cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of latent tuberculosis infection treatment completion in the US private sector: an analysis of administrative claims data.

Factors that affect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment completion in the US have not been well studied beyond public health settings. This gap was highlighted by recent health insurance-related regulatory changes that are likely to increase LTBI treatment by private sector healthcare providers. We analyzed LTBI treatment completion in the private healthcare setting to facilitate planning around this important opportunity for tuberculosis (TB) control in the US. We analyzed a national sample of commercial insurance medical and pharmacy claims data for people ages 0 to 64 years who initiated daily dose isoniazid treatment between July 2011 and March 2014 and who had complete data. All individuals resided in the US. Factors associated with treatment completion were examined using multivariable generalized ordered logit models and bivariate Kruskal-Wallis tests or Spearman correlations. We identified 1072 individuals with complete data who initiated isoniazid LTBI treatment. Treatment completion was significantly associated with less restrictive health insurance, age < 15 years, patient location, use of interferon-gamma release assays, non-poverty, HIV diagnosis, immunosuppressive drug therapy, and higher cumulative counts of clinical risk factors. Private sector healthcare claims data provide insights into LTBI treatment completion patterns and patient/provider behaviors. Such information is critical to understanding the opportunities and limitations of private healthcare in the US to support treatment completion as this sector’s role in protecting against and eliminating TB grows.
Coetzee’s Stones: Dusklands and the Nonhuman Witness

Bringing together theoretical writing on objects, testimony, and trauma to develop the category of the “nonhuman witness,” this essay considers the narrative, ethical, and ecological work performed...
Chitin Biosynthesis and Morphogenetic Processes

Chitin, one of the most abundant substances of biological origin, is an important component of cell walls and septa of many fungi (Wessels and Sietsma 1981; Ruiz-Herrera 1992). Because walls and septa have a well-defined shape and an essential role in cell maintenance and growth, there has been increasing interest in chitin biogenesis. Thus, the synthesis of chitin in fungi has served as a useful model for morphogenesis (Cabib 1987; Cabib et al. 1982b, 1988; Bulawa 1993).
Population Structure of Circumpolar Groups of Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland

In recent years, there have been numerous attempts to apply models of genetic population structure to various human populations existing under diverse ecological conditions and subsistence patterns. This approach usually involves fitting a rigid model to a group of subpopulations assumed to be exchanging mates and undergoing genetic drift at a constant rate. The similarlity or dissimilarity among subgroups is attributed to an equilibrium between these two opposing forces. These models rarely consider the role of unique historical events that may have drastically altered the mating patterns or gene frequency distributions within the subdivisions.
Nanowell-mediated multidimensional separations combining nanoLC with SLIM IM-MS for rapid, high-peak-capacity proteomic analyses

Mass spectrometry (MS)–based analysis of complex biological samples is essential for biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. The separation prior to MS plays a key role in the overall analysis, with separations having larger peak capacities often leading to more identified species and improved confidence in those identifications. High-resolution ion mobility (IM) separations enabled by Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulation (SLIM) can provide extremely rapid, high-resolution separations and are well suited as a second dimension of separation following nanoscale liquid chromatography (nanoLC). However, existing sample handling approaches for offline coupling of separation modes require microliter-fraction volumes and are thus not well suited for analysis of trace biological samples. We have developed a novel nanowell-mediated fractionation system that enables nanoLC-separated samples to be efficiently preconcentrated and directly infused at nanoelectrospray flow rates for downstream analysis. When coupled with SLIM IM-MS, the platform enables rapid and high-peak-capacity multidimensional separations of small biological samples. In this study, peptides eluting from a 100 nL/min nanoLC separation were fractionated into ~ 60 nanowells on a microfluidic glass chip using an in-house–developed robotic system. The dried samples on the chip were individually reconstituted and ionized by nanoelectrospray for SLIM IM-MS analysis. Using model peptides for characterization of the nanowell platform, we found that at least 80% of the peptide components of the fractionated samples were recovered from the nanowells, providing up to ~tenfold preconcentration for SLIM IM-MS analysis. The combined LC-SLIM IM separation peak capacities exceeded 3600 with a measurement throughput that is similar to current one-dimensional (1D) LC-MS proteomic analyses.
Plasma total testosterone and risk of incident atrial fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study

Abstract Objective Whether endogenous testosterone concentrations are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) development is not well established. We assessed the association between plasma total testosterone concentrations and incident AF in a population-based longitudinal study. Study design Using data from the prospective Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, we identified incident AF among 9282 participants who had plasma total testosterone measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry at Visit 4 (1996–1998). Main outcome measures AF cases were identified by electrocardiograms performed during study visits, hospital records/discharge codes, and death certificates through 2013. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for incident AF across quartiles of plasma total testosterone, stratified by sex, with multivariable Cox models. Results The mean age of the participant sample at ARIC Visit 4 was 63 years (range 52–75); 54.5% were women. Mean (SD) plasma total testosterone levels were 537 ng/dL (213) for men and 27.6 ng/dL (34.7) for women. Over a mean of 13.7 years of follow-up, 1664 incident cases of AF were identified. Comparing those in the highest quartile of plasma total testosterone concentration to those in the lowest quartile and after adjustment for potential confounding variables, there was a positive association between plasma total testosterone and incident AF in men (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07, 1.66), but no such association in women (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.80, 1.22). Conclusion A higher plasma total testosterone concentration was associated with a modestly greater incidence rate of AF in men.
Frieda Fromm-Reichmann and Chestnut Lodge

This chapter discusses the life and works of Frieda Fromm-Reichmann, the German-born psychiatrist famous for curing severe chronic schizophrenia by means of intense psychotherapy at Chestnut Lodge in Maryland.
Developmental Changes in Sexual Risk and Substance Use Among African American Females: an Integrated Data Analysis Approach Using Time-varying Effect Models.

The aim of this study was to describe age-related changes in sexual risk and substance use using existing data from three HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention trials conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, that enrolled young African American women. We used two novel analysis methods: integrative data analysis (IDA) and time-varying effect models (TVEM). Each trial collected self-reported behavioral data and vaginal swab specimens assayed for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. Baseline data from all participants and follow-up data from participants not randomized to an active intervention arm were integrated in a pooled dataset using an IDA approach. The pooled dataset included observations for 1974 individuals, aged 14–25 years for behavioral outcomes and 16–25 years for STI outcomes. We used TVEM to model age-related changes in sexual risk and substance use behaviors and STI acquisition, adjusting for trial as a fixed effect. Coital frequency and condomless sex increased through the early 20s while multiple partnerships remained fairly steady. Alcohol use and cigarette smoking increased through about age 24 years before declining. Marijuana use peaked at age 16–17 years and thereafter generally declined. STI acquisition was highest at age 16 years. This study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of innovative methodological techniques to address novel questions related to adolescent development using existing data from multiple trials. The results suggest that mid-adolescence and the early 20s may be periods of particular risk. The findings may be useful for timing culturally and developmentally relevant prevention interventions for young African American women.
Effect of Deep brain stimulation on the brain metabolic pattern in patients with Depression: Comparison of pre and post therapy PET/CT scans-A pilot study.

489 Objectives: To determine any changes in the cerebral metabolism pattern on the pre and post therapy 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography in patients undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for resistant depression. Methods: This is a Pilot study which included patients, who underwent pre and post DBS PET-CT brain imaging between January, 2015 and December, 2018. All the patients underwent pre DBS PET/CT studies. Subsequently after undergoing the DBS each patient underwent one year follow up PET/CT study except one patient who had a 8 month follow up imaging. All PET-CT scans were interpreted by 2 experienced nuclear medicine physicians. Each PET/CT study was also analyzed quantitatively using the MIM neuroanalysis software and Z scores were generated comparing the areas of metabolism in the patients with the age matched normal population. Patient’s demographic, clinical data and imaging results were collected and analyzed. Results: Nine patients were included, 5 females and 4 males with mean age of 53.1 years. The pre- therapy PET/CT on visual analysis demonstrated decreased metabolism in the temporal lobes in 3 patients (33%), in the frontal lobes in 3 patients (33%) and 2 patients (22%) showed hypometabolism in both frontal and temporal lobes. One patient had normal metabolism visually. The quantitative neuroanalysis is shown in the table below. (The Z scores represent standard deviation from normal age matched population and are significant if below -1.6). The visual findings remained unchanged in the subsequent post DBS PET/CT studies. Mild improvement in the Z scores in different regions including medial temporal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, superior medial frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate, caudate lobe and Amygdala was noted in 5 patients. Clinically all patients demonstrated significant symptomatic improvement. These patients reported feelings of energy and motivation concordant with mood improvement. Conclusions: Despite significant symptomatic clinical improvement in patients with resistant depression after DBS, there was no significant change in the brain metabolic findings using FDG PET/CT. Additionally, different areas of the brain demonstrated minimal improvement in quantitative analysis.
Predicting micro-catchment infiltration dynamics

Abstract Rainfall and concentrated flow experiments were carried out on seven micro-catchments (MCs) that were designed to limit soil erosion and allow for water-harvesting. Prediction of infiltration rates within MCs is necessary to design effective hillslope-scale restoration projects. Continuous stage measurements and 3-D models of MC geometry were used to calculate infiltration rates from field experiments. Soil samples and Guelph permeameter (GP) measurements were collected to parameterize a predictive infiltration model in Hydrus 2D/3D. The model result of water velocity into the soil profile was averaged by depth intervals and multiplied by the corresponding MC surface area to calculate a volumetric flow rate. Four parameterizations of changes in conductivity with depth were evaluated within the model framework to determine which would best account for spatial heterogeneity. Use of the maximum field-measured conductivity provided the least biased results, with average error between simulated and measured values across all sites of less than 1%. Model results illustrate the limitations associated with particle-size distribution or GP measurements when used to predict infiltration rates in a numerical model. GP measurements with single ponded heights allowed convenient field measurement of conductivity that worked better than predictions from soil texture. The maximum of several GP samples was more representative of MC infiltration than the mean, so a higher percentile value from a distribution of MC measurements may help to account for complex infiltration processes that are not included in numerical models. This modeling approach will allow testing of process-based hypotheses about rangeland infiltration dynamics, and the development of optimal configurations of MCs at sites being considered for rangeland restoration.
An Analysis of Machine Learning Online Training Approaches for Simulation Optimization

Simulation optimization refers to an optimization problem with a stochastic and potentially computationally expensive objective function. Machine learning (surrogate modeling) techniques have significant potential for enabling efficient simulation optimization, but the resulting surrogate model must have sufficient global accuracy to locate the region of the optimum, and sufficient local accuracy to pinpoint it. Historical surrogate modeling procedures have used a priori experimental designs, while more model literature has explored the use of training utility functions that select the next experimental point based on the current surrogate model state. Analysis of the performance of two training utility functions in comparison to random experimental selection is performed in the context of an online trained surrogate model. The results indicate that for a statically sized surrogate model, both utility functions provide equivalent performance that significantly exceeds random selection. An additional analysis quantifies the benefits to surrogate model accuracy of using gradient estimates in model training.
Studying Children using Ethnography: Heightened Challenges and Balancing Acts:

Scholars have debated how to carry out research with children, particularly about how to generate the most accurate data in an ethically-sensitive fashion. But there has been limited discussion of ...
Evaluation of the MODIS Collection 6 multilayer cloud detection algorithm through comparisons with CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar and CALIPSO CALIOP products

Abstract. Since multilayer cloud scenes are common in the atmosphere and can be an important source of uncertainty in passive satellite sensor cloud retrievals, the MODIS MOD06 and MYD06 standard cloud optical property products include a multilayer cloud detection algorithm to assist with data quality assessment. This paper presents an evaluation of the Aqua MODIS MYD06 Collection 6 multilayer cloud detection algorithm through comparisons with active Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) products that have the ability to provide cloud vertical distributions and directly classify multilayer cloud scenes and layer properties. To compare active sensor products with an imager such as MODIS, it is first necessary to define multilayer clouds in the context of their radiative impact on cloud retrievals. Three main parameters have thus been considered in this evaluation: (1) the maximum separation distance between two cloud layers, (2) the thermodynamic phase of those layers and (3) the upper-layer cloud optical thickness. The impact of including the Pavolonis–Heidinger multilayer cloud detection algorithm, introduced in Collection 6, to assist with multilayer cloud detection has also been assessed. For the year 2008, the MYD06 C6 multilayer cloud detection algorithm identifies roughly 20 % of all cloudy pixels as multilayer (decreasing to about 13 % if the Pavolonis–Heidinger algorithm output is not used). Evaluation against the merged CPR and CALIOP 2B-CLDCLASS-lidar product shows that the MODIS multilayer detection results are quite sensitive to how multilayer clouds are defined in the radar and lidar product and that the algorithm performs better when the optical thickness of the upper cloud layer is greater than about 1.2 with a minimum layer separation distance of 1 km. Finally, we find that filtering the MYD06 cloud optical properties retrievals using the multilayer cloud flag improves aggregated statistics, particularly for ice cloud effective radius.
Diagnostic Evaluation for Chronic Pain

Diagnostic studies such as laboratory evaluations and imaging can be used to confirm or rule out etiologies for chronic pain. Thinking in terms of body systems allows for evaluation of broad categories of disease such as autoimmune, endocrine, musculoskeletal, infectious, and neoplastic. This will enable a systematic evaluation of the chronic pain.
Experimental assessment of Neo-Assyrian bronze arrowhead penetration: An initial study comparing bilobate versus trilobate morphologies

Abstract Archaeological evidence shows that Neo-Assyrian soldiers used multiple arrowhead styles in their weapons arsenal. Indeed, finds from the site of Ziyaret Tepe, located in southeastern Turkey, show that both bilobate and trilobate arrowheads were found in association. Of interest to this study are the factors promoting the invention and perseverance of the trilobate arrowhead form. Manufacturing a trilobate point would have been more costly in both raw materials and energy needed to cast a complex three-dimensional form compared its bilobate counterpart. When considered from an economic standpoint, this generates questions regarding the factors that may have promoted the use of the more complex trilobate arrowheads. To better understand the development of trilobate forms, we began a series of experiments designed to assess the comparative functional efficiency of socketed bilobate versus the socketed trilobate arrowheads made from bronze. This initial study is the first in a long-term experimental program designed to understand variation in performance between arrowhead types. This foundational study focuses on an isolated variable—arrowhead penetration depth— in order to establish a baseline parameter for designing future studies in this series. Our results show that morphology does play a role in arrowhead performance, with bilobate forms penetrating significantly deeper into the target material, however, these results do not explain the functional benefit of the trilobate morphology.
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Identifies Pathogenic Variants in Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Introduction: Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). For patients with diabetes and CKD, the underlying cause of their kidney disease is often assumed to be a consequence of their diabetes. Without histopathological confirmation, however, the underlying cause of their disease is unclear. Recent studies have shown that next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides a promising avenue toward uncovering and establishing precise genetic diagnoses in various forms of kidney disease. Methods: Here, we set out to investigate the genetic basis of disease in nondiabetic kidney disease (NDKD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients by performing targeted NGS using a custom panel comprising 345 kidney disease-related genes. Results: Our analysis identified rare diagnostic variants based on ACMG-AMP guidelines that were consistent with the clinical diagnosis of 19% of the NDKD patients included in this study. Similarly, 22% of DKD patients were found to carry rare pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in kidney disease-related genes included on our panel. Genetic variants suggestive of NDKD were detected in 3% of the diabetic patients included in this study. Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings suggest that rare variants in kidney disease-related genes in a diabetic background may play a role in the pathogenesis of DKD and NDKD in patients with diabetes.
HER2 Testing Characteristics Can Predict Residual Cancer Burden following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.

Objectives. The response to HER2-targeted neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in HER2-positive (+) breast cancer can be quantified using residual cancer burden (RCB) pathologic evaluation to predict relapse free/overall survival. However, more information is needed to characterize the relationship between patterns of HER2 testing results and response to NAC. We evaluated clinicopathologic characteristics associated with RCB categories in HER2+ patients who underwent HER2-directed NAC. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted with Stage I–III HER2+ breast cancer cases following NAC and surgical resection. HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), histologic/clinical characteristics, hormone receptor status, and RCB scores (RCB-0, RCB-I, RCB-II, and RCB-III) were evaluated. Results. 64/151 (42.4%) patients with HER2+ disease had pathologic complete response (pCR). Tumors with suboptimal response (RCB-II and RCB-III) were more likely to demonstrate less than 100% HER2 IHC 3+ staining ( ), lower HER2 FISH copies ( ), and lower HER2/CEP17 ratios ( ) compared to RCB-I and RCB-II responses. Estrogen receptor classification using ≥10% versus ≥1% staining showed greater association with higher RCB categories. Conclusions. HER2+ characteristics show differing response to therapy despite all being categorized as positive; tumors with less than 100% IHC 3+ staining, lower HER2 FISH copies, and lower HER2/CEP17 ratios resulted in higher RCB scores.
Oral cancer proteomics for biomarker discovery

2463 The overall 5-year survival rates for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have remained low at approximately 30-40% for the past decades. Delayed detection is one of the main reasons for the high morbidity rate of oral cancer, suggesting an imperative need for developing biomarkers to improve early detection of oral cancers. Proteomic analysis of body fluids (e.g., saliva and serum) over the course of oral cancer progression holds promise to identify early detection biomarkers for human oral cancer. In this study, we have conducted patient-based oral cancer proteomic studies towards the discovery of candidate saliva and serum biomarkers for OSCC detection. In the saliva study, we utilized a subtractive proteomic approach based on C4 HPLC prefractionation and LC-QqTOF MS to identify differentially expressed proteins in the whole saliva samples of 16 OSCCs or 16 matched control subjects. Many of the identified putative biomarkers for OSCC were regulatory proteins or glycoproteins, including Myc binding protein 2, angiomotin like 2, Ras-related protein Rab-7, Mac-2-binding protein (M2BP), Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2, CD59 glycoprotein precursor, KRAB box family protein, hematopoietic lineage cell specific protein, peroxisome biogenesis factor 1, nuclear mitotic apparatus protein 1, swiprosin-2, PHD finger protein 3, histone H1.2 & H1.3 and calgranulin A. We further validated M2BP (n=32 for each group, p=0.000006) and calgranulin A (n=20 for each group, p=0.045) on a new patient cohort using ELISA. In the serum study, we mapped out serum proteins, individually, from 10 oral cancer and 10 control subjects using 2-D gel electrophoresis. The proteins at significantly differential levels were identified using in-gel tryptic digestion followed by LC-QqTOF MS analysis of the resulting peptides. The discovered candidate biomarkers included calgranulin A, serum amyloid A-4 protein and isoforms, haptoglobin-related protein, focolin 2, alpha-1-antitrypsin, complement C3 (fragment), splice isoform 1 of complement factor H-related protein 2 (up-regulated) and transthyretin, tetranectin, telomerase regulation-associated protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 and 2, Apolipoprotein E, RalA binding protein 1 (down-regulated). Further validation of tetranectin by immunoblotting (n=25 for each group, p=0.00038) and calgranulin A by ELISA (n=20 for each group, p=0.039) was also demonstrated. Our study demonstrates that patient-based serum/saliva proteome analysis is a very promising approach to discovery of biomarkers for oral cancer detection. These promising candidate biomarkers, as a combination, may be used to improve the clinical detection of OSCC. Supported by PHS Grants UO1- DE016275.
Photonic technique to study the effects of probiotics on chronic alcoholic brain cells by quantifying their molecular specific structural alterations via confocal imaging.

Molecular specific photonics localization method, the inverse participation ratio (IPR) technique, is a powerful procedure to probe the nano to submicron scales structural alterations in cells/tissues in their abnormalities due to chronic alcoholism using confocal imaging. Chronic alcoholism introduces abnormalities in brain cells/tissue at the nanoscale level that results in behavioral and psychological disorders which are not well understood. On the other hand, probiotics such as Lactobacillus Plantarum enhances brain functions in chronic alcoholism. Using the IPR technique, we probe the molecular specific spatial structural alterations in glial brain cells astrocytes and microglia, as well as in chromatins in the nuclei of cortex brain cells, with or without probiotic treatments in chronic alcoholism. The results show chronic alcoholism alone harms brain cells and the probiotic treatment in chronic alcoholism reverses alcoholic damage in the brain cells/tissues towards normalcy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A Comparison of Component Separation With Porcine Acellular Dermal Reinforcement to Bovine Acellular Dermal Matrix in the Repair of Significant Midline Ventral Hernia Defects.

BackgroundThe optimal material for reinforcement of complex abdominal ventral hernia repair (VHR) remains controversial. Biologic prostheses such as porcine and bovine acellular dermal matrix (PADM...
When the Bubble Bursts: Clinical Perspectives on Midlife Issues

Issues in Midlife and the Psychotherapeutic Process: An Overview. Theories of Midlife. Midlife Events: The Impact of Loss and Change. Healthy and Pathological Narcissism: Theoretical and Clinical Perspectives. The Nature of Assessment in Psychotherapy. The Focus and Process of Psychotherapy: Part I. The Focus and Process of Psychotherapy: Part II. Countertransference, Self-Disclosure, and the Rewards of Treatment. Epilogue.
R & D, Knowledge, and Externalities: An Approach to the Puzzle of Disparate Productivity Growth Rates Among Manufacturing Industries

In several other papers I have commented upon the considerable dispersion in rates of productivity growth across manufacturing industries. Without question these differences are due largely to differences in the pace of technological progress, which in turn reflect disparities in R & D spending and in the effectiveness of R & D. The question addressed in this paper is this: What explains these variations in R & D inputs and effectiveness?2
Capsaicin-induced cardioprotection is driven by its hypothermic effect (1154.1)

Objective. We hypothesized that cardioprotective properties of topical capsaicin (CAP) application are related to its hypothermic effect. Methods. Anesthetized rats received CAP cream or vehicle (V...
Solution of multivalued logic algebra equations

A set of simultaneous equations in the MVL (multivalued logic) algebraic system is transformed into a set of simultaneous equations in the MTB (multivalued-to-binary) algebraic system by replacing each expression and each unknown function in the former by its respective logical decomposition. Using the available method for solving a set of simultaneous Boolean equations, a method has been developed and presented for solving a given set of simultaneous equations in the MVL algebraic system. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of one or more solutions of the set under no constraints as well as under some constraints are given. >
Object identification with attribute-mediated dependences

Object identification is the problem of determining whether different observations correspond to the same object. It occurs in a wide variety of fields, including vision, natural language, citation matching, and information integration. Traditionally, the problem is solved separately for each pair of observations, followed by transitive closure. We propose solving it collectively, performing simultaneous inference for all candidate match pairs, and allowing information to propagate from one candidate match to another via the attributes they have in common. Our formulation is based on conditional random fields, and allows an optimal solution to be found in polynomial time using a graph cut algorithm. Parameters are learned using a voted perceptron algorithm. Experiments on real and synthetic datasets show that this approach outperforms the standard one.
A History of Brassinosteroid Research from 1970 through 2005: Thirty-Five Years of Phytochemistry, Physiology, Genes, and Mutants

Brassinosteroids are endogenous plant hormones essential for the normal regulation of multiple physiological processes including cell elongation and division, vascular differentiation, vegetative and reproductive development, and numerous responses to the environment. Since the discovery of the chemical structure of brassinolide more than 35 years ago, extensive research on the mechanisms of BR action has helped define the BR biosynthetic pathway and identify the basic molecular components of BR signal transduction. This article provides historical context of studies from 1970 through 2005 involving chemistry, molecular genetics, and physiology that have provided the foundation for further mechanistic advances describing pathways and regulatory networks through which BR influences many aspects of plant growth and development.
Concentration of Measure for Products of Markov Kernels and Graph Products via Functional Inequalities

We present versions of concentration inequalities for products of Markov kernels and graph products. We also present discussions of a variety of consequences such as sharp upper bounds, in terms of the diameter of the state space, on the spectral gap.
Dental health: what is being taught to college students.

A comprehensive analysis of the dental health material given in health education textbooks is discussed. An analysis of the dental health material in all college-level, health education textbooks published between 1966 and 1973 showed a deficiency in the amount, the thoroughness, and the quality of the dental health information given. Reliability of information from one source to another is low, and some information is inaccurate. On the basis of information in these textbooks, serious questions are raised concerning the adequacy of dental health education in college-level health education courses. The dentist is advised to review and to examine the dental health information that is being taught in these courses.
The surface of the sea urchin embryo at gastrulation: a molecular mosaic

Abstract A series of cellular rearrangements are observed during gastrulation of the sea urchin embryo. At the same time new cell surface molecules are expressed in a variety of patterns, many of which could serve as molecular cues for morphogenesis.
Distributions of Micro- and Nano-Sized Particles Under Decaying Turbulence in a Chamber

Distributions of particles from micro- to nano-sizes in a rectangular chamber are investigated under the influence of an impulsively-started, decaying turbulence generated by a jet. The unsteady, compressible flowfield is simulated using a k-e model and the related turbulence scales are analyzed. Stokes numbers, based on the turbulence microscales and integral scales, are used as the selection criteria for turbulence collision kernels. Population balance models are then used to calculate the particle size distributions. Histories of particle number density at several locations in the chamber have been compared with different initial particle sizes under different jet speeds. Lower coagulation rates have been shown to relate with lower jet speeds.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Long-Run Outlook for U.S. Merchandise Imports

With the publication of the Report of the President's Materials Policy Commission, under the Chairmanship of Mr. William S. Paley,' it has become possible to forecast, with some degree of accuracy, long-run trends in U.S. merchandise imports. Thus far, however, the attempts that have been made to interpret the balance of payments implications of the Report have tended to be of an ad hoc and unsystematic nature; they have led to the erroneous conclusion that, because of the probable future geographic make-up of U.S. imports, the long-run growth of U.S. imports will make little or no contribution to solving the over-all dollar problem. To an important degree, this misconception has arisen because there has been a tendency to focus attention on the Commission's estimates for only a limited number of individual commodities, which comprise only about one third of total U.S. imports. The fact has been overlooked that the Report also provides a useful basis for estimating long-run changes in the other two thirds of U.S. imports.
SUPER-HEURISTICS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO COMBINATORIAL PROBLEMS

Combinatorial problems are known to be difficult because of the shear size of the solution space and the lack of polynomial time algorithms to “solve” them. Heuristics are often devised to produce acceptable solutions in an affordable time. In this paper, we propose a method called super-heuristic that expands the capabilities of heuristics using randomization and sampling techniques. We submit that heuristics are in general strategies that map from available information of a problem instance to decisions in solution constructions/improvement. We show that it is important to utilize the information effectively in the randomization process. More importantly, the possibility of randomization around a heuristic spells out the demarcation between the roles of human and machines in complex optimization problems.
The influence of inner hair cell loss on the instantaneous frequency of the cochlear microphonic.

The cochlear microphonic (CM) is produced by a change in standing currents during the motion of the cochlear partition. The motion of the partition and associated hair cell transduction processes are nonlinear and are reflected in the variation of the instantaneous frequency (IF) of the CM. Although the CM is dominated from receptor currents from outer hair cells (OHCs), receptor currents from inner hair cells (IHCs) may contribute to the fluctuation in the IF. In this paper we examine the influence of IHCs on the variation of the IF of the CM. A 75 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of carboplatin reduced the IHC population by approximately 40%. The reduction in IHCs did not substantially affect the amplitude of the CM. The amplitude of the IF, however, was reduced at high signal levels (90 and 100 dB peak SPL). A phenomenological model of the CM indicated that the contribution of IHC receptor currents to the IF was small and that changes in OHC transducer characteristics may have a greater impact on the IF.
Composite chemical vapor deposition diamond anvils for high-pressure/high-temperature experiments

Composite diamond anvils have been developed for high-pressure/high-temperature measurements of diamond anvil cells. The anvils are fabricated using single-crystal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) from previously used and/or slightly damaged anvils made of natural or synthetic diamond. These composite anvils can be fabricated to possess optical characteristics at least comparable to conventional diamond anvils, whereas the single-crystal CVD portion is more durable because of its enhanced toughness relative to natural diamond. The viability of such anvils is demonstrated in measurements on hydrogen at megabar pressures and high temperature.
Properties and morphology of oriented ternary blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate), high density polyethylene, and compatibilizing agent

Oriented blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) with and without compatibilizing agent have been studied with regard to orientation temperature, stretch rate, extension ratio, mode of orientation, and blend composition. These oriented blends have been characterized using infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The tensile and tensile impact properties were also investigated. The results show that blends with compatibilizer show strain hardening upon orientation, whereas the blend without compatibilizer does not strain harden upon orientation. The blends with less PET content have been difficult to orient. The morphology of these blends show fibril structure, highly oriented in the direction of stretch. Infrared measurements show that PET within the blend has undergone strain induced crystallization upon orientation. It has also been observed that the mechanical properties, such as the modulus and ultimate stress, show improvement upon orientation. Simultaneously stretched blends show better physical properties than sequentially oriented blends.
The upgrade of intense pulsed neutron source (IPNS) through the change of coolant and reflector

Abstract The current intense pulsed neutron source (IPNS) depleted uranium target is cooled by light water. The inner reflector material is graphite and the outer reflector material is beryllium. The presence of H 2 O in the target moderates neutrons and leads to a higher absorption loss in the target than is necessary. D 2 O coolant in the small quantities required minimizes this effect. We have studied the possible improvement in IPNS beam fluxes that would result from changing the coolant from H 2 O to D 2 O and the inner reflector from graphite to beryllium. Neutron intensities were calculated for directions normal to the viewed surface of each moderator for four different cases of combinations of target coolant and reflector materials. The simulations reported here were performed using the MCNPX (version 2.1.5) computer program. Our results show that substantial gains in neutron beam intensities can be achieved by appropriate combination of target coolant and reflector materials. The combination of D 2 O coolant and beryllium inner and outer reflectors improves facility performance about 1.3 times. The purpose of this summary is to report our simulation and to recommend to change target coolant and inner reflector materials based on our simulation results.
Postexercise energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in young women resulting from exercise bouts of different intensity.

The effects of low and high intensity exercise, of similar energy output, on exercise and post-exercise energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were studied in eight active, eumenorrheic females (aged 22 to 31).Continuous indirect calorimetry was performed during cycle ergometry exercise and for 3 hours following each of the following three protocols administered in random order: 1) low intensity exercise (LIE: 500 calories 50% VO2 max), 2) high intensity exercise (HIE: 500 calories 75% VO2 max), and 3) control condition (C) of quiet sitting for 1 hour, rather than exercise. Excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), energy expenditure and total fat and carbohydrate oxidation for the entire exercise/control plus 3-hour recovery period were determined by indirect calorimetry.Mean EPOC for the 3-hour post-exercise period for HIE (9.0 +/− 1.7 L, 41 kcals) was significantly greater than EPOC for low intensity exercise (4.8 +/− 1.6 L, 22 kcals). Oxygen consumption (VO2) following HIE, but not LIE remain...
Carbon dioxide flux techniques performed during GasEx-98

A comprehensive study of air–sea interactions focused on improving the quantification of CO2 fluxes and gas transfer velocities was performed within a large open ocean CO2 sink region in the North Atlantic. This study, GasEx-98, included shipboard measurements of direct covariance CO2 fluxes, atmospheric CO2 profiles, atmospheric DMS profiles, water column mass balances of CO2, and measurements of deliberate SF6–3He tracers, along with air–sea momentum, heat, and water vapor fluxes. The large air–sea differences in partial pressure of CO2 caused by a springtime algal bloom provided high signals for accurate CO2 flux measurements. Measurements were performed over a wind speed range of 1–16 m s−1 during the three-week process study. This first comparison between the novel air-side and more conventional water column measurements of air–sea gas transfer show a general agreement between independent air–sea gas flux techniques. These new advances in open ocean air–sea gas flux measurements demonstrate the progress in the ability to quantify air–sea CO2 fluxes on short time scales. This capability will help improve the understanding of processes controlling the air–sea fluxes, which in turn will improve our ability to make regional and global CO2 flux estimates.
BCR-mediated apoptosis associated with negative selection of immature B cells is selectively dependent on Pten

The molecular basis of B cell receptor (BCR)-induced apoptosis during the negative selection of immature B cells is largely unknown. We use transitional immature B cells that are highly susceptible to BCR-induced apoptosis to show that Pten is selectively required for BCR-mediated initiation of the mitochondrial death pathway. Specifically, deleting Pten, but not other pro-apoptotic molecules, abrogates BCR-elicited apoptosis and improves viability in wild-type immature B cells. We further identify a physiologically and significantly higher intracellular Pten level in immature B cells, as compared to mature B cells, which is responsible for low AKT activity and the propensity towards death in immature B cells. Restoration of AKT activity using a constitutive form of AKT or reduction of Pten to a level comparable with that seen in mature B cells rescues immature B cells from BCR-induced apoptosis. Thus, we provide evidence that Pten is an essential mediator of BCR-induced cell death, and that differential regulation of intracellular Pten levels determines whether BCR ligation promotes cell death or survival. Our findings provide a valuable insight into the mechanisms underlying negative selection and clonal deletion of immature B cells.
The stability of Couette flow in a toroidal magnetic field

The stability of the hydromagnetic Couette flow is investigated when a constant current is applied along the axis of the cylinders. It is shown that if the resulting toroidal magnetic field depends only on this current, no linear instability to axisymmetric disturbances is possible.
A heat labile fructosediphosphate aldolase from cold-adapted Antarctic fishes

Abstract Muscle fructosediphosphate aldolases (fructose-1,6-diphosphate l -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-lyase; EC 4.1.2.13) from the cold-adapted Antarctic fishes Trematomus borchgrevinki and Dissostichus mawsoni were purified by (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE- and CM-cellulose, and fractionation on Sephadex G-200. The fish fructosediphosphate aldolases were similar to rabbit muscle fructosediphosphate aldolase in terms of molecular size, electrophoretic properties, pH-activity profiles, specific activities, activation energies, and Michaelis constants at −2°. The fish fructosediphosphate aldolases, however, differed significantly from rabbit fructosediphosphate aldolase in that they were more temperature labile and contained only 16–17 sulfhydryl groups as compared to 28 sulfhydryl groups in rabbit fructosediphosphate aldolase. Reaction with 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) at 0° led to slow inactivation of the enzymatic activity of the fish fructosediphosphate aldolases and activity was completely lost when only about 9 sulfhydryl groups were reacted. In contrast, rabbit fructosediphosphate aldolase retained > 80% of its activity after 9 of its sulfhydryl groups were reacted. Reaction with DTNB at 25° led to rapid inactivation of the fish fructosediphosphate aldolases but not of the rabbit enzyme. At 25° all 16 sulfhydryl groups of the fish fructosediphosphate aldolases, but only 10 of the 28 sulfhydryl groups of rabbit fructosediphosphate aldolase, reacted with DTNB without the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Microarray Я US: a user-friendly graphical interface to Bioconductor tools that enables accurate microarray data analysis and expedites comprehensive functional analysis of microarray results

Microarray data analysis presents a significant challenge to researchers who are unable to use the powerful Bioconductor and its numerous tools due to their lack of knowledge of R language. Among the few existing software programs that offer a graphic user interface to Bioconductor packages, none have implemented a comprehensive strategy to address the accuracy and reliability issue of microarray data analysis due to the well known probe design problems associated with many widely used microarray chips. There is also a lack of tools that would expedite the functional analysis of microarray results.
Persistence of DNA synthesis arrest sites in the presence of T4 DNA polymerase and T4 gene 32, 44, 45 and 62 DNA polymerase accessory proteins

Abstract DNA synthesis by phage T4 DNA polymerase is arrested at specific sequences in single-stranded DNA templates. To determine whether or not T4 DNA polymerase accessory proteins 32, 44, 45 and 62 eliminated recognition of these arrest sites, unique primer-templates were constructed in which DNA synthesis began at a DNA primer located at different distances from palindromic and nonpalindromic arrest sites. Nucleotide positions that caused polymerase to pause or leave the template were identified by sequence analysis of 5'-end labeled nascent DNA chains. Stable hairpin structures at palindromic sequences were confirmed by acetylation of single-stranded sequences with bromoacetaldehyde. Our results confirmed that these T4 DNA polymerase accessory proteins stimulated T4 DNA polymerase activity and processivity on natural as well as homopolymer primer-templates. However, they did not alter recognition of DNA synthesis arrest sites by T4 DNA polymerase. Extensive DNA synthesis resulted from an increased rate of translocation and/or processivity to the same extent over all DNA sequences.
Recognizing max-flow min-cut path matrices

Seymour has introduced a class of matrices for which the polyhedron {x | Ax >= 1, x >= 0} has all integral extreme points. T main result of this paper is a polynomial-time algorithm for determining whether a given matrix is in this class.