fluid volume portends poorer outcomes in both acute and chronic heart failure. Inadequate decongestion, defined as absence of hemoconcentration or increases in serum creatinine, is consistently associated with higher rates of heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular mortality. However, available means to identify and quantify abnormal fluid volume, monitor changes during decongestive therapies and determine when an optimal fluid volume has been achieved are poorly understood. In addition, ideal methods to assess extracellular and intracellular fluid status remain elusive. These knowledge gaps lead to unacceptably poor heart failure outcomes, as underscored by the results of many acute heart failure trials in which, regardless of decongestive therapy, only a small minority of patients achieve optimal volume status. The intent of this discussion is to describe methods for the assessment of fluid volume status, compare their relative advantages and limitations and propose research priorities in this area.
The Myth of Islam As Inherently Violent

There is an ongoing debate today over whether or not Islam is a religion of peace or groups like ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) and Boko Haram are really Islamic. Do violent passages in the Islamic scriptures cause Muslims to do violence? This chapter will argue that the violent extremists are not merely being faithful to the Islamic law and do not simply draw on Islamic sources to justify their actions.
Why are we doing this? Issue framing, problem proximity, and cities’ rationale for regulating single-use plastics

As local governments wade into policy arenas that extend beyond their traditional set of responsibilities – including those associated with sustainability and climate change – they are often compel...
Challenges and Opportunities of Intraoperative 3D Ultrasound With Neuronavigation in Relation to Intraoperative MRI

Introduction Neuronavigation greatly improves the surgeons ability to approach, assess and operate on brain tumors, but tends to lose its accuracy as the surgery progresses and substantial brain shift and deformation occurs. Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) can partially address this problem but is resource intensive and workflow disruptive. Intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) provides real-time information that can be used to update neuronavigation and provide real-time information regarding the resection progress. We describe the intraoperative use of 3D iUS in relation to iMRI, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in its use in neurosurgical practice. Methods We performed a retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent image-guided brain tumor resection in which both 3D iUS and iMRI were used. The study was conducted between June 2020 and December 2020 when an extension of a commercially available navigation software was introduced in our practice enabling 3D iUS volumes to be reconstructed from tracked 2D iUS images. For each patient, three or more 3D iUS images were acquired during the procedure, and one iMRI was acquired towards the end. The iUS images included an extradural ultrasound sweep acquired before dural incision (iUS-1), a post-dural opening iUS (iUS-2), and a third iUS acquired immediately before the iMRI acquisition (iUS-3). iUS-1 and preoperative MRI were compared to evaluate the ability of iUS to visualize tumor boundaries and critical anatomic landmarks; iUS-3 and iMRI were compared to evaluate the ability of iUS for predicting residual tumor. Results Twenty-three patients were included in this study. Fifteen patients had tumors located in eloquent or near eloquent brain regions, the majority of patients had low grade gliomas (11), gross total resection was achieved in 12 patients, postoperative temporary deficits were observed in five patients. In twenty-two iUS was able to define tumor location, tumor margins, and was able to indicate relevant landmarks for orientation and guidance. In sixteen cases, white matter fiber tracts computed from preoperative dMRI were overlaid on the iUS images. In nineteen patients, the EOR (GTR or STR) was predicted by iUS and confirmed by iMRI. The remaining four patients where iUS was not able to evaluate the presence or absence of residual tumor were recurrent cases with a previous surgical cavity that hindered good contact between the US probe and the brainsurface. Conclusion This recent experience at our institution illustrates the practical benefits, challenges, and opportunities of 3D iUS in relation to iMRI.
Assessing Sustainability: Measuring Individual and Institutional Progress

This chapter explores common assessment tools for gauging sustainability progress in higher education, investigating their strengths and limitations. It highlights the importance of embedding assessment into sustainability practices and operations to enhance their quality and explores Florida Gulf Coast University’s experience assessing institutional-wide sustainability with a focus on Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)’s Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). Lastly, we provide recommendations for FGCU for improving campus sustainability initiatives and suggest areas of future research for the improvement of sustainability assessment tools used among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Association of Granuloma Annulare With Type 2 Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Autoimmune Disorders, and Hematologic Malignant Neoplasms

Importance Although granuloma annulare (GA) has been associated with several other conditions, these studies have been limited by single-center designs and small sample sizes. Objective To evaluate whether there is an association between GA and type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, autoimmune conditions, and hematologic malignant neoplasms, using a large population-based cohort study. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study conducted between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019, used deidentified data from the US Optum Clinformatics Data Mart Database. A total of 5137 patients with GA were matched by age and sex with up to 10 randomly selected controls (n = 51 169) with a diagnosis of a nevus or seborrheic keratosis. Main Outcomes and Measures Logistic regression was used to evaluate for potential associations between GA and diabetes, hyperlipidemia, autoimmune conditions, and hematologic malignant neoplasms. All analyses were adjusted for race/ethnicity, income, and educational level. Results This study included 5137 individuals with GA (3760 women [73.2%]; mean [SD] age, 57.7 [19.0] years) and 51 169 controls (37 456 women [73.2%]; mean [SD] age, 57.7 [19.0] years). Those with GA were more likely than controls to have baseline diabetes (1086 [21.1%] vs 6780 [13.3%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.67; 95% CI, 1.55-1.80), hyperlipidemia (1669 [32.5%] vs 14 553 [28.4%]; aOR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.08-1.23), hypothyroidism (727 [14.2%] vs 5780 [11.3%]; aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15-1.36), and rheumatoid arthritis (62 [1.2%] vs 441 [0.9%]; aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.02-1.75). Those with GA were more likely to have incident diabetes (144 [2.8%] vs 1061 [2.1%]; aOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10-1.57), hypothyroidism (41 [0.8%] vs 252 [0.5%]; aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.14-2.22), systemic lupus erythematosus (21 [0.4%] vs 65 [0.1%]; aOR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.86-5.01), and rheumatoid arthritis (26 [0.5%] vs 122 [0.2%]; aOR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.34-3.13). There was no association between GA and an increased risk of hematologic malignant neoplasms. Conclusions and Relevance This population-based cohort study identified associations between GA and baseline diabetes and hyperlipidemia as well as between GA and both baseline and incident autoimmune conditions. These findings suggest that diabetes and hyperlipidemia may be risk factors for the development of GA and that autoimmunity may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of GA.
Comparison of Lag Versus Nonlag Screw Fixation for Long Oblique Proximal Phalanx Fractures: A Biomechanical Study.

Purpose To compare lag versus nonlag screw fixation for long oblique proximal phalanx (P1) fractures in a cadaveric model of finger motion via the flexor and extensor tendons. Methods We simulated long oblique P1 fractures with a 45° oblique cut in the index, middle, and ring fingers of 4 matched pairs of cadaveric hands for a total of 24 simulated fractures. Fractures were stabilized using 1 of 3 techniques: two 1.5-mm fully threaded bicortical screws using a lag technique, two 1.5-mm fully threaded bicortical nonlag screws, or 2 crossed 1.14-mm K-wires as a separate control. The fixation method was randomized for each of the 3 fractures per matched-pair hand, with each fixation being used in each hand and 8 total P1 fractures per fixation group. Hands were mounted to a custom frame where a computer-controlled, motor-driven, linear actuator powered movement of the flexor and extensor tendons. All fingers underwent 2,000 full flexion and extension cycles. Maximum interfragmentary displacement was continuously measured using a differential variable reluctance transducer. Our primary outcome was the difference in the mean P1 fragment displacement between lag and nonlag screw fixation at 2,000 cycles. Results The observed differences in mean displacement between lag and nonlag screw fixation were not statistically significant throughout all time points. A two one-sided test procedure for paired samples confirmed statistical equivalence in the fragment displacement between these fixation methods at all time points, including the primary end point of 2,000 cycles. Conclusions Nonlag screws provided equivalent biomechanical stability to lag screws for simulated long oblique P1 fractures during cyclic testing in this cadaveric model. Clinical relevance Fixation of long oblique P1 fractures with nonlag screws has the potential to simplify treatment without sacrificing fracture stability during immediate postoperative range of motion.
High throughput and low bias DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation analysis by direct injection mass spectrometry.

Abstract We present a direct injection mass spectrometry (DI-MS) platform that accurately, precisely, and quickly quantitates global levels of DNA cytidine methylation (5 mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC). Our platform combines an Advion TriVersa NanoMate coupled online to a Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Fusion Lumos. Following digestion to nucleosides, the DNA samples are analyzed at the rate of 0.98) and 0.13%–1.75% (R2 > 0.99), respectively. Accurate measurement of C, 5 mC and 5hmC is achieved by optimizing in-source fragmentation to obtain a population of up to 93% of just the nucleoside base. This protocol minimizes base dimer formation and partial base-deoxyribose dissociation in gas phase and greatly improves modified base quantitation. We also demonstrate that DI-MS overcomes biases in differential chromatographic retention and issues of sample degradation in the autosampler due to its high throughput. Finally, we present an application of our workflow to quantify DNA modifications on a batch of 81 samples in about 1.5 h.
The Combinatorial Astrology of Rabbi Abraham Ibn Ezra

Rabbi Abraham Ben Meir Ibn Ezra's(1089-1164) computation of the seventh row of the so-called Pascal-Chu triangle is described.
Our inner Black Madonna: Reclaiming sexuality, embodying sacredness

Abstract Feminist therapy needs to acknowledge the role of spirituality in women's lives. The process of uncovering the inner Black Madonna-a feminist psycho-spiritual approachis discussed as an empowering and healing tool. Clinical material illustrates how the client reclaimed her sexuality and spirituality. Cultural resonance is discussed within the intra ethnic and gender dyadic therapeutic relationship.
Biosynthesis of uric acid labeled with radioactive carbon.

Sonne, Buchanan, and Delluva (1,2) have recently identified some of the precursors of the carbon atoms of uric acid in the pigeon. We have had occasion to repeat and extend their experiments during an investigation of the suitability of the pigeon as an agent for the biosynthesis of uric acid labeled in various positions with C14. This paper presents data on the yields of several different kinds of labeled uric acid obtained after injecting suitably labeled precursors and also provides information on the r6le of the methylene carbon of glycine’ in the synthesis of uric acid.
A dynamic programming algorithm for de novo peptide sequencing with variable scoring

In the de novo peptide sequencing problem, output data froma tandem mass spectrometer are used to determine the peptide whosefragmentation yielded the output. Candidate peptides can be determinedby finding forbidden-pairs paths in a spectrum graph constructed fromthe mass spectrometer data, assigning scores to vertices and/or edgesin order to favor higher-scoring peptides. Chen et al. gave an algorithmto find the highest-scoring forbidden-pairs path in such a graph. However,in some scoring models, a vertex's score may vary depending onwhich incident edges are used in the path containing the vertex, rulingout the use of this algorithm. We give an algorithm to solve thehighest-scoring forbidden-pairs paths problem when vertex scores canvary depending on the incident edges used that runs in O(n2d3) time ona graph with n forbidden pairs and a maximum vertex degree of d, andprove its correctness. We are currently working on a Java implementationof this algorithm that we plan on incorporating into the Illinois Bio-Grid Desktop.
Inactivation of Penicillins by Thiol Broth

Thiol broth with sodium polyanetholesulfonate inactivated penicillin G, carbenicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, and gentamicin, but had no effect on cephalothin, cefoxitin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Only Thiol broth was capable of this inactivation, which was not influenced by the presence of blood.
Antiferroelectricity in Oxides: A Reexamination

The fundamental physics of antiferroelectric oxides and their properties are reviewed. First, the difficulties in formulating a precise definition of antiferroelectricity are discussed, drawing on previous discussion in the literature. We arrive at the following definition: an antiferroelectric is like a ferroelectric in that its structure is obtained through distortion of a nonpolar high-symmetry reference phase; for ferroelectrics, the distortion is polar, while for antiferroelectrics it is nonpolar. However, not all nonpolar phases thus obtained are antiferroelectric: in addition, there must be an alternative low-energy ferroelectric phase obtained by a polar distortion of the same high-symmetry reference structure, and an applied electric field must induce a first-order transition from the antiferroelectric phase to this ferroelectric phase, producing a characteristic P-E double-hysteresis loop. For analysis of the characteristic properties of antiferroelectrics, we use Landau theory functionals. The microscopic origins of the macroscopic behavior are examined. This is fairly straightforward for systems with clearly-defined reorientable local-dipolar entities, such as antiferroelectric liquid crystals and hydrogen-bonded antiferroelecrics, and these systems are not discussed in any detail in this article. The main focus is on the subtler case of antiferroelectric oxides, for which models based on symmetry-adapted lattice modes prove to be useful. Specific examples of antiferroelectric oxides are presented with available first principles results and discussion of the role of compositional tuning in producing antiferroelectricity, and the nature of the electric-field-induced ferroelectric phases. In thin films and superlattices, additional tuning is possible through the effects of strain and finite size. The article concludes with some remarks on materials design, including the optimization of properties relevant to technological applications of antiferroelectrics.
Foundations of knowledge for distributed systems

We give a simple, yet very general definition for distributed protocols. We then define notions of knowledge and common knowledge appropriate for these protocols. We study how changes in the states of knowledge relate to more standard notions of computation. We find that by restricting our formulas to certain sets of global states we can realize different, appropriate definitions of knowledge with fundamentally different properties.
A Royal Passion: The Turbulent Marriage of King Charles I of England and Henrietta Maria of France – By Katie Whitaker

Even for those familiar with the story, few would recognize the marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria as “one of the greatest romances of all time” (xvii). Katie Whitaker hopes to correct this ...
On the definition of “Picture”

The scientist and philosopher of science are today stressing that a study of the language of a science is an integral part of the study of that science. Antoine Lavoisier (in his preface to his Elements of Chemistry, 1789) put it this way: ". . . we cannot improve the language of any science without at the same time improving the science itself; neither can we, on the other hand, improve a science without improving the language or nomenclature which belongs to it." The point is therefore not a new one, although the modern-day development of symbolic logic has facilitated this sort of examination.
Pharmacological profiling of neuropeptides on rabbit vaginal wall and vaginal artery smooth muscle in vitro.

Background and purpose: Hypothalamic neuropeptides centrally modulate sexual arousal. However, the role of neuropeptides in peripheral arousal has been ignored. Vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle relaxation in the vagina is important for female sexual arousal. To date, in vitro studies have focused on vaginal strips with no studies on vaginal arteries. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sexual hypothalamic neuropeptides on rabbit vaginal wall strips and arteries. Experimental approach: Tissue bath and wire myography techniques were used to measure isometric tension from strips and arteries, respectively. Key results: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) relaxed both preparations, effects that were only antagonized by the VIP/PACAP antagonist VIP6–28 (10 nM) and the PAC1 antagonist PACAP 6–38 (1 μM). The melanocortin agonist α-melanocortin-stimulating hormone (1 μM), but not bremelanotide (1 μM), also relaxed both preparations. Oxytocin and vasopressin contracted vaginal preparations, which could be antagonized by the V1A antagonist SR 49059. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the NPY Y1 agonist Leu31, Pro34 NPY only contracted arteries, which was antagonized by the NPY Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP 3226. Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH; 1 μM) contracted arteries. Conclusion and implications: Hypothalamic neuropeptides can exert contractile and relaxant effects on vaginal strips and arteries. NPY Y1, V1A, MCH1 antagonists as well as VIP/PAC1 agonists may have therapeutic potential in both central and peripheral female sexual arousal. Differences in effect of neuropeptides between preparations raise the question of which preparation is important for female sexual arousal. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 236–243; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.253; published online 30 June 2008
MICROSPHERE-BASED FLOW CYTOMETRY PROTEASE ASSAYS FOR USE IN PROTEASE ACTIVITY DETECTION AND HIGH-THROUGHPUT SCREENING

This protocol describes microsphere-based protease assays for use in flow cytometry and high-throughput screening. This platform measures a loss of fluorescence from the surface of a microsphere due to the cleavage of an attached fluorescent protease substrate by a suitable protease enzyme. The assay format can be adapted to any site or protein-specific protease of interest and results can be measured in both real time and as endpoint fluorescence assays on a flow cytometer. Endpoint assays are easily adapted to microplate format for flow cytometry high-throughput analysis and inhibitor screening.
Potentially Important Extracolonic Findings at Screening CT Colonography: Incidence and Outcomes Data From a Clinical Screening Program.

OBJECTIVE. The effect of detection of extracolonic findings at screening CT colonography (CTC) remains controversial. Our objective is to analyze the incidence and outcomes of unsuspected potentially significant (CT Colonography Reporting and Data System [C-RADS] extracolonic category E4) findings in a population undergoing clinical CTC screening. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Over the course of 99 months (April 1, 2004, through June 30, 2012), 7952 consecutive asymptomatic adults (3675 men and 4277 women; mean [± SD] age, 56.7 ± 7.3 years) underwent first-time screening CTC. Examinations were prospectively interpreted by radiologists within our abdominal imaging section, and extracolonic findings were recorded and categorized. Potentially significant (i.e., C-RADS extracolonic category E4) findings were retrospectively reviewed with additional analysis of follow-up (range, 2–10 years) and ultimate clinical outcome. RESULTS. Overall, 2.5% (202/7952) of patients had a potentially significant (C-RADS category E4) e...
INTRACELLULAR HEMOLYSIN OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

Berk, Richard S. (Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich.). Intracellular hemolysin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J. Bacteriol. 85:522–526. 1963.—Disruption of cells (2 to 6 days old) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown in Tryptose Broth devoid of blood yielded an intracellular hemolysin active on sheep and human erythrocytes. The intracellular agent was not usually detectable in cells grown under highly aerobic conditions. However, activity was observed after 48 hr of growth and appeared to reach a peak at 96 hr when grown under static conditions. Centrifugation of hemolytic extracts at 20,000 × g for 30 min resulted in a fractionation of activity into particulate and soluble components. Similar fractionation of activity occurred after adjustment of the pH of crude extracts to 1.40. In addition, hemolytic preparations were not inactivated by boiling for 90 min, by treatment with ethylenediaminetetraacetate, or by heating in equal volumes of 20% KOH. Activity over a wide pH range was noted, with a maximum occurring at approximately 6.0. However, some preparations occasionally exhibited a second peak on the alkaline side.
Managerial Power and Tenure in the Large Corporation

This research examines the relationship of managerial power, in terms of the stockholdings of both the chief executive officer and other directors, to the length of managerial tenure among 218 large industrial corporations. Analysis of covariance is employed to assess the effects of different control configurations on the length of tenure, controlling for the simultaneous effects of corporate size and performance. On the basis of this analysis, it is evident that significant stock ownership by the chief executive officer is associated with longer tenure; but significant stock ownership by other directors is not associated with shorter tenure. Also, there are no consistent relationships between the control configuration variables and either the age of the chief executive officer or his years of service with the corporation. Finally, the relationship between managerial power and tenure obtains even when the chief executive officer controls only a relatively small block of stock. Sociologists and other social scientists have demonstrated an abiding interest in the issue of managerial succession and tenure in organizations. Some researchers have focused primarily on the impact of managerial succession on subsequent organization performance (Allen et al; Eitzen and Yetman; Gamson and Scotch; Grusky, b). Conversely, other researchers have concentrated on the organization characteristics which affect the rate of managerial succession (Allen et al.; Gordon and Becker; Grusky, a; James and Soref); or, alternatively, the length of managerial tenure (Crain et al.; Kriesberg; McEachern; Salancik and Pfeffer). Implicit in most of these studies is the assumption that a change of organization leadership often leads to more fundamental changes in organization goals and operations (Perrow; Zald, c). Whatever the eventual consequences of managerial succession for the organization, the process of succession is important in its own right because it provides evidence concerning the internal politics of the organiPaper presented at the annual meeting of the Pacific Sociological Association, 1981. I thank Mayer N. Zald and William H. Form for their comments on an earlier version of this paper. ? 1981 The University of North Carolina Press. 0037-7732/81/020482-94$01.30
Prenatal diagnostics: Fetal genes in mother's blood

The genome sequence of a fetus can be inferred from the relative numbers of variants of DNA sequences in a pregnant woman's blood. This advance in non-invasive diagnostics comes with some ramifications. See Article p.320 Prenatal genetic testing usually requires invasive sampling, with associated risks to the health of the fetus and mother. Here, Stephen Quake and colleagues describe how molecular counting can be used to reconstruct the fetal genome non-invasively from maternal blood. They use shotgun sequencing to determine which of the two haplotypes within each parent is over-represented in maternal plasma DNA and has therefore been inherited by the fetus. The fetal exome can then be screened for clinically relevant alleles that were paternally inherited or had arose as de novo germline mutations.
Do They Get It? Exploring the Value of Research and the Ability of Participants with Disabilities to Identify Key Components of a Research Article

This exploratory study investigated the opinions and knowledge of persons with mainly psychiatric disabilities in regards to research and the research process. A survey/test was administered before and after the study participants read a short primer that used a short-story format to describe how research is conducted and that provided the outline of a research article. Following the survey, a short discussion period was held to address the participants' questions and concerns. The results indicated that the participants found the research to be highly valuable but were more familiar with research of a medical nature (e.g., diabetic and psychotropic medications). By reading a short primer, they were able to learn about many components of a research article and to see research as a potentially valuable advocacy tool.
Identification, sequence and expression patterns of the Caenorhabditis elegans col-36 and col-40 collagen-encoding genes.

Abstract The collagen (Col)-encoding gene family in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans , consists of 50–150 members. We have undertaken studies of these genes as part of the analysis of the assembly of the cuticle, the nematode's exoskeleton. We present here the complete nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the col -36 and col -40 genes, both located on chromosome II and encoding cuticle Col. Both Col possess the structural properties found in the type of Col that form the cuticle, such as short Gly-Xaa-Yaa interruptions and Cys clusters at conserved sites. On the basis of identical patterns of conserved cysteines, col -36 and col -40 belong to the col -6 cuticle Col family. Semi-quantitative analysis using reverse transcription-PCR demonstrates that the col -36 transcript is present in L1 larvae and at the L1-L2 and L2d-dauer molts. The col -40 transcript is present in L1 larvae and at the L2d-dauer molt. Different members of the col -6 family are structurally related, but have different developmental expression patterns.
Conformation of acyl carrier protein from Mycobacterium phlei.

The molecular weight of ACPM. phlei2 as determined by physical measurements is 10,450. Optical rotatory dispersion measurements indicate that this protein has a high degree of a-helical structure. The function of ACPM. phlei was examined in the E. coli fatty acid synthetase system.
Coherent polyatomic dynamics studied by femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy: Dissociation of vibrationally excited CS2 in the 6s and 4d Rydberg states

The dissociation dynamics of the 6s and 4d Rydberg states of carbon disulfide (CS(2)*) are studied by time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. The CS(2) is excited by two photons of 267 nm (pump) to the 6s and 4d Rydberg states and probed by ionization with either 800 or 400 nm. The experiments can distinguish and successfully track the time dynamics of both spin [1/2] (upper) and [3/2] (lower) cores of the excited Rydberg states, which are split by 60 meV, by measuring the outgoing electron kinetic energies. Multiple mode vibrational wave packets are created within the Rydberg states and observed through recurrence interferences in the final ion state. Fourier transformation of the temporal response directly reveals the coherent population of several electronic states and vibrational modes. The composition of the wave packet is varied experimentally by tuning the excitation frequency to particular resonances between 264 and 270 nm. The work presented here shows that the decay time of the spin components exhibits sensitivity to the electronic and vibrational states accessed in the pump step. Population of the bending mode results in an excited state lifetime of as little as 530 fs, as compared to a several picosecond lifetime observed for the electronic origin bands. Experiments that probe the neutral state dynamics with 400 nm reveal a possible vibrationally mediated evolution of the wave packet to a different Franck-Condon window as a consequence of Renner-Teller splitting. Upon bending, symmetry lowering from D(infinityh) to C(2v) enables ionization to the CS(2) (+) (B (2)Pi(u)) final state. The dissociation dynamics observed are highly mode specific, as revealed by the frequency and temporal domain analysis of the photoelectron spectra.
MS/MS simplification by 355 nm ultraviolet photodissociation of chromophore-derivatized peptides in a quadrupole ion trap.

Ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) of chromophore-modified peptides enhances the capabilities for de novo sequencing in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Attachment of UV chromophores allows efficient photoactivation of not only the precursor ions but also any fragments that retain the chromophore functionality. For doubly protonated peptides, UVPD leads to a vast reduction in MS/MS complexity. The array of b and y ions typically seen upon collisionally activated dissociation is reduced to a single series of either y or b ions by UVPD depending on the location of the chromophore (i.e., N- or C-terminus). The sulfonation reagent Alexa Fluor 350 (AF350) provided the best overall results for the singly and doubly charged peptides by UVPD. The nonsulfonated analogue of AF350, 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetic acid, also led to simplified spectra for doubly charged, but not singly charged, peptides by UVPD. Dinitrophenyl-peptides also yielded simplified spectra by UVPD albeit with a small amount of in...
Regulation of Organic Matter Decomposition and Nutrient Release in a Wetland Soil

In wetland soils, the supply of O 2 to soil is greatly reduced; thus, alternate electron acceptors must be utilized by the microbial populations during decomposition of organic matter. These changes in the supply of electron acceptors affect the size of microbial populations, enzyme production, and decomposition of organic matter. A laboratory study was conducted to determine the role of redox potential (Eh) and availability of electron acceptors on selected microbial processes regulating organic matter decomposition and nutrient release. Soil Eh was maintained approximately at 620, 310, -100, and -220 mV, with the addition of O 2 , NO 3 , SO 2- 4 , and HCO 3 , respectively. The soil microbial biomass, as determined by fumigation-extraction methods, gradually decreased as soils became more reduced. Microbial biomass C ranged from 354 to 10 100 mg C kg 1 soil (dw), while microbial biomass N and P ranged from 140 to 439 mg N kg -1 soil (dw), and 64 to 180 mg P kg -1 soil (dw), respectively, Organic C, N, and P mineralization rates decreased as soils became more reduced. Organic C mineralization rates measured by CO 2 production ranged from 51 to 400 mg C kg -1 (dw) d -1 . Corresponding values of organic N and P mineralization rates ranged from 21 to 150 mg N kg -1 (dw) d ', and 6 to 107 mg P kg ' (dw) d - ', respectively. Significant relationships (P < 0.01) were observed among the soil enzyme activities, microbial biomass, and the mineralization rates of C, N, and P.
Social-environmental factors affecting behavior and plasma testosterone in normal and amygdala lesioned M. speciosa.

A social group ofM. speciosa were observed in a laboratory enclosure and subsequently transferred to a 1/2 acre corral. Lesions of the baso-lateral amygdaloid nuclei inM. speciosa resulted in a disruption of affiliative behavior which did not recover over a three month period of continuous observation. Qualitative and quantitative measures indicated that no recovery in social isolation was evident. Social stress produced transient cohesiveness. Polymorphus sexual behavior increased in both operates and normals while in a laboratory enclosure but was absent when placed in a 1/2 acre enclosure. Plasma testosterone levels were related to social rank in both males and females. Alterations in dominance in the postoperative period were followed by concomitant changes in testosterone levels.
Numerical solutions of the water-wave dispersion relation

Numerical techniques are described for the evaluation of the real and imaginary wavenumbers of plane water waves. Series expansions are derived for the real wavenumber which are valid when the fluid depth is either small or large. These expansions are used to develop a pair of complementary polynomial approximations accurate to seven or eight significant figures for all values of the depth parameter. More accurate results can be achieved by iteration, and a higher-order extension of the Newton-Raphson technique is derived for this purpose. Similar techniques are described for the imaginary wavenumbers which arise in eigenfunction expansions.
Extubation force depends upon angle of force application and fixation technique: a study of 7 methods

Endotracheal tubes are frequently used to establish alternate airways. Precise placement of the tubes must be maintained to prevent serious complications. Several methods for fixation of endotracheal tubes are available. Available methods vary widely in form and functionality. Due to the unpredictable and dynamic nature of circumstances surrounding intubation, thorough evaluation of tube restraints may help reduce airway accidents such as tube dislodgement and unplanned extubation. Seven different tube-restraint combinations were compared against themselves and one another at a series of discrete angles (test points) covering a hemisphere on the plane of the face. Force values for tube motion of 2 cm and 5 cm (or failure) were recorded for 3 pull tests, at each angle, for each method of tube fixation. All methods showed variation in the force required for tube motion with angle of force application. When forces were averaged over all test points, for each fixation technique, differences as large as 132 N (30 lbf) were observed (95% CI 113 N to 152 N). Compared to traditional methods of fixation, only 1 of the 3 commercially available devices consistently required a higher average force to displace the tube 2 cm and 5 cm. When ranges of force values for 5 cm displacement were compared, devices span from 80–290 N (18–65 lbf) while traditional methods span from 62–178 N (14–40 lbf), highlighting the value of examining forces at the different angles of application. Significant differences in standard deviations were also observed between the 7 techniques indicating that some methods may be more reproducible than others. Clinically, forces can be applied to endotracheal tubes from various directions. Efficacies of different fixation techniques are sensitive to the angle of force application. Standard deviations, which could be used as a measure of fixator reliability, also vary with angle of force application and method of tube restraint. Findings presented in this study may be used to advance clinical implementation of current methods as well as fixator device design in an effort to reduce the incidence of unplanned extubation.
Validation of the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version in Survivors of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Life-threatening illness now qualifies as a precipitating stressor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We examined the validity of the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version (PCL–C; Weathers, Litz, Herman, Juska, & Keane, 1993), a brief 17-item inventory of PTSD-like symptoms, in a sample of 111 adults who had undergone bone marrow transplantation an average of 4.04 years previously. Exploratory factor analysis of the PCL–C identified four distinct patterns of symptom responses: Numbing–Hyperarousal, Dreams–Memories of the Cancer Treatment, General Hyperarousal, Responses to Cancer-Related Reminders and Avoidance–Numbing. Respondents meeting PTSD symptom criteria on the PCL–C had significantly lower physical, role, and social functioning, greater distress and anxiety, and significantly more intrusive and avoidant responses than individuals who did not meet PTSD symptom criteria.
Optical search for lightning on Neptune

A search for optical flashes has been conducted to verify the hypothesized identification of whistlers detected by Voyager 2 on Neptune with lightning events. A set of 98 of the best Voyager 2 images of the nightside of Neptune have been processed and searched for optical flashes; no lightning storms were found, despite the image ranges' being as short as those which showed intense lightning storms on Jupiter, and the coverage of the planet by the images being of the order of 94 percent of the surface. Either Neptune's lightning is less visible than that of Jupiter, or it is only one-fourth as frequent.
MSH and MIF-I in animal models of tardive dyskinesia

Abstract α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) and MSH release inhibiting factor (MIF-I) were tested for their effects on animals with prior exposure to haloperidol. Such animals are known to have an augmented stereotypic response to dopamine agonist and have been used as an animal model of tardive dyskinesia. Both MSH and MIF-I increased the stereotypy that followed the administration of the lowest dose of apomorphine (0.125 mg/kg), suggesting that MSH and MIF-I might weakly increase dopaminergic transmission.
Lanthanide complexes of trimethyl phosphate and methyl ethylene phosphate

Abstract Complexes of trimethyl phosphate (TMP) and methyl ethylene phosphate (MEP) with selected lanthanide (III) perchlorates and uranyl perchlorate have been isolated and characterized. The number of phosphate molecules coordinated to the lanthanide ions are five to seven for TMP and eight for MEP. I.R. and conductance data provide evidence for coordinated perchlorate in the TMP complexes. Complexes of uranyl perchlorate contain five molecules of organic phosphate per uranyl ion.
THE EFFECT OF DIVORCE ON SUICIDE IN DENMARK, 1951–1980

Past research on the effect of marital dissolution on suicide is limited largely to the cultural and institutional framework of the U.S. The present article studies Denmark, a nation with a differe...
High speed silicon Mach-Zehnder modulator

We demonstrate a silicon modulator with an intrinsic bandwidth of 10 GHz and data transmission from 6 Gbps to 10 Gbps. Such unprecedented bandwidth performance in silicon is achieved through improvements in material quality, device design, and driver circuitry.
Studies of a plasma membrane steroid receptor in Xenopus oocytes using the synthetic progestin RU 486.

Abstract A steroid binding protein (M r = 110,000) has previously been identified in the plasma membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes by photoaffinity labeling with [ 3 H]R5020. In order to further characterize this steroid receptor, the photoaffinity labeled receptor protein was solubilized with 0.1% Brij 35. The solubilized labeled receptor yielded an approximate mol. wt of 102,000 ± 2,000 by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. suggesting that the solubilized receptor exists as a monomer. RU 486, a synthetic progestin antagonist for mammalian cytosolic receptor systems, inhibited up to 70% of [ 3 H] R5020 photoaffinity binding to the 110,000-Dalton receptor with an IC50 of 5 μ M and induced germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) with an EC50 of 9.0 ± 0.6 μ M. GVBD induced by RU 486 was slower than with progesterone, and RU 486 was less powerful than progesterone. Micromolar concentrations of RU 486 also potentiated GVBD induced by sub-optimal concentrations of progesterone or R5020. Furthermore, RU 486 inhibited oocyte plasma membrane adenylate cyclase with an apparent IC50 of 7.5 ± 2.5 μ M. The close correlation of the EC50 value for RU 486 induction of GVBD with the IC50 values for inhibition of [ 3 H]R5020 photoaffinity labeling of the 110,000-Dalton receptor and inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity further supports the physiological significance of the oocyte plasma membrane steroid receptor.
Territorial Behavior and Ecological Divergence in a Polymorphic Salamander

Polymorphic species provide an opportunity to examine the process of sympatric divergence as it occurs. The Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus, is a polymorphic species that has served as a model organism in behavioral and ecological studies. Recent work suggests that the two most common color phenotypes (striped and unstriped) exhibit weak assortative mating and are diverging along a number of niche dimensions including temperature optima, diet, and response to predators. Males and females of P. cinereus are territorial and this behavior is thought to function in the context of prey and mate acquisition. Striped males have been shown to gain access to larger, and presumably more fecund, females. We posited that this pattern emerges through differential territorial behavior between the two phenotypes. We predicted that striped and unstriped salamanders would differ in their use of cover objects in the field, and in their aggressive responses to intruders in the laboratory. We examined salam...
Penile venereal edema in an adolescent

The syndrome of penile venereal edema must be considered in the differential diagnosis of male adolescents with penile swelling. A case is presented and discussed. Friction injury is usually the likely pathogenic mechanism. Concommitant venereal disease needs to be excluded. This dramatic condition resolves spontaneously within a few days.