cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Choking and Cyanotic Episodes in a 3-month-old Male.

1. Gabriel Paris, MS DO* 2. Nicholas L. Friedman, DO* 3. Jacob S. Hogue, MD* 1. *Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA A previously healthy 3-month-old boy presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of choking episodes with perioral cyanosis. The episodes started 4 weeks before and are increasing in frequency. During the episodes, his parents note rapid eye twitching, facial twitching, and a fine tremor in the extremities. He would appear to be choking with breath holding and cyanosis around the mouth. Some of the episodes are also accompanied by emesis. Many of the episodes occurred after feeding, so he was switched from breastfeeding to formula. Over the past month, parents have also noted a progressive decline in movement, head control, visual tracking, and increased sleepiness. Previously, he had been able to push his head and chest off a flat surface while prone and could roll from back to front but lost these skills. He also has regression in visual tracking, focusing on faces, and spontaneously smiling. He was born at 40 3/7 weeks’ estimated gestational age via spontaneous vaginal delivery to a gravida 3, para 3, mother without pregnancy or delivery complications. Maternal blood type was O+, and infant was A+ with direct antiglobulin test negative. Maternal laboratory studies were as follows: human immunodeficiency virus negative, hepatitis B surface antigen negative, Rubella immune, group B Streptococcus negative, and rapid plasma reagin negative. Newborn metabolic screen and hearing screen were normal. Family history is significant for a maternal uncle with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD). The details of the …
Public Libraries’ Data Privacy Policies: A Content and Cluster Analysis

This study analyzes library policies pertaining to the preservation of privacy on public use computers. A random sample of 1000 public libraries, selected from an initial population of over 8000 li...
Opioid and Other Medication Use and General Health Status in a Cohort of Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of opioids and other medications in a cohort of older adults was associated with self-reported health status. METHODS Among participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial linked to Medicare Part D claims data and answering a quality-of-life questionnaire, we examined the relationship between medication use over a 5-year period and various self-reported health status variables assessed several years later, including overall health status (STATUS) and trouble with activities of daily living (TADL). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the health status variables and metrics of medication use, including >60-day use, and for opiates, chronic use, with models controlling for demographics (model I), additionally for chronic conditions (model II), and additionally for other medication use (model III). RESULTS The study cohort included 22,844 PLCO participants (56% women, 90% non-Hispanic whites); 4.2% had chronic opioid use and 12.5% used for >60 days. Fair-poor STATUS was reported in 37.9% of participants with chronic opioid use versus 15.0% of participants without (p < 0.001). ORs for chronic opioid use for fair-poor STATUS (compared to good-excellent) were significantly elevated in all models but decreased from model I (OR = 3.6; 95% CI :3.1-4.1) to model II (OR = 2.7; 95% CI :2.3-3.1) to model III (OR = 2.1; 95% CI :1.8-2.5). ORs for TADL were generally similar to those for STATUS. Other drug classes also had significantly elevated model III ORs for fair-poor versus good-excellent STATUS (range 1.1-1.6). CONCLUSION Frequent use of various medication classes correlated with measures of future health status in an elderly population, with opioids having the strongest association. The magnitude of the association decreased after controlling for concurrent chronic conditions but remained elevated. Future research should consider how the use of opioids and other medications impact measures of health-related quality of life.
Machine Learning Attempts for Predicting Human Subcutaneous Bioavailability of Monoclonal Antibodies.

One knowledge gap related to subcutaneous (SC) delivery is unpredictable and variable bioavailability. This study was aimed to develop machine learning methods to predict whether mAb’s bioavailability was ≥70% or below, without completely knowing the mechanism and causality between inputs and outputs. A database of mAb SC products was built. The model training and validation were accomplished based on this database and a set of the inputs (product properties) were mapped to the output (bioavailability) using different machine learning algorithms. Dimensionality reduction was undertaken using principal component analysis (PCA). The bioavailability of the mAb products being investigated varied from 35% to 90%. The tree-based methods, including random forest (RF), Adaptive Boost (AdaBoost), and decision tree (DT) presented the best predictability and generalization power on bioavailability classification. The models based on Multi-layer perceptron (MLP), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GaussianNB), and k nearest neighbor (kNN) algorithms also provided acceptable prediction accuracy. Machine learning could be a potential tool to predict mAb’s bioavailability. Since all input features were acquired using theoretical calculations and predictions rather than experiments, the models may be particularly applicable to some early-stage research activities such as mAb molecule triage, design/optimization, mutant screening, molecule selection, and formulation design.
UAV Trajectories for Uniform Coverage in Convex Regions

In this paper, we introduce two general categories of stochastic trajectory processes that provide uniform Binomial distribution for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in finite convex areas with arbitrary geometry. First, we introduce radial trajectory process as a special case of the first category along with its properties. Then, we delve into the general trajectory processes, namely spiral and oval, and show that independent of the areas geometry, these trajectories not only provide uniform scattering of UAVs but also provide ergodic coverage across the area.
A novel aqueous dimethyl trisulfide formulation is effective at low doses against cyanide toxicity in non-anesthetized mice and rats.

Cyanide (CN) is a metabolic poison that is capable of intoxicating individuals through accidental or intentional means. With high concentration exposures, death can occur in minutes. In cases of ma...
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Impact on Rates of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Cases and Postvaccination Strain Sequences Among Health Care Workers at an Urban Academic Medical Center: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine trials and post-implementation data suggest that vaccination decreases infections. We examine vaccination's impact on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) case rates and viral diversity among health care workers (HCWs) during a high community prevalence period. Methods In this prospective cohort study, HCW received 2 doses of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. We included confirmed cases among HCWs from 9 December 2020 to 23 February 2021. Weekly SARS-CoV-2 rates per 100,000 person-days and by time from first injection (1-14 and ≥15 days) were compared with surrounding community rates. Viral genomes were sequenced. Results SARS-CoV-2 cases occurred in 1.4% (96/7109) of HCWs given at least a first dose and 0.3% (17/5913) of HCWs given both vaccine doses. Adjusted rate ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.73 (.53-1.00) 1-14 days and 0.18 (.10-.32) ≥15 days from first dose. HCW ≥15 days from initial dose compared to 1-14 days were more often older (46 vs 38 years, P = .007), Latinx (10% vs 8%, P = .03), and asymptomatic (48% vs 11%, P = .0002). SARS-CoV-2 rates among HCWs fell below the surrounding community, an 18% vs 11% weekly decrease, respectively (P = .14). Comparison of 50 genomes from post-first dose cases did not indicate selection pressure toward known spike antibody escape mutations. Conclusions Our results indicate an early positive impact of vaccines on SARS-CoV-2 case rates. Post-vaccination isolates did not show unusual genetic diversity or selection for mutations of concern.
This Is So WACC

Thus far, we have done a great deal of preparatory work. In the remaining two chapters, we will finally get to reap the rewards of all this hard work. The efforts that have gone into calculating the various pieces of the puzzle are now going to pay off as those pieces begin to come together. There are two topics covered in this chapter. The first is the weighted average cost of capital, or WACC for short. Once we learn about the WACC, the second objective is to use this knowledge to examine capital structure theories. Upon accomplishing this, we can finally answer the question posed way back in Chap. 2 of how to maximize shareholder wealth.
Neural network studies: Part 3. Prediction of partition coefficients

Abstract In a previous paper (N. Bodor, A. Harget and M.-J. Huang, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 113 (1991) 9480) we demonstrated the utility of a neural network approach in the estimation of the aqueous solubility of organic compounds. This approach has now been extended to the prediction of partition coefficients. A training set of AM1 calculated properties and experimental values for 302 compounds was used and, after training, the neural network was tested for its ability to predict the partition coefficients of 21 compounds not included in the training set. We also tested six more compounds with molecular properties out of the training set property range. A comparison was made with the results obtained from a previous study which had used a regression analysis approach (N. Bodor and M.-J. Huang, J. Pharm. Sci., 81 (1992) 272). The neural network results compared favorably with those given by the regression analysis approach, both for the training set and for the new compounds.
When is there a free matrix lunch

The “no-free lunch theorems“ essentially say that for any two algorithms A and B, there are “as many“ targets (or priors over targets) for which A has lower expected loss than B as vice-versa. This can be made precise for certain loss functions [WM97]. This note concerns itself with cases where seemingly harder matrix versions of the algorithms have the same on-line loss bounds as the corresponding vector versions. So it seems that you get a free “matrix lunch“ (Our title is however not meant to imply that we have a technical refutation of the no-free lunch theorems).
Modeling the Local Bubble Using Multiple Supernova Remnants

We have modeled the Local Bubble (LB) using a one-dimensional hydrocode (odin) that can simulate multiple supernova remnants, with non-equilibrium ion evolution and dust. Our model assumes that the local interstellar medium was a cool (104 K) gas approximately 5–10 Myr ago; it was then disturbed by 2 or 3 supernovae exploding within 20–30 pc of each other over a period of 2–4 million years. The LB is the leftover hot gas from these explosions. The model predicts the x-ray emission from such a bubble, as well as ionic abundances for hot gas ions such as O vi. These are compared to the soft x-ray data from the Wisconsin all-sky survey and the ROSAT PSPC.
Effects of MAO inhibition and a combination of minor alkaloids, β-carbolines, and acetaldehyde on nicotine self-administration in adult male rats.

Introduction Although nicotine is the primary reinforcing constituent in cigarettes, there is evidence that other constituents in cigarette smoke may interact with nicotine to reinforce smoking behavior.
SIV‐infection‐driven changes of pattern recognition receptor expression in mesenteric lymph nodes and gut microbiota dysbiosis

Background The impact of HIV infection on pattern recognition receptor (PRR) expression in gut-associated lymphoid tissue and its association with dysbiosis is not well understood. Methods PRR and cytokine gene expression were examined in mesenteric lymph nodes (mLN) of rhesus macaques during acute and chronic (untreated and early antiretroviral (ART) treated) infections. Gene expression was correlated with microbial abundance in the gut and immune activation. Results PRR expression rapidly increases during acute infection and is significantly decreased in chronic infection. Early ART maintains elevated PRR expression. Correlation analysis revealed three distinct groups of bacterial taxa that were associated with gene expression changes in infection. Conclusions PRR and cytokine gene expression in the gut-draining mLN are rapidly modulated in response to viral infection and are correlated with gut dysbiosis. These data suggest that the dysregulation of PRR and related cytokine expression may contribute to chronic immune activation in SIV infection.
Role of complement in guinea pig skin allograft rejection: 1. Effect of cobra venom C3 inactivator and fumaropimaric acid on rejection

Abstract Two complement (C) inhibitors, the cobra venom C3 inactivator and fumaropimaric acid were used to study skin allograft rejection in the guinea pig. The cobra venom inactivator markedly lowered C activity. When injected on Day 5 post-allograft, the venom factor induced a 2- to 3-day prolongation of allograft survival. Fumaropimaric acid, a reversible inhibitor of C1, C2, C3, C 567 is known to have only a transient complement inhibitory effect. When injected in divided doses from Days 5–7, little if any prolongation of allograft rejection was noted. Serum hemolytic complement activity was not reduced during normal allograft rejection, nor could C3 be found bound to allograft rejection sites by immunofluorescence. It is suggested that the cobra venom C3 inactivator prolongs allograft survival by alteration of complement-dependent inflammation.
The AXL Receptor Is a Sensor of Ligand Spatial Heterogeneity

The AXL receptor is a TAM (Tyro3, AXL, MerTK) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) important in physiological inflammatory processes such as blood clotting, viral infection, and innate immune-mediated cell clearance. Overexpression of the receptor in a number of solid tumors is increasingly appreciated as a key drug resistance and tumor dissemination mechanism. Although the ligand-receptor (Gas6-AXL) complex structure is known, literature reports on ligand-mediated signaling have provided conflicting conclusions regarding the influence of other factors such as phosphatidylserine binding, and a detailed, mechanistic picture of AXL activation has not emerged. Integrating quantitative experiments with mathematical modeling, we show here that AXL operates to sense local spatial heterogeneity in ligand concentration, a feature consistent with its physiological role in inflammatory cell responses. This effect arises as a result of an intricate reaction-diffusion interaction. Our results demonstrate that AXL functions distinctly from other RTK families, a vital insight for envisioned design of AXL-targeted therapeutic intervention.
Neural networks and the mathematics of chaos-an investigation of these methodologies as accurate predictors of corporate bankruptcy

Research is given which investigates the use of neural networks as a classification tool to predict corporate bankruptcy. It also examines if a branch of chaos theory could be used as a forecasting tool. It compares neural networks with an alternative corporate bankruptcy prediction model Altman's Z-score model (1977) on a small data sample and illustrates that neural networks can yield superior results. >
Dual-axis optical mirror positioning using a nonlinear closed-loop controller

This paper describes tilt angle control of a dual-axis optical mirror from the perspective of a fully integrated solution. Economical integration of the entire control system and high voltage drivers on-chip forces the use of simplified controllers that are realizable using standard small circuit blocks. Despite these constraints, the controller must guarantee fast 10 millisecond performance in the face of cross-axis coupling, electrostatic nonlinearity, nonlinear damping, higher order modes, and process variation. Following a brief description of mirror dynamics, a control solution conducive to integration is presented with experimental proof of concept using microprocessor control to emulate on-chip circuits.
X-Rays from the Vicinity of the Protostar L1551 IRS 5: Reflection or Fast Shocks?

We present new Chandra X-Ray Observatory observations of the L1551 molecular cloud in Taurus. We find a compact, but slightly resolved, X-ray source, displaced westward from the IRS 5 binary protostar by about 50-100 AU, which coincides with the base of the HH 154 protostellar jet. The column density of material lying in front of the X-ray source is more than an order of magnitude lower than the column density toward L1551 IRS 5. Thus, it is highly improbable that the X-rays come directly from the embedded protobinary. It is possible, however, that X-rays produced by one or both members of the IRS 5 binary escape through the outflow cavity and are scattered into the line of sight by a dense infalling envelope or material in the outflow. Constraints on the physical properties of the scattering medium are discussed. It is also possible that the X-rays are produced in situ by fast shocks at the base of the HH 154 jet. We consider several possible geometries for such shocks. The radiating plasma may be located behind standing shocks, where a wide-angle wind from one member of the IRS 5 binary is collimated into a jet, or behind shocks formed on the axis of the outflow, where winds from each member of the binary collide or where these winds impact a tilted circumbinary disk. To produce the observed X-ray luminosity and plasma temperature, shock velocities larger than 350 km s-1 are required, with a preshock hydrogen density of (1–10) × 103 cm-3. The implied postshock cooling length is around 800 AU, close to the observed length of the bright near-infrared [Fe II] emission in the inner portion of the HH 154 jet.
Microlithographic wet chemical processing in a capillary space

The patented device and procedure described provide a method of processing the flat, thin-film coated surfaces encountered in the ultraclean manufacture of integrated circuit wafers, photomasks, panel displays or other similar substrates. The device provides a means of delivering liquids and vapors to those surfaces while temperature, evaporation and particulate contamination are controlled as a natural consequent of its physical configuration. The essential mechanism exploits the surface tension of liquids and the differences in the wettability of surfaces. By juxtaposing the target surface with a prepared surface on the processing device and maintaining a separation of a few millimeters, the gap formed provides a reaction space into which liquids are easily distributed exploiting so-called capillary behavior. While placing the liquid reagent on the hydrophobic, horizontal surface of the processor, the hydrophilic substrate surface suspended above it is transported laterally. The substrate surface then engages the liquid edge which, driven by its own surface tension, quickly fills the gap. The ending of the reaction and removal of the liquid is effected by further transporting the substrate with its captive liquid reactants to a trench provided in the processor surface where the liquid flows down and away. Thus, the processor surface is seen as a series of 'mesas' allowing a sequence of wet process, rinse and vapor treatments, all with the simple lateral movement of the substrate. The effects of improved reaction kinetics on process precision as well as the benefits mentioned above are discussed and compared to previous immersion and spin methods. Critical dimension measurement data are presented from large photomask substrates processed by the instrument.
The dependency of nuclear division on volume in the dimorphic yeast Candida albicans.

Abstract When stationary phase cells of the dimorphic yeast Candida albicans are induced to synchronously form mycelia, over 90% of the cells undergo nuclear division. However, when stationary phase cells are induced to synchronously form buds, less than half undergo nuclear division even though all form buds. The majority of cells which do not undergo nuclear division form buds with volumes below a threshold value and the majority of cells which do undergo nuclear division form buds with volumes above this threshold value. In this report, we have investigated the possibilities that cells which form small buds do not attain a particular mass threshold. Cell cultures were examined for DNA replication, dry weight, and protein content during synchronous bud and during synchronous mycelium formation. Evidence is presented which indicates that the lack of nuclear division in over half of a budding population is due to low daughter cell volumes or to low surface areas, and not to their failure to attain a mass threshold or to replicate their DNA. The dependency of nuclear division on daughter cell volume is discussed.
Enhancement of the Infrared Absorption from Molecular Monolayers with Thin Metal Overlayers

The infrared absorption from molecular monolayers is enhanced a factor of 20 by thin metal overlayers or underlayers with use of the attenuated-total-reflection technique. The total enhancement, including contributions from the attenuated-total-reflection geometry, is almost ${10}^{4}$. This effect is consistent with an electric field enhancement due to collective electron resonances associated with the island nature of the thin metal films.
Partner Traits That Predict Relationship Satisfaction for Neurotic Individuals in Premarital Relationships

The purpose of this study was (a) to examine the degree of consensus between self-reports of neuroticism and partner reports of neuroticism, (b) to explore how neuroticism is related to relationship satisfaction for both partners, and (c) to identify partner traits and skills that predict relationship satisfaction in committed premarital relationships in which one partner has neurotic traits. The results from 198 single, young adult couples who completed the Relationship Evaluation indicated the length of the relationship and their perceptions of their partners' empathy, flexibility, and clear-speaking skills predicted relationship satisfaction for neurotic women. Predictors of relationship satisfaction for neurotic men included perceptions of their partners' lack of criticism and flooding as well as high levels of kindness and empathy. Implications for couple therapy are discussed.
Yoga during Pregnancy: A Review

The purpose of this review article is to evaluate the peripartum outcomes of yoga during pregnancy, including the postpartum period and lactation. The PubMed database was analyzed from January 1970 to January 2011. We identified five prospective observational studies (n = 575) and three randomized clinical trials (RCTs; n = 298), which were analyzed separately. The nonrandomized trials indicated a significant reduction in rates of preterm labor (p < 0.0006), intrauterine growth retardation (p <0.003), low birth weight (p < 0.01), pregnancy discomforts (p = 0.01), and perceived sleep disturbances (p = 0.03) in those who practiced yoga during pregnancy. Results of the RCTs indicated that doing yoga during pregnancy can significantly lower pain and discomfort (p < 0.05) and perceived stress (p = 0.001) and improve quality of life in physical domains (p = 0.001). All three RCTs were poorly compliant with the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials statement. While awaiting an appropriately designed RCT to determine the benefits of yoga during pregnancy, it remains a viable exercise option.
BETA DECAY ENERGY OF TRITIUM

The extrapolated end point from Kurie plots of the tritium beta spectrum between 14 and 18 kev has been measured as 18.61\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 kev (internal consistency) on the Argonne double-lens beta spectrometer. Composite sources of tritiated estradiol and 10-hr thorium B (${\mathrm{Pb}}^{212}$) and its daughters allow calibration at 25 kev (the "$A$" line) as well as some check on the effect of the source thickness on the "$A$" line. A review of other measurements, including mass difference data, average energy determination, and proportional counter work, shows agreement with the present magnetic spectrometer result, 18.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 kev (this error includes some estimate of possible systematic effects). Two notable exceptions give lower values, 18.2 and 18.0 kev---one an average energy determination, the other a magnetic spectrometer result. The 18.6-kev decay energy and a half-life of 12.43 years give $ft=1137\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20$ sec.
Similarities and contrasts between the effects of amphetamine and apomorphine in rats chronically treated with haloperidol

Abstract 1. 1. Following discontinuation of chronic haloperidol, rats exhibited an enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity and an enhancement in stereotypy and locomotor stimulation produced by amphetamine. 2. 2. Amphetamine stimulation in normal rats was blocked by the catecholamine synthesis inhibitor, alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine in a dose of 200 mg/kg, but this dose failed to block the amphetamine stimulation in haloperidol withdrawn rats. 3. 3. Locomotor stimulation or aggression caused by apomorphine was also enhanced during with-drawal from chronic haloperidol. In contrast to the effect of apomorphine, neither (+) nor (−) amphetamine was able to consistently produce aggression. 4. 4. These results support the previous evidence that supersensitivity of dopamine receptors develops following chronic blockade of those receptors by haloperidol, but also suggest that at specific brain areas, the haloperidol treatment may produce a long-lasting presynaptic change so that release of dopamine by amphetamine is inhibited.
Three-dimensional imaging in craniofacial disorders: a brief review

Three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography has been available since 1979. The brief history of the clinical implementation of this modality is traced.
Into the shadows

Health, Race and German Politics between National Unification and Nazism 1870–1945. By Paul Weindling. Cambridge University Press: 1989. Pp. 641. £55, $69.50.
Combining Maxwell's methodology with the BEM for evaluating the two-dimensional effective properties of composite and micro-cracked materials

Maxwell's methodology is combined with the boundary element method (BEM) for evaluating the two-dimensional effective elastic properties of composite, porous, and microcracked isotropic materials with periodic or random structure. The approach is based on the idea that the effective properties of the material can be deduced from the effects that a cluster of fibers, pores, or cracks embedded in an infinite matrix has on the far-fields. The fibers, pores, or cracks can have arbitrary shapes, sizes, and elastic properties, provided that the overall behavior is isotropic, and their effects are assumed to be the same as those of an equivalent circular inhomogeneity. The key aspect of the approach is to precisely account for the interactions between all the constituents in the cluster that represent the material in question. This is done by using the complex-variables version of the BEM to solve the problem of a finite cluster of fibers, pores or cracks embedded an infinite isotropic, linearly elastic matrix. The effective properties of the material are evaluated by comparing the far-field solutions for the cluster with that of the equivalent inhomogeneity. It is shown that the model adequately captures the influence of the micro-structure of the material on its overall properties.
p53 mutations and clonality in vulvar carcinomas and squamous hyperplasias: evidence suggesting that squamous hyperplasias do not serve as direct precursors of human papillomavirus-negative vulvar carcinomas.

Abstract Previous studies of vulvar carcinomas have shown two distinct subsets with respect to several clinicopathologic features. In younger women, the tumors are frequently human papillomavirus (HPV) positive, are usually of basaloid or warty histology, and are associated with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. In older women, the tumors are usually HPV negative, are typical keratinizing squamous carcinomas, and are associated with squamous hyperplasia—a lesion that has been purported to serve as a precursor to HPV-negative invasive carcinoma. In squamous carcinomas of the cervix, p53 inactivation (through gene mutation or interaction with the HPV E6 oncoprotein) occurs in most cases. Comparatively few studies have assessed p53 mutation and HPV status in vulvar carcinomas, and none has used molecular markers to evaluate squamous hyperplasias as direct precursors of HPV-negative invasive cancers. Of 18 invasive squamous carcinomas analyzed, seven (39%) were found to be HPV positive. Four p53 gene mutations were identified—all in HPV-negative tumors. DNA was subsequently prepared from microdissected archival tissues from all four specimens showing p53 gene mutations. DNA was separately isolated from normal squamous epithelium, invasive squamous carcinoma, and associated squamous hyperplasia. In each specimen, the p53 mutation was confirmed in the invasive tumor and absent in both normal and hyperplastic epithelium. To further investigate squamous hyperplasia as a potential precursor of HPV-negative invasive carcinoma, the authors determined the clonality of hyperplastic lesions adjacent to invasive carcinomas with p53 mutation. Clonality analyses were performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for X chromosome inactivation. Although all three informative carcinomas tested were monoclonal, corresponding normal epithelia and hyperplastic lesions were polyclonal. These findings underscore the heterogeneity of vulvar cancers with respect to loss of wild type p53 function either by interaction with the HPV E6 oncoprotein or somatic mutation of p53, and suggest that squamous hyperplasias do not serve as direct precursors of HPVnegative squamous carcinomas.
Paramecium aurelia: recovery from -196 degrees C.

Representative stocks of four syngens of Paramecium aurelia grown in bacterized Cerophyl survived exposure to −196 °C in 7.5% DMSO when cooled at 5 °C/min to freezing (−6 to −8 °C) following supercooling to between −9 and −15 °C, at 1 °C/min from the heat of fusion zone to −50 °C, then plunged into liquid nitrogen. Other critical factors included the age of the culture and the method of diluting thawed samples. A very small percentage of the cells was recovered even in the best samples. However, these cells gave rise to normal healthy cultures.
Ocean Color Reveals Increased Blooms in Various Parts of the World

The magnitude of phytoplankton blooms has increased significantly in many areas of the world during the past 11 years, as shown in data from ocean color sensors on board satellites. These areas with increased blooms are likely to be environmentally stressed and undergoing undesirable environmental changes such as a higher frequency of harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in bottom layers of oceans, estuaries, and lakes. These changes can disrupt traditional fisheries and recreational use in many coastal areas. An algal bloom is a rapid increase in the concentration of phytoplankton algae that occurs when conditions turn favorable for algal growth. A typical example of a bloom is the phytoplankton spring bloom. Algal blooms are natural phenomena that remove dissolved carbon and nutrients. In addition, they produce new biomass that supports higher trophic levels including fish and fisheries. However, the blooms also lead to excessive turbidity, oxygen depletion in the bottom layers, and the possible death of fish, benthic animals, and bottom vegetation.
Optimal Sequential Detection with Stochastic Energy Constraint

The sequential detection problem in wireless sensors powered by energy harvested from the enviroment is considered. Assuming that a unit of energy arrives with probability p at each time instant, two different problem setups, namely minimizing the weighted sum of detection delay and error probabilities and minimizing the average detection delay subject to error probabilities constraints, are studied. Optimal decision rules including energy allocation, stopping rule and terminal decision rules are derived for both setups. For both setups, we show that the sensor will take samples immediately after energy arrives. However, the numbers of samples that the sensor will take for these two setups behave differently as p changes. For the first setup, the number of samples increases as p increase. For the second setup, the number of samples the sensor will take is the same for different values of p.
An examination of employee perceptions of a subjective performance appraisal system

This study sought to identify factors related to employee perceptions of the accuracy of performance ratings they received using a subjective rating system. It also sought to determine if the relationship between these correlates and perceived fairness and accuracy was moderated by employee sex and/or race. The results were based on the analysis of items from questionnaires completed by 234 government employees whose job performance was rated on a graphic rating scale. A factor analysis of the predictor items yielded three factors. The first factor dealt with employees' confidence in their supervisors' qualifications to accurately rate their performance, the second with matters related to a discussion of appraisal outcomes (i.e., rewards and career progress), and the third with the relevance of the appraisal instrument. The measure of perceived fairness and accuracy was regressed onto scores derived for each of the three factors, plus a set of contrast variables representing the various race/sex groupings and a set of demographic variables (viz., job tenure, education level, and supervisory status). Factors 1 and 2, race, and supervisory status were found to be significantly related to perceived fairness and accuracy. Moreover, the relationship of the criterion with job tenure was moderated by race, that with factor 2 was moderated by sex. Management implications of these findings are discussed.
α-Catenin Is a Molecular Switch that Binds E-Cadherin-β-Catenin and Regulates Actin-Filament Assembly

Epithelial cell-cell junctions, organized by adhesion proteins and the underlying actin cytoskeleton, are considered to be stable structures maintaining the structural integrity of tissues. Contrary to the idea that α-catenin links the adhesion protein E-cadherin through β-catenin to the actin cytoskeleton, in the accompanying paper we report that α-catenin does not bind simultaneously to both E-cadherin-β-catenin and actin filaments. Here we demonstrate that α-catenin exists as a monomer or a homodimer with different binding properties. Monomeric α-catenin binds more strongly to E-cadherin-β-catenin, whereas the dimer preferentially binds actin filaments. Different molecular conformations are associated with these different binding states, indicating that α-catenin is an allosteric protein. Significantly, α-catenin directly regulates actin-filament organization by suppressing Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization, likely by competing with the Arp2/3 complex for binding to actin filaments. These results indicate a new role for α-catenin in local regulation of actin assembly and organization at sites of cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion.
Long-term cocaine administration is not neurotoxic to cultured fetal mesencephalic dopamine neurons.

Abstract The psychostimulants cocaine and methamphetamine produce their euphoric effects through an interaction with the mesolimbic dopamine system. Methamphetamine, unlike cocaine, has been shown to be neurotoxic to both dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. We have previously determined that a 6 day exposure to methamphetamine causes neuronal damage to tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive cells in our tissue culture model of the mesencephalon. Over the same exposure period, cocaine neither impaired neuronal function nor altered dopamine cell survival. To test whether a longer exposure period to cocaine would alter dopamine function, we added cocaine (100 μM) to the cultures once daily for either 8 or 11 days and examined changes in dopamine uptake, cell survival and morphology 24 h after the last administration. Cocaine did not produce any signs of neurotoxicity in the mesencephalic cultures.
The genotype-dependent influence of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes on fetal development

In many cases cancer is caused by gene deficiency that is being passed along from generation to generation. Soluble carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown promising applications in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer, however, the potential relationship between cancer-prone individuals and response to CNT exposure as a prerequisite for development of personalized nanomedicine, is still poorly understood. Here we report that intravenous injections of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into p53 (a well-known cancer-susceptible gene) heterozygous pregnant mice can induce p53- dependent responses in fetal development. Larger sized multi-walled carbon nanotubes moved across the blood-placenta barrier (BPB), restricted the development of fetuses, and induced brain deformity, whereas single-walled and smaller sized multi-walled carbon nanotubes showed no or less fetotoxicity. A molecular mechanism study found that multi-walled carbon nanotubes directly triggered p53-dependent apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage. Based on the molecular mechanism, we also incorporated N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an FDA approved antioxidant, to prevent CNTs induced nuclear DNA damage and reduce brain development abnormalities. Our findings suggest that CNTs might have genetic background-dependent toxic effect on the normal development of the embryo, and provide new insights into protection against nanoparticle-induced toxicity in potential clinical applications.
Enabling the autonomic data center with a smart bare-metal server platform

Ever increasing data center complexity poses a significant burden on IT administrators. This burden can become unbearable without the help of self-managed systems that monitor themselves and automatically modify their state in order to carry out business processes according to high level objectives set by service level agreements (SLA) and policies. Among the key IT management tasks that must be automated and enhanced to realize the idea of an autonomic and highly dynamic data center, are discovery, configuration, and provisioning of new servers. In this direction, this paper describes pre-boot capabilities endowing the bare metal server with the ability to be discovered, queried, configured, and provisioned at time zero using industry standards like Common Information Model (CIM), CIM-XML, and Service Location Protocol (SLP). The capabilities are implemented as a payload of an Intel® Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI)-compliant BIOS, the Intel® Rapid Boot Toolkit (IRBT), allowing a resource manager to discover a new server during pre-boot, possibly in a bare-metal state, and then perform an asset inventory, configure the server including CPU-specific settings, and provision it with the most appropriate image. All these tasks may be carried out based on decisions taken by the resource manager according to server capabilities, application requirements, SLAs, and high-level policies. Additionally, this system uses reliable protocols, thus minimizing error possibilities.
Protein synthesis during acquisition of long-term facilitation is needed for the persistent loss of regulatory subunits of the Aplysia cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Abstract Depending on the number or the length of exposure, application of serotonin can produce either short-term or long-term presynaptic facilitation of Aplysia sensory-to-motor synapses. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase, a heterodimer of two regulatory and two catalytic subunits, has been shown to become stably activated only during long-term facilitation. Both acquisition of long-term facilitation and persistent activation of the kinase is blocked by anisomycin, an effective, reversible, and specific inhibitor of protein synthesis in Aplysia. We report here that 2-hr exposure of pleural sensory cells to serotonin lowers the concentration of regulatory subunits but does not change the concentration of catalytic subunits, as assayed 24 hr later; 5-min exposure to serotonin has no effect on either type of subunit. Increasing intracellular cAMP with a permeable analog of cAMP together with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutyl methylxanthine also decreased regulatory subunits, suggesting that cAMP is the second messenger mediating serotonin action. Anisomycin blocked the loss of regulatory subunits only when applied with serotonin; application after the 2-hr treatment with serotonin had no effect. In the Aplysia accessory radula contractor muscle, prolonged exposure to serotonin or to the peptide transmitter small cardioactive peptide B, both of which produce large increases in intracellular cAMP, does not decrease regulatory subunits. This mechanism of regulating the cAMP-dependent protein kinase therefore may be specific to the nervous system. We conclude that during long-term facilitation, new protein is synthesized in response to the facilitatory stimulus, which changes the ratio of subunits of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. This alteration in ratio could persistently activate the kinase and produce the persistent phosphorylation seen in long-term facilitated sensory cells.
Humoral immune abnormalities in T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia

The prevalence of humoral immune dysfunction has not been defined in a large series of patients with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGL) confirmed to be clonal by T-cell receptor analysis. Therefore we evaluated the presence of multiple autoantibodies in 27 patients with this disease. Humoral immune abnormalities included: rheumatoid factor (RF) (15/27 patients), antinuclear antibody (ANA) (13/27 patients), polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia (15/24 patients), elevated serum immunoglobulins (17/26 patients), immune complex formation (18/25 patients), elevated beta-2 microglobulin (13/18 patients) and neutrophil-reactive IgG (18/20 patients). Disease manifestations in these patients were due to complications of cytopenia or autoimmune abnormalities. Infection was a common finding (21/27 patients) and likely reflected their neutropenia. Rheumatoid arthritis (11/27 patients), anemia (12/27 patients) and thrombocytopenia (10/27 patients) were less common but still frequently observed. This study demonstrates the presence of multiple autoantibodies in a large series of patients with documented clonal T-LGL proliferations.
Endogenous inhibitors of glutathione S-transferases in house flies

Abstract The inhibition of glutathione S-transferase by endogenous compounds present in the soluble fraction of house fly homogenates was investigated. The highest inhibition was found with the female abdomen and increased with incubation time and with an increase in the tissue concentration. The correlation of increased inhibition with a parallel increase in the darkening of the soluble fraction indicated a possible association with melanization, thereby suggesting quinones as the possible endogenous inhibitiors of glutathione transferase. In vitro experiments demonstrated that quinones produced by mushroom tyrosinase did indeed inhibit glutathione S-transferase. Inhibition by quinones can be prevented by including glutathione or bovine serum albumin in the homogenization buffer. The inhibitory activity of a variety of quinones and related compounds on purified glutathione S-transferase was investigated. Oxygenated aromatics with hydroxy groups in the 1,2- or 1,4-position or ketonic carbonyls in the 1,4-position are good inhibitors of glutathione S-transferase.
A super-regenerative radio on plastic based on thin-film transistors and antennas on large flexible sheets for distributed communication links

Large-area electronics presents new form factors, enabling ubiquitous systems that are flexible and capable of scaling to very large areas. By processing thin-film transistors (TFTs) at low temperatures on plastic (using organics, amorphous silicon, metal oxides, etc.), blocks such as ADCs, amplifiers, and processors can be realized [1,2]; however, aside from short-range RFID tags [3], wireless links for long-range communication have not been achieved. A key challenge is that wireless systems typically depend on the ability to generate and operate at high frequencies, yet TFTs are limited to very low performance (ft ~1MHz). Specifically, the challenge is low device gm, due to low mobility and limited gate-dielectric scalability, as well as high device capacitance, due to limited feature scalability and large overlaps for alignment margining on flexible substrates. This work presents a super-regenerative (SR) transceiver with integrated antenna on plastic that leverages the attribute of large area to create highquality passives; this enables resonant TFT circuits at high frequencies (near ft) and allows for large antennas, maximizing the communication distance. The resulting carrier frequency is 900kHz, and the range is over 12m (at 2kb/s). As shown in Fig. 25.10.1, this will enable sheets with integrated arrays of radio frontends for distributing a large number of communication links over large areas.
Estimating uncertainty in normalized Fry plots using a bootstrap approach

Abstract The normalized Fry method is a powerful and commonly used tool for measuring fabric in aggregates of packed grains. The significance of these parameters is often unclear because the associated uncertainty is unknown. Basic statistical hypotheses, such as deciding if a sample has a fabric, or if the fabrics of two samples are significantly different, requires knowledge of associated uncertainty. For this study a bootstrap version of the normalized Fry method was developed. This program randomly selects normalized center-to-center distances, with replacement, from the population of all possible center-to-center distances. For each sample 100 bootstrap normalized Fry plots were constructed using different combinations of center-to-center distances. The variation of fabric parameters for these 100 analyses is used to estimate the uncertainty associated with the sample. Results of bootstrap analyses of sandstones, oolitic limestones and synthetic data sets, show considerable variation in fabric parameter uncertainty, apparently related to both lithology and the degree of fabric development. Fabrics with axial ratios less than 2.0 appear only to be significant to one decimal place. The variation of fabric uncertainty makes it important to determine the uncertainty associated with individual samples. The deformation model for a field example developed based on conventional normalized Fry plots needed to be more complicated than deformation models that allowed for variation of fabric parameters.
Do baths muddy the waters or clear the air

We examine the information environments of firms following large, non-recurring charges (“baths”). We test competing hypotheses about the consequences of a bath—a bath either improves the information environment (the transparency hypothesis) or degrades it (the opacity hypothesis). Difference-in-differences analysis suggests that after a bath (1) earnings become smoother, (2) firm-level information asymmetry decreases, and (3) stock returns become more responsive to unexpected earnings. We interpret these findings as supportive of the transparency hypothesis. We also document that the relative improvement in the information environment is greater for baths that are not voluntary, consistent with managerial obfuscation prior to the bath.