cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
20.2 ANALYZING THE MOLECULAR EFFECTS OF LARGE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC CNVS WITH IPSC BASED NEURONAL TISSUE CULTURE MODELS.

AbstractBackgroundSeveral large copy number variants (CNVs) in the genomic sequence are strongly associated with schizophrenia. These loci are important objects of study in their own right as well as enticing points of entry for the better understanding of the molecular etiology of schizophrenia. However, most of the schizophrenia-associated large CNVs are larger than one million base pairs and affect up to several dozen genes, presenting a complex challenge for research aiming to determine how these sequence variants are connected on the molecular level to the phenotype.MethodsWe have established iPSC based tissue culture models for three of the major schizophrenia associated large CNVs, on chromosomes 22q11 (deletion), 15q13 (deletion) and 16p11 (deletion or duplication). We create neuronal cells with the defined genotypes using either direct induction into the neuronal state (induced neurons, iNs), by slower differentiation via neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) or by generating 3D cultures of cortical spheroids. We then assay the molecular effects of the large CNVs along the trajectory of differentiation by using RNA-Seq (transcriptome), ATAC-Seq (chromatin state) and SeqCap-Epi (DNA-methylation patterns). We also carry out single-cell RNA-Seq analysis using the drop-Seq approach.ResultsWe detect common effects across the large CNVs as well as locus-specific phenomena. For the most part genes within the CNV boundaries will change their expression patterns in concordance with their new copy number, with notable exceptions. Transcriptome-wide there is a network effect where several hundred genes are differentially expressed, including genes already identified as candidate genes for schizophrenia. Epigenomic states are affected, again most often not only in or nearby the boundaries of the large CNVs but epigenome-wide. Integrative analysis across the layers of molecular signals shows partial concordance as well as a degree of changes in signal being ‘offset’ between the levels, potentially owing to the dynamic differentiation state of the model system.DiscussionNeuronal tissue culture models based on iPSCs with defined large CNVs strongly associated with Schizophrenia allow for an analysis of the effects of such structural genomic sequence changes in disease-relevant cellular differentiation states. Application of cutting edge genomics and epigenomics assays and integrative data analysis reveals incomplete transcriptional dosage compensation of the genes within the large CNVs as well as transcriptome-wide network effects. Furthermore, there are epigenomic effects in the form of altered chromatin states that may to some extent mediate the gene expression changes. Differences between the large CNV loci as well as potential points of convergence will be discussed.
Patterns of Cardiometabolic Health as Midlife Women Transition to Menopause: A Prospective Multiethnic Study.

Context Cardiometabolic conditions increase in midlife, but early customized prevention strategies are not established for such women. Objective To characterize and identify factors longitudinally related to constellations of cardiometabolic risk components in multiracial/ethnic women in midlife. Design We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, multiethnic cohort study of 3003 midlife women undergoing menopausal transition (MT). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined as having at least three of five components: high fasting triglyceride (hTG) level, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (lHDL-C) level, high fasting plasma glucose (hGluc) level, large waist circumference (abdominal obesity; Ob), and hypertension (HTN). We described the patterns of constellations and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for constellations at (i) incident MetS and (ii) recovery from MetS, using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression. Setting Seven US sites. Participants In all, 1412 non-Hispanic white, 851 black, 272 Japanese, 237 Hispanic, and 231 Chinese women. Exposures Race/ethnicity, lifestyle factors, and MT stage. Main outcomes measures Cardiometabolic constellations, incident MetS, and MetS recovery. Results Central obesity was the most frequent component. Having no components was the most frequent (31%) baseline constellation. Physical activity (HR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.68) and lower caloric intake (HR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93, 0.99 per 100 cal/d) were associated with recovery from MetS. Ob/hTG/lHDL-C (18%), Ob/HTN/lHDL-C (16%), and Ob/HTN/hGluc (14%) were frequent incident constellations. Physically active women had 26% to 62% lower hazards of incident MetS than inactive women. Conclusions Modifiable lifestyle behaviors were related to recovery from MetS and decreased risk of the most frequent MetS constellations in midlife women.
Investigating racial disparities in bariatric surgery referrals.

Abstract Background Prior studies investigating racial, socioeconomic, and/or insurance disparities with regard to access to care and outcomes in bariatric surgery have been performed with varying results. Objectives Our aim was to determine if racial or ethnic disparities exist in referral patterns for bariatric surgery at a single center. Methods An institutional, retrospective chart review from January 2012 through June 2017 was performed for patients meeting referral criteria to bariatric surgery. Data collection was limited to patients referred to the bariatric surgery clinic from on-site primary care clinics. Results In total, 4736 patients were eligible for bariatric surgery during the study period. Patients were 63.8% female (n = 3022), and 36.2% male (n = 1714); 53.9% white (n = 2553), 37.8% black (n = 1790), and 8.3% Hispanic (n = 393). Female patients were more likely to be referred than male patients (5.5% versus 4.1%, χ2 4.59, P = .032). On univariate comparison, Hispanic patients were less likely to be referred compared with black or white patients (2.0% versus 5.3% and 5.2%, χ2 7.88, P = .019). Conclusion Hispanic patients were less likely to be referred at our institution for bariatric surgery compared with white or black patients. A barrier to referral may be explained by the disproportionate number of Hispanic patients that were designated as “self-pay” rather than private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare coverage that is required for bariatric surgery referral. This finding underscores the need for further research surrounding barriers to access to care for Hispanic patients.
Retrospective evaluation of resected ampulla of vater adenocarcinoma (AOVA): Clinicopathologic variables and long-term outcomes—REAL study.

e14612 Background: AOVA accounts for about 1% of GI cancers. 30% of patients receive curative intent resection with 5-year survival between 20-50%. Limited data are available concerning the value o...
Ankle joint contact loads and displacement in syndesmosis injuries repaired with Tightropes compared to screw fixation in a static model.

Abstract Background The effect of syndesmotic fixation on restoration of pressure mechanics in the setting of a syndesmotic injury is largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the contact mechanics of the tibiotalar joint following syndesmosis fixation with screws versus a flexible fixation device for complete syndesmotic injury. Methods Six matched pairs of cadaveric below knee specimens were dissected and motion capture trackers were fixed to the tibia, fibula, and talus and a pressure sensor was placed in the tibiotalar joint. Each specimen was first tested intact with axial compressive load followed by external rotation while maintaining axial compression. Next, syndesmotic ligaments were sectioned and randomly assigned to repair with either two TightRopes® or two 3.5 mm cortical screws and the protocol was repeated. Mean contact pressure, peak pressure, reduction in contact area, translation of the center of pressure, and relative talar and fibular motion were calculated. Specimens were then cyclically loaded in external rotation and surviving specimens were loaded in external rotation to failure. Results No differences in pressure measurements were observed between the intact and instrumented states during axial load. Mean contact presure relative to intact testing was increased in the screw group at 5 Nm and 7.5 Nm torque. Likewise, peak pressure was increased in the TightRope group at 7.5 Nm torque. There was no change in center of pressure in the TightRope group at any threshold; however, at every threshold tested there was significant medial and anterior translation in the screw group relative to the intact state. Conclusion Either screws or TightRope fixation is adequate with AL alone. With lower amounts of torque, the TightRope group appears to have contact and pressure mechanics that more closely match native mechanics.
Essential Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists

This text is geared toward students who have an undergraduate degree or extensive coursework in engineering or the physical sciences and who wish to develop their understanding of the essential topics of applied mathematics. The methods covered in the chapters form the core of analysis in engineering and the physical sciences. Readers will learn the solutions, techniques, and approaches that they will use as academic researchers or industrial R&D specialists. For example, they will be able to understand the fundamentals behind the various scientific software packages that are used to solve technical problems (such as the equations describing the solid mechanics of complex structures or the fluid mechanics of short-term weather prediction and long-term climate change), which is crucial to working with such codes successfully. Detailed and numerous worked problems help to ensure a clear and well-paced introduction to applied mathematics. Computational challenge problems at the end of each chapter provide students with the opportunity for hands-on learning and help to ensure mastery of the concepts. Adaptable to one- and two-semester courses.
Outcomes for a Large Cohort of Patients with Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors: an Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors comprise 20% of neuroendocrine tumors in the alimentary tract, but there is controversy surrounding the optimal management of this disease. The purpose of this study is to better define treatment for patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors. Using the National Cancer Database, we analyzed patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors between 2004 and 2015. Patients with metastatic disease and missing treatment data were excluded. We examined overall survival stratified by tumor size, treatment type, and presence of positive lymph nodes using Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression model was performed to identify factors associated with overall survival. In total, 17,448 patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors were identified; 16,531 of these patients met inclusion criteria. The majority of patients had tumors ≤ 10 mm (9216 patients, 79.8%), and approximately 90% underwent local excision. The probability of 5-year overall survival was significantly higher for patients with smaller tumors (≤ 10 mm: 94.1% 11–20 mm: 85.7%, > 20 mm: 71.8%; p < 0.001) and those with no positive lymph nodes (91.4% versus 53.3%, p < 0.001). The probability of 5-year overall survival differed based on treatment modality (local excision: 93.6%, radical resection: 79.1%, observation alone: 77.1%; p < 0.001). On multivariable Cox regression, when compared to local excision, radical resection was not associated with a difference in overall survival but observation alone was associated with significantly worse OS (HR = 2.750, p < 0.001). There is a significant difference in overall survival between patients who underwent local excision versus observation alone. Excision of the tumor should be offered to all patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors who are appropriate surgical candidates, regardless of the tumor size.
The Socio-Multidimensional Sexual and Gender Minority Oppression Framework: A Model for LGBTQ Individuals Experiencing Oppression and Substance Use

Counseling lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) individuals with substance use disorders while considering oppression is dynamic and complex. The Socio-Multidimensional Sexual and ...
Demographics and Epidemiology of Discoid Menisci of the Knee: Analysis of a Large Regional Insurance Database.

Background:A discoid meniscus is a morphological variant of normal knee joint meniscus shape and ultrastructure that can lead to traumatic tearing of this tissue and early joint osteoarthritis.Purp...
Addressing stereotypes of aging and interest in careers working with older adults through education.

Negative stereotypes about older adults are increasing and contributing to a shortage of professionals in gerontology. Building on the PEACE model (Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experi...
Using mobile health technologies to test the association of cocaine use with sexual desire and risky sexual behaviors among people with and without HIV who use illicit stimulants.

Abstract Background Cocaine use is broadly associated with risky sexual behavior potentially through elevated sexual desire. Understanding the within-person effects of cocaine on sexual desire and risky sexual behavior and the modification of HIV infection may inform primary and secondary HIV interventions. Methods We conducted a mobile health (mHealth) study in a community sample of males and females with (n = 28) and without (n = 32) HIV who use illicit stimulant drugs. Participants completed ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) and daily diaries over 28 days. Mixed effects models were employed to examine the within-person association of cocaine use with sexual desire and risky sexual behavior. Results Participants completed 3505 EMA responses, with 36 % involving recent cocaine use, including powder and/or crack cocaine. They completed 1427 daily diary responses, with cocaine use reported on 49 % of these days and sexual behavior on 21 % of these days. Sexual desire was highest in the first hour since cocaine use and gradually decreased with time. Sexual desire was lowest when participants had not used any cocaine in the past 6 h, and it correlated positively with the amount of use. Participants were more likely to have risky sexual behavior on days they used cocaine. These associations were similar for participants with and without HIV. Conclusion This study demonstrates the dynamic and proximal effects of cocaine use on sexual desire and risky sexual behavior. Our findings support the development of HIV prevention interventions that utilize mHealth technology to reduce sexual risk behavior among persons who use stimulant drugs.
Evaluation of GNSS-R Retrieved Sea Ice Surface Height Using ICESat-2 Ice Freeboard Measurements

This paper presents an evaluation of the relative sea ice surface heights retrieved using carrier phase measurements of coherent GNSS reflection signals recorded by Spire Global Inc.'s LEMUR-2 low-Earth orbit (LEO) cubeSats between January to April 2019. Coherent GNSS signal reflection usually occurs at relatively low elevation angles, and sea ice is a good reflector for GNSS signals. As analyzed in [1], most of the uncertainty for GNSS-R relative sea surface height (SSH) retrievals is from the tropospheric delay models, which usually have several centimeters error in the zenith total error (ZTD), and the effects will be significantly amplified at low elevation angles. In this paper, the retrieved sea surface height anomalies (SSHA) using LEMUR-2 GNSS-R data are compared with the monthly averaged ice freeboard measurements from ICESat-2. Overall, the comparison shows good consistency. However, for some reflection events/segments, adjustments of the zenith troposphere delay model of up to 11 cm is required in order to fit the ICESat-2 ice freeboard measurements. Therefore, the tropospehere delay correction may be a challenge for high-precision GNSS-R sea ice altimetry.
Structure/function relationships of Fcγ receptors in phagocytosis

An important function of Fc gamma receptors is the ingestion or phagocytosis of IgG sensitized cells. It has been difficult to clearly define the individual function of each receptor in phagocytosis because hematopoietic cells express multiple Fc gamma receptor isoforms. To examine this issue, an in-vitro model system in COS-1 cells has been developed. When transfected with an appropriate Fc gamma receptor, COS-1 cells which lack endogeneous Fc receptors, ingest IgG-sensitized cells. Using this model, a single class of human Fc gamma receptor in the absence of other Fc receptors was observed to mediate phagocytosis. Furthermore, isoforms from each Fc gamma receptor class can mediate phagocytosis although the requirements for phagocytosis differ. Investigation of the relationship between structure and function for Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis established the importance of the cytoplasmic tyrosines of the receptor or its associated gamma chains. For example, two cytoplasmic YXXL sequences, in a configuration similar to the conserved tyrosine containing motif found in immunoglobulin gene family receptors, are important for phagocytosis by the human Fc gamma receptor, Fc gamma RIIA. Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIIIA do not possess cytoplasmic tyrosines, but transmit a phagocytic signal through interaction with an associated gamma-subunit which contains two YXXL sequences in a conserved motif required for phagocytosis. The human Fc gamma RII isoforms, Fc gamma RIIB2, do not induce phagocytosis and have only a single YXXL sequence. Crosslinking of the phagocytic Fc gamma receptors induces tyrosine phosphorylation of either Fc gamma RIIA or the gamma chain and treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors reduces both phagocytosis and phosphorylation of the receptor tyrosine residues. The protein tyrosine kinase Syk, which is associated with the gamma chain in monocytes/macrophages, dramatically enhances phagocytosis mediated by Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIIIA and also induces non-phagocytic Fc gamma RI or Fc gamma RIIIA expressing cells to acquire phagocytic capability.
On the dimension of modules and algebras. X. A right hereditary ring which is not left hereditary

A ring R is said to be right (left) hereditary if every right (left) ideal in R is projective, that is, a direct summand of a free R -module. Cartan and Eilenberg [3, p. 15] ask whether there exists a right hereditary ring which is not left hereditary. The answer: yes.
Daimlerchrysler Ag, the First Truly Global Share

On November 17, 1998, trading commenced in DaimlerChrysler AG ordinary shares, a single global registered share (GRS) certificate, on stock exchanges around the world. The GRS quotes, trades and settles in U.S. dollars on the New York Stock Exchange and in deutschmarks/euros on the Deutsche Borse through a new global share registrar linking German and U.S. registrars and clearing facilities. This clinical study documents how almost 95 percent of its order flow migrated back to Germany within the first six months of trading and that the share price underperformed market- and sector-specific benchmarks by up to 10 percent. I analyze this event as an interesting test of different hypotheses about multi-market trading, global competition for order flow and liquidity. Overall, I argue that the choice of the share facility, whether a global share or traditional ADR program, cannot explain DaimlerChrysler's flowback and poor share price performance.
Preparative conditions for the transition from superconductivity to nonsuperconductivity in oxygenated orthorhombic YBa2(Cu1 − xNix)3Oy

Abstract When materials YBa 2 (Cu 1 − x ) 3 O y with x = 0.05 are quenched from T A ~ 1000 K in air (designated Kp compounds in this state) and subsequently reoxygenated near T a = 670 K (Ko compounds), they are orthorhombic but can have lost superconductivity and gained paramagnetism. This contrasts with the behavior of conventionally slow cooled oxygenating preparations (OP) which produce T c ~ 75 K. Presented here are structural, magnetic and superconducting behaviors for materials given various thermal treatments. It is demonstrated that materials quenched from air annealing temperatures in the range of 950–1100 K (designated Kp) show volume expansion anomalies and slow reoxygenation kinetics, probably connected with charge localization. On reoxygenation a complex sequence of states is indicated, including the loss of diamagnetism and the gain of semiconductive type behavior. After long equilibrating annealing at 673 K in air, a reversal to conventional superconducting behavior can be achieved.
The Aware Home: A Living Laboratory for Ubiquitous Computing Research

We are building a home, called the Aware Home, to create a living laboratory for research in ubiquitous computing for everyday activities. This paper introduces the Aware Home project and outlines some of our technology-and human-centered research objectives in creating the Aware Home.
Research on terminal logistics for the manufacturing of steel products

With the continuous deepening of economic globalization and the rapid development of market economy, the competition between enterprises is becoming increasingly fiercer. Under this background, logistics has become an important source of profit for enterprise development besides production and sales. And the terminal logistics constitutes a main part of the whole logistics system, so the application of a scientific method is needed for proper planning, organization, coordination, control and supervision, thus achieving the optimal results. By doing so, not only the cost of logistics will be reduced, but also the efficiency and economic benefits will be enhanced. This paper will focus on the terminal logistics of steel products by building a mathematical model on the basis of dynamic programming algorithm and heuristic algorithm. The comparison with other algorithms shows this model is effective and the algorithms are feasible.
Shock Consolidation of In-100 Nickel-Base Superalloy Powder

Shock consolidation is a technique of some potential in producing bulk parts from rapidly-solidified powders1–3. Although successful reports of shock consolidation of several rapidly-solidified powders have been made, the shock-compression conditions needed are typically not well known. The objectives of the experiments described herein were to establish the stress, stress duration, and temperature conditions required for consolidation of a nickel-base superalloy. In order to accomplish this, the fixtures developed by Graham, Webb, and Davison4,5 at Sandia National Laboratories were used. These fixtures were developed to produce quantitative, reproduceable experiments with well-characterized stress and temperature histories, determined by extensive studies with a two-dimensional code.
Numerical simulation of scattering from rough surfaces using an iterative physical optics approach

The application of iterative physical optics (PO) in conjunction with a Monte Carlo simulation for characterizing the bistatic scattering coefficient of random rough surfaces is examined in this paper. The iterative PO method offers decreased memory and computation time restrictions compared to the standard numerical methods such as the method of moments (MoM). Results from the iterative PO method are compared to the standard electric field integral equation (EFIE), the magnetic field integral equation (MFIE) as well as the existing theoretical solutions for rough surfaces. It is demonstrated that memory requirements and computation time is significantly decreased while providing fairly accurate results at surfaces with moderate to low rms slope.
Returns Over the Life-Cycles of Open Market Repurchase Programs

We construct a large sample of announcements that firms have authorized, suspended, resumed, or completed open market repurchase (OMR) programs. Starting or continuing repurchases is associated with positive average announcement period abnormal returns. Stopping repurchases, either by suspending uncompleted programs or by not immediately following completed programs with new programs, is associated with negative average announcement period abnormal returns. We find that excess returns are not significantly different from zero over the periods between initial authorizations and program completions, i.e., the life-cycles of the OMRs; however, consistent with prior literature, we find excess returns are positive and significant over standard long-run event windows. We then document that the excess returns over standard long-run windows are substantially attributable to positive and significant announcement returns to repurchase authorizations and takeover attempts that occur after the completions of the OMR programs. We confirm that these results generalize to the entire population of OMR programs. Further analysis suggests that the positive post-OMR abnormal returns documented in prior literature are a product of misspecification of the model for expected returns that, once corrected, no longer yields evidence of excess returns. Thus, we conclude that the positive long-run excess returns in prior literature do not represent evidence of market inefficiency.
Vascular risk factors, depression, and cognitive change among African American older adults.

Objective Vascular burden has been linked to future depression and cognitive change in predominately European American samples. This study investigated these relationships in older African Americans. Methods To examine the connection between vascular risk factors, depression, and cognitive change, this study utilized data from 435 older African Americans. Specifically, the study examined the link between vascular risk at baseline with depression and cognitive functioning at a 2.5-year follow-up visit. Results High baseline vascular risk was associated with increased odds of future depression while controlling for age and current depression. A series of path analyses demonstrated links between baseline vascular risk, increases in depression, and decreases in processing speed. Conclusions These findings suggest that African Americans with greater vascular burden are at greater risk for depression and cognitive change. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of seeding techniques and three‐dimensional matrices for mesenchymal cell attachment

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer significant potential as a cell source in tissue-engineering applications because of their multipotent ability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of MSCs during the seeding phase, using four different seeding techniques (spinner flask, custom vacuum system combined with a perfused bioreactor or with an orbital shaker, and orbital shaker) with four different scaffold materials [polyglycolic acid, poly(lactic acid), calcium phosphate and chitosan–hyaluronic acid]. Scaffolds were selected for their structural and/or chemical similarity with bone or cartilage, and characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and measurement of fluid retention. Cell attachment was compared between seeding techniques and scaffolds via cell-binding kinetics, cell viability and DNA quantification. SEM was used to evaluate cell distribution throughout the constructs. We discovered from cell suspension kinetics and DNA data that the type of loading (i.e. direct or indirect) mainly influences the delivery of cells to their respective scaffolds, and that dynamic seeding in a spinner flask tended to improve the cellularity of polymer constructs, especially mesh. Regardless of the seeding method, bone marrow-derived MSCs displayed a superior affinity for calcium phosphate scaffolds, which may be related to their hydrophobicity. MSCs tended to aggregate into flat sheets, occluding the external pores of matrices and affecting cell distribution, regardless of seeding technique or scaffold. Taken together, these results provide insight into the design of future experiments using MSCs to engineer functional tissue. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does leadership matter in the political arena? Voter perceptions of candidates' transformational and charismatic leadership and the 1996 U.S. president

Abstract Two models of leadership often discussed in both the political and business contexts are transformational and charismatic leadership. To date there have been no systematic investigations that focus on the importance of these leadership models in determining voter preferences and choice. The present study investigates the relationship between voters' transformational and charismatic leadership assessments of the two main contenders. President Clinton and Bob Dole, and actual voting behavior in the 1996 Presidential election. Data were collected from the respondents both before and after the election. The findings indicate that leadership evaluations have a significant impact on both intent to vote and actual voting behavior even after accounting for the influence of party identification. Implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed.
When Children Feel Helpless in the Face of Stress

Abstract Some valuable, fresh insights for child-watchers! “In this paper emphasis will be on how stresses can affect the organization of children's thinking and on how individual children respond uniquely to them.”
Purification of calf intestinal lactase.

Abstract A procedure for preparing a purified lactase from calf intestine is described. The enzyme preparation obtained has about 100 times the activity of the original extract, an optimum pH range of 5.5–6.0, and is maximally stable in solution at pH 5.0. Glucose inhibits hydrolytic action of the enzyme but galactose has no effect.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Survival in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and survival in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Background Natriuretic peptides are released in response to neurohormonal activation, myocardial stretch, and wall tension and therefore reflect hemodynamic derangements. Methods A total of 772 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had BNP obtained in conjunction with echocardiography and clinical evaluation, inclusive of cardiopulmonary exercise evaluation in 429 patients (56%). Results Survival free of all-cause mortality was lower across increasing levels of BNP (log-rank test, p = 0.002). Three-year survival by tertile was 99.2% (95% confidence interval: 94.3% to 99.9%; BNP level ≤98 pg/ml), 94.8% (95% confidence interval: 88.2% to 97.8%; BNP level, >98 to l298 pg/ml), and 89.9% (95% confidence interval: 82.0% to 94.5%; BNP level ≥298 pg/ml). Compared with patients in the first tertile, the hazard ratios for death in the second and third tertiles were 4.88 (p = 0.006) and 6.98 (p = 0.0003), respectively. This relationship persisted in patients without resting obstructive physiology (n = 497, p = 0.01). BNP levels were related to New York Heart Association functional status (p l 0.0001) and the subsequent need for septal reduction therapy in follow-up (p = 0.04). Conclusions In this large cohort of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, BNP was an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality.
Implementation of unified signatures for transactional memory systems

Hardware signatures have been used for detecting conflicts in Transactional Memory (TM) systems. Even with its area-efficiency, a signature can degrade TM performance by falsely detecting conflicts. Hence, increasing the accuracy of signatures with limited hardware resources is a crucial issue. We propose a simple and efficient signature design, unified signature. Instead of using separate read- and write-signatures, we implement a single signature to track all read- and write-accesses, effectively enlarging the signature size without additional overhead. Our results show that a TM system with a 4K-bit blind unified signature achieves average speedups of 8% over baseline TM systems with 38% less power and 17% less area.
Feeding behavior, cirral fan anatomy, Reynolds numbers, and leakiness of Balanus glandula, from post-metamorphic juvenile to the adult

Adult acorn barnacles are sessile suspension feeders. This study compares the feeding of three size classes of the barnacle Balanus glandula. Cirral morphology, feeding behavior at a low current speed, and leakiness of the cirri were compared between these size classes: newly-settled juveniles (small, aperture diameter 0.36 mm), an intermediate size (medium, aperture diameter 3.4 mm), and the largest individuals found locally (large, aperture diameter 6.5 mm). Barnacles were videotaped while feeding in a flow tank at a current speed of 4 cm/s. Molts were collected and several morphometric and meristic traits were measured. Large individuals spent more time actively feeding and had fewer setae per millimeter of cirrus VI than did medium or small individuals. Small individuals were observed passively feeding, which was not observed in the larger groups. Barnacles tend to passively feed in high current speeds. Juveniles are more likely to experience slower flow speeds in the field due to their tendencies to settle in locally sheltered areas such as in pits and on the sides of adults in clumps. Thus, 4 cm/s flow may be near the upper limit of flow speeds encountered by juveniles. Barnacles were videotaped actively feeding while a stream of milk was aimed at their cirri. Two geometric models of leakiness were generated from the observed billows. The small barnacles had cirral fans that were much less leaky than the medium and large barnacles. These calculations and measurements were made at a relatively slow flow speed. Leakiness and Reynolds number (Re) experienced will increase in the field with increasing flow up to some maximum current speed at which the barnacles cease to feed.
Stability of combustible systems

The utility of Lyapunov functionals in characterizing ignition conditions is examined for the inhomogeneous case of a combustible system whose extent is that of an infinite slab of unit half-width (the F-K problem). The analysis shows that these functionals are useful in one verifiable case and should therefore be useful in the stability analysis of other inhomogeneous combustible systems. (JSR)
Augmented Interferon-α Pathway Activation in Patients With Sjögren's Syndrome Treated With Etanercept

Objective Recent clinical trials suggest that etanercept is ineffective in controlling Sjogren's syndrome (SS). To address the hypothesis that tumor necrosis factor blockade can result in increased levels of interferon-α (IFNα) and BAFF, we quantified those mediators in plasma from etanercept- and placebo-treated SS patients.
A photoactivatable drug–caged fluorophore conjugate allows direct quantification of intracellular drug transport

We report here a method that utilizes a photoactivatable drug-caged fluorophore conjugate to quantify intracellular drug trafficking processes at single cell resolution. Photoactivation is performed in labeled cellular compartments to visualize intracellular drug exchange under physiological conditions, without the need for washing, facilitating its translation into in vivo cancer models.
And that's the way it was? Television covers the 1976 presidential campaign

(1977). And that's the way it was? Television covers the 1976 presidential campaign. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 63, No. 3, pp. 239-248.
ADDITION OF SYNTHETIC SURFACTANT PROTEIN B TO SURVANTA IMPROVES GAS EXCHANGE IN SURFACTANT-DEFICIENT RATS. † 2114

Surfactant protein B (SP-B) is critical to surfactant function. Survanta®, a modified bovine lung extract, contains less SP-B than surfactants derived from lung lavage (Seeger et al., Eur Resp J 1993;6:971). Supplementation of Survanta with native SP-B increases dynamic compliance and deflation lung volume in preterm rabbits (Mizuno et al., Pediatr Res 1995;37:271). We hypothesized that the in vivo function of Survanta can be improved by supplementation with synthetic SP-B and SP-C and tested this hypothesis in a surfactant-deficient rat model. Full length SP-B1-78 and palmitoylated SP-C1-34 were synthesized, purified, derivatized, and analyzed by mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis. Survanta was extracted, unmodified (Surv-1) or enriched with 1% SP-B (Surv-2), 2% SP-B (Surv-3), or 2% SP-B + 1% SP-C (Surv-4), and resuspended. In vitro surface activity was tested on a modified Langmuir/Wilhelmy balance and SP-B and SP-C content were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Adult rats were anesthetized, tracheotomized, had an arterial line placed, and were ventilated with 100% oxygen, a peak inspiratory pressure of 30 cm H2O and a rate of 40/min. The lungs were lavaged with warmed normal saline until the PaO2 dropped below 60 torr, at which time 100 mg/kg of one of the four surfactant preparations was instilled. After 15 min of ventilation, the rats were killed and pressure-volume curves performedin situ. The mean arterial/Alveolar PO2 ratio was 0.08 post-lavage and increased by 74% after treatment with Surv-1 (n=5), by 92% after treatment with Surv-2 (n=6), by 257% after treatment with Surv-3 (n=5), and by 202% after treatment with Surv-4 (n=6). Surv-4 not only improved PaO2, but also reduced PaCO2 values. These data suggest that the addition of 2% synthetic SP-B to Survanta improves its short-term positive effects on oxygenation in this surfactant-deficient rat model.
Theory of DNA condensation: collapse versus aggregation.

In an unfavorable solvent environment, DNA (and other polymers) undergo a conformational transition to a collapsed form, accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the effective volume of the molecule. Solvent conditions leading to the collapse are the same as those that cause aggregation. We give here a thermodynamic description of the collapse and its relations to aggregation (or precipitation). This is formulated in terms of the Flory-Huggins theory of the thermodynamics of polymer solutions. The results show that it is possible for three different states of DNA to be stable under different conditions: (1) the extended random coil, (2) the collapsed coil, and (3) a concentrated phase of aggregated random coils. The collapsed coil is predicted to be stable against aggregation only at high dilutions, of the order of parts per million. For DNA the transition between the extended coil and the collapsed coil is predicted to be discontinuous, in the sense that intermediate states are not present, because of the relatively high stiffness of the chain. The transition should appear diffuse because of the small size of the single molecule in comparison to macroscopic systems.
Tetrakis(2,6-di-t-butylphenoxy)uranium(IV): The first structurally characterized neutral homoleptic aryloxide complex of uranium(IV)

Abstract The reaction of [(Me3Si)2N]2 UN(SiMe 3 )SiMe 2 C H2 with 4 equivalents of HO-2,6-Bu2tC6H3 in toluene at 100°C provides orange U(O-2,6-BU2tC6H3)4 in high yield. U(O-2,6-Bu2tC6H3)4 has been characterized by NMR, magnetic susceptibility (μeff = 2.68 BM), and X-ray crystallography. It is the first structurally characterized homoleptic uranium(IV) aryloxide complex. The UO4 core is nearly tetrahedral with U(1)O(2) = 2.135(4) A, O(2)U(1)O(2′) = 110.2(1)° and O(2)-U(1)-O(2″) = 108.0(2)°; the U(1)O(2)Cipso angle is 154.0(6)°.
Diet Quality, Physical Activity, Smoking Status, and Weight Fluctuation Are Associated with Weight Change in Women and Men

The effect of diet quality on weight change, relative to other body weight determinants, is insufficiently understood. Furthermore, research on long-term weight change in U.S. adults is limited. We evaluated prospectively patterns and predictors of weight change in Framingham Offspring/Spouse (FOS) women and men (n = 1515) aged > or =30 y with BMI > or = 18.5 kg/m2 and without cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer at baseline over a 16-y period. Diet quality was assessed using the validated Framingham Nutritional Risk Score. In women, older age (P < 0.0001) and physical activity (P < 0.05) were associated with lower weight gain. Diet quality interacted with former smoking status (P-interaction = 0.02); former smokers with lower diet quality gained an additional 5.2 kg compared with those with higher diet quality (multivariable-adjusted P-trend = 0.06). Among men, older age (P < 0.0001) and current smoking (P < 0.01) were associated with lower weight gain, and weight fluctuation (P < 0.01) and former smoking status (P < 0.0001) were associated with greater weight gain. Age was the strongest predictor of weight change in both women (partial R(2) = 11%) and men (partial R(2) = 8.6%). Normal- and overweight women gained more than obese women (P < 0.05) and younger adults gained more weight than older adults (P < 0.0001). Patterns and predictors of weight change differ by sex. Age in both sexes and physical activity among women as well as weight fluctuation and smoking status in men were stronger predictors of weight change than diet quality among FOS adults. Women who stopped smoking over follow-up and had poor diet quality gained the most weight. Preventive interventions need to be sex-specific and consider lifestyle factors.
SUPPRESSION OF RUNAWAY OF ELECTRONS IN A LORENTZ PLASMA. II. CROSSED ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS.

Suppression of runaway of electrons in a weak, uniform electric field in a fully ionized Lorentz plasma by crossed magnetic and electric fields is analysed. A uniform, constant magnetic field parallel to a constant or harmonically time varying electric field does not alter runaway from that in the absence of the magnetic field. For crossed, constant fields the passage to runaway or to free motion as described by constant drift motion and spiral motion about the magnetic field is lengthened in time for strong magnetic fields. The new ‘runaway’ time scale is roughly the ratio of the cyclotron frequency to the collision frequency squared for cyclotron frequencies much greater than the collision frequency. All ‘runaway’ time scales may be given approximately by t2E Teff where tE is the characteristic time of the electric field and Teff is the ffective collision time as estimated from the appropriate component of the electrical conductivity.
Best Constants for Moser-Trudinger Inequalities, Fundamental Solutions and One-Parameter Representation Formulas on Groups of Heisenberg Type

We derive the explicit fundamental solutions for a class of degenerate (or singular) one-parameter subelliptic differential operators on groups of Heisenberg (H) type. This extends the results of Kaplan of the sub-Laplacian on H-type groups, which in turn generalizes Folland's result on the Heisenberg group. As an application, we obtain a one-parameter representation formula for Sobolev functions of compact support on H-type groups. By choosing the parameter equal to the homogeneous dimension Q and using the Moser-Trudinger inequality for the convolutional type operator on stratified groups obtained in [18], we get the following theorem which gives the best constant for the Moser-Trudinger inequality for Sobolev functions in H-type groups. Let $${\Bbb G}$$ be any group of Heisenberg type whose Lie algebra is g enerated by m left invariant vector fields and with a q-dimensional center. Let $$Q = m + 2q,Q\prime = {Q \over {Q - 1}}$$ and $$ A_{Q} = Q{\left[ {{\left( {\frac{1} {4}} \right)}^{{q - \frac{1} {2}}} \frac{{\pi ^{{\frac{{q + m}} {2}}} \Gamma {\left( {\frac{{Q + m}} {4}} \right)}}} {{Q\Gamma {\left( {\frac{m} {2}} \right)}\Gamma {\left( {\frac{Q} {2}} \right)}}}} \right]}^{{\frac{1} {{Q - 1}}}} $$ Then, $$ {\mathop {\sup }\limits_{F \in C^{\infty }_{0} {\left( \Omega \right)}} }{\left\{ {\frac{1} {{{\left| \Omega \right|}}}{\int_\Omega {\exp } }{\left( {A_{Q} {\left( {\frac{{F{\left( u \right)}}} {{{\left\| {\nabla _{\mathbb{G}} F} \right\|}_{Q} }}} \right)}^{{{Q}\ifmmode{'}\else$'$\fi}} } \right)}du} \right\}} < \infty , $$ with A Q as the sharp constant, where $$ \nabla _{{\Bbb G}}$$ denotes the subellitpic gradient on $${\Bbb G}$$ This continues the research originated in our earlier study of the best constants in Moser-Trudinger inequalities and fundamental solutions for one-parameter subelliptic operators on the Heisenberg group [18].
Physical Photometry in the Purkinje Range

The problem of obtaining accurate photometric data at brightness levels below 0.5 foot-lambert is reviewed briefly. A method of calibrating a photoelectric photometer for heterochromatic measurements in this so-called Purkinje range is described with some details given of the design of the instrument used. By arbitrarily dividing the luminous emission of a tungsten lamp into twelve overlapping spectral bands it has been possible to calibrate a photometer, using a single correction filter for the phototube. The practical advantages of such a calibration include much time saved in brightness measurements on phosphor samples of different colors.
Navigational spatial displays: The role of metacognition as cognitive load *

Abstract One hundred and six undergraduates searched a hypermedia environment under three navigational conditions, wrote an essay measuring their comprehension, and completed a test of metacognition. The map conditions were spatial/semantic, spatial only, and none. Analyses revealed that a navigational map capable of incurring an integrative cognitive model of the meaningful relationships underlying website content incurs significantly more metacognitive load and higher levels of comprehension. When the map was incapable of revealing these relationships, metacognitive skills were of no value and compromised learning performance. The results demonstrate that a navigational map can create significantly more cognitive load; however, the nature of the load—whether germane or extraneous—is based on the degree to which the map permits integrative model construction during processing.
Influence of contextual factors on health‐care leadership

Purpose – To extend understanding of the influence of contextual factors on: power and influence; creativity and innovation; and leadership behaviour.Design/methodology/approach – The review has been compiled following a search of seven electronic databases from 1999 to 2004. The author also uses her experience as a physiotherapy manager within a children's hospital NHS Trust to reflect on some of the theories in the workplace.Findings – While the literature is contradictory in places, some trends do emerge. Bureaucratic organizations can inhibit an empowering environment, as can those that are poor at disseminating information or communicating a vision. Hierarchical structures, high staff turnover and lack of resources are likely to stifle creativity and innovation. Organic structures tend to facilitate a more transformational leadership style, whereas bureaucratic structures encourage a more transactional style. The quality of leader‐member exchange is thought to be related to work group size, work grou...
Predicting risk selection following major changes in medicare

The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 created several new types of private insurance plans within Medicare, starting in 2006. Some of these plan types previously did not exist in the commercial market and there was great uncertainty about their prospects. In this paper, we show that statistical models and historical data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey can be used to predict the experience of new plan types with reasonable accuracy. This lays the foundation for the analysis of program modifications currently under consideration. We predict market share, risk selection, and stability for the most prominent new plan type, the stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP). First, we estimate a model of consumer choice across Medicare insurance plans available in the data. Next, we modify the data to include PDPs and use the model to predict the probability of enrollment for each beneficiary in each plan type. Finally, we calculate mean-adjusted actual spending by plan type. We predict that adverse selection into PDPs will be substantial, but that enrollment and premiums will be stable. Our predictions correspond well to actual experience in 2006. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.