cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Biomarkers to Evaluate Cardiotoxicity.

Moderate-level evidence suggests that cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptides are useful for risk stratification and early identification of anthracycline cardiotoxicity; however, many of these studies used older chemotherapy regimens, and thus, the applicability to current anthracycline treatment regimens is uncertain. Further research is needed to determine optimal timing and thresholds for troponin and natriuretic peptides in anthracycline-treated patients and evaluate these and other promising biomarkers for anti-HER2 therapies, thoracic radiation, anti-VEGF therapy, and fluoropyrimidine therapy–related cardiotoxicity. Risk tools that combine cardiac risk factors, cancer treatment variables, biomarkers, and imaging parameters are most likely to accurately identify individuals at highest risk for cancer therapy cardiotoxicity. Clinical trials focusing cardioprotective strategies on high-risk individuals are more likely to result in clinically significant results compared with primary prevention cardioprotective approaches.
Characterizing Polyoxovanadate‐Alkoxide Clusters Using Vanadium K‐Edge X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

A number of technologies would benefit from developing inorganic compounds and materials with specific electronic and magnetic exchange properties. Unfortunately, designing compounds with these properties is difficult because metal⋅⋅⋅metal coupling schemes are hard to predict and control. Fully characterizing communication between metals in existing compounds that exhibit interesting properties could provide valuable insight and advance those predictive capabilities. One such class of molecules are the series of Lindqvist iron-functionalized and hexavanadium polyoxovanadate-alkoxide clusters, which we characterized here using V K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Substantial changes in the pre-edge peak intensities were observed that tracked with the V 3d-electron count. The data also suggested substantial delocalization between the vanadium cations. Meanwhile, the FeIII cations were electronically isolated from the polyoxovanadate core.
Lung compliance clusters of COVID-ARDS identify distinct subgroups with increased mortality

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with high rates of severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. Severe COVID-19 is characterized by rapid development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring mechanical ventilation. ARDS is considered a heterogeneous disorder and the presence of a uniform inciting agent with SARS-CoV-2 allows us to investigate subphenotypes of ARDS. We hypothesized that subphenotypes based on early lung compliance in patients with COVID-ARDS may be associated with disease outcomes including mortality. We sought to test this hypothesis in patients with COVID-ARDS. METHODS: Patients in the Yale New Haven Health System from 3/15/2020 to 5/14/2020 were included if they had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test and required intubation. After exclusion for missing data or transfer from satellite facilities, 140 of patients were included for analysis. Clinical, demographic, ventilator, and laboratory parameters were abstracted from the EMR. To identify ARDS subphenotypes, we implemented unsupervised clustering using a partitioning around medoids (PAM) algorithm on average compliance over the three days following intubation. Clustering was also performed on the NHLBI ALVEOLI cohort for use as comparator. RESULTS: Patients received a median of 6.2 cc/kg of IBW on day 1 and 6.2 on day 3. Plateau pressure was less than 30cm H2O in 81% patients and driving pressure was less than 15 in 69% of patients. Median lung compliances were day 1: 30.4 mL/cm H2O [23.0-36.1];day 2: 28.7 mL/cm H2O [21.6-36.8];and day 3: 29.7 mL/cm H2O [23.2-37.6]. By Berlin criteria, 21% of patients had mild ARDS, 46% moderate, and 26% were severe. 61% of patients were proned. Using PAM, three distinct clusters based on compliance were identified (low [LC], medium [MC], and high [HC]). Median day 1 compliance in HC group was 38.0 mL/cm H2O [33.1-44.2], 29.3 [25.2-32.3] in MC, and 19.5 mL/cm H2O [16.7-22.8] in LC. Compared to the HC group, there were no differences in PEEP, day 1 P/F ratio or tidal volume, and ventilatory ratio. HC group had higher P/F ratio day 3, lower tidal volume day 3, and lower driving pressures. There were no differences in biomarkers, comorbidities, vasopressors, paralytics, or sedatives between groups. However, Kaplan-Meier plot demonstrated higher mortality in the HC group. Cox regression model demonstrated persistence of higher mortality in the HC compared to MC group. These differences were not present in the ALVEOLI cohort. CONCLUSION: In COVID-ARDS, a subphenotype characterized by early high compliance was associated with higher mortality when compared to non-COVIDARDS patients.
Supporting STEM transfer students through cross-institutional undergraduate research experiences

The impact and benefits of undergraduate research experiences (URE) in the first two years of post-secondary education have been well documented. Early exposure to research experiences is effective...
Applied Multivariate Analysis

Introduction.- Vector and Matrix Algebra.- The Multivariate Normal Distribution, Multivariate Normality, and Covariance Structure.- One- and Two-Sample Tests.- Multivariate Analysis of Variance.- Discriminant Analysis.- Canonical Correlation.- Principal Component Analysis.- Factor Analysis.- Structural Equations.
Stand Wherever You Want

Jonathan liked to drive up the mountain and drink in the dark. It seemed like the small-town thing to do, so I drank with him and looked at the stars. He named the constellations, kissed me between shots. Picking out points of light in the black was just about as romantic as Jonathan got, and he could've been making it all up. I'd never seen a sky like that before. Jonathan showed me all the back roads. He laughed when I called the small villages we happened upon "settlements." He laughed a lot. We drove all the time. Physics, chaos theory, gravitational pull: the science of the situation is unfortunate?now we drive past each other in traffic. He honks, he grins, and he waves at me frantically, like a lunatic. I anticipate every white Jeep in town. He should not smile, he should not wave, he shouldn't even look at me. There should be a law.
The EU Approach to Regulating Nanotechnology

The European Union's (EU) nanotechnology strategy aims chiefly to catch up the lag behind the US and Asia. The health risks posed by the commercial use of nanomaterials have recently come onto the European Commission's agenda. The Commission has not so far seen a need for specific legislation to govern nanotechnologies - a view not shared by either Parliament or the European trade union movement. The European Trade Union Confederation wants the EU to bring the Community legislative framework into line with the precautionary principle. Nanotechnologies may be an economic opportunity that the EU cannot ignore, but their unregulated development is causing growing concern among trade unions due to the health risks posed by certain types of nanomaterials. In this publication, ETUI researcher Aida Ponce combines a detailed survey of European policy in the area with an exploration of the ethical and social issues surrounding nanotechnologies.
Analysis of a barrel-stave flextensional transducer using MAVART and ATILA finite element codes

A small barrel-stave flextensional transducer, designed and tested at Defence Research and Development Canada - Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic), is a candidate source for underwater coastal surveillance and acoustic communications applications. This high-power transducer (in excess of 190 dB re 1 μPa @ 1 m) has an outside diameter, length and mass of 5.7 cm, 12.7 cm, and 1.1 kg, respectively. The measured fundamental flexural resonance frequency was 1.8 kHz with a transmitting voltage response of 118 dB re 1 μPa/V @ lm and an omnidirectional radiation pattern. Two computer models were developed for this transducer using finite element codes MAVART™ (Model to Analyze the Vibrations and Acoustic Radiation of Transducers) and ATILA (Analysis of Transducers by Integration of Laplace equations). Comparisons are made between the calibration measurements and the model predictions. [Summer student supported in part by Sensor Technology Limited.].
χ-Sequence recognition and DNA translocation by single RecBCD helicase/nuclease molecules

Major pathways of recombinational DNA repair in Escherichia coli require the RecBCD protein--a heterotrimeric, ATP-driven, DNA translocating motor enzyme. RecBCD combines a highly processive and exceptionally fast helicase (DNA-unwinding) activity with a strand-specific nuclease (DNA-cleaving) activity (refs 1, 2 and references therein). Recognition of the DNA sequence 'chi' (5'-GCTGGTGG-3') switches the polarity of DNA cleavage and stimulates recombination at nearby sequences in vivo. Here we attach microscopic polystyrene beads to biotin-tagged RecD protein subunits and use tethered-particle light microscopy to observe translocation of single RecBCD molecules (with a precision of up to approximately 30 nm at 2 Hz) and to examine the mechanism by which chi modifies enzyme activity. Observed translocation is unidirectional, with each molecule moving at a constant velocity corresponding to the population-average DNA unwinding rate. These observations place strong constraints on possible movement mechanisms. Bead release at chi is negligible, showing that the activity modification at chi does not require ejection of the RecD subunit from the enzyme as previously proposed; modification may occur through an unusual, pure conformational switch mechanism.
Structural alterations in the carboxyl-terminal domain of the BCRABL gene product activate its fibroblastic transforming potential.

Abstract Activation of the c-abl protooncogene occurs in Abelson murine leukemia virus, Hardy-Zuckerman-2 feline sarcoma virus, and during the chromosomal translocation that generates the BCRABL fusion gene. The three genes exhibit varying degrees of transforming activity; the two viral genes transform NIH-3T3 cells in vitro, whereas the BCRABL gene is incapable of transforming these cells. To determine whether genetic alterations can enhance the transforming potential of the BCRABL gene, we employed genetic selection techniques which led to the isolation of a mutant form of the BCRABL gene with high levels of fibroblastic transforming activity. Molecular analysis of this clone shows that it suffered a deletion of 3' ABL sequences and their replacement with a cellular sequence of unknown origin, termed X. This tripartite gene is capable of inducing 35 foci/10 ng of DNA. Deletion of 3' ABL sequences analogous to that seen in the activated BCRABL protein without the addition of X yields 5 foci/100 ng of DNA. These results suggest that carboxyl-terminal truncations unmask the fibroblastic transforming activity of the BCRABL gene product and the addition of X sequences dramatically enhances this transforming potential, indicating a dominant contribution by the X reading frame.
Museums and Memories: Remembering the Past in Local and Community Museums

This article explores the memories created and promoted through museums. It pays attention to the roles of curators, communities and critics as they argue about who controls the memories put on display. It investigates the ways in which the memories and memorialising of founding collectors and collections influence the form and messages of museums. Finally, it ponders the nature and impact of the memorable museum moments which visitors take with them.
Kinetic characteristics of the two glucose transport systems in Neurospora crassa.

Glucose is transported across the cell membrane of Neurospora crassa by two physiologically and kinetically distinct transport systems. System II is repressed by growth of the cells in 0.1 m glucose. System I is synthesized constitutively. The apparent Km for glucose uptake by system I and system II are 25 and 0.04 mm, respectively. Both uptake systems are temperature dependent, and are inhibited by NaN3 and 2,4-dinitrophenol. Glucose uptake by system II was not inhibited by fructose, galactose, or lactose. However, glucose was shown to be a noncompetitive inhibitor of fructose and galactose uptake. The transport rate of [14C]3-0-methyl-d-glucose (3-0-MG) was higher in cells preloaded with unlabeled 3-0-MG than in control cells. The rate of entry of labeled 3-0-MG was only slightly inhibited by the presence of NaN3 in the medium. Further, NaN3 caused a rapid efflux of accumulated [14C]3-0-MG. These data imply that the energetic step in the transport process prevents efflux.
Investigating differences in treatment effect estimates between propensity score matching and weighting: a demonstration using STAR*D trial data

Purpose The choice of propensity score (PS) implementation influences treatment effect estimates not only because different methods estimate different quantities, but also because different estimators respond in different ways to phenomena such as treatment effect heterogeneity and limited availability of potential matches. Using effectiveness data, we describe lessons learned from sensitivity analyses with matched and weighted estimates.
Yes-Associated Protein is up-regulated by mechanical overload and is sufficient to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy

Mechanically-induced skeletal muscle growth is regulated by mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) is a mechanically-sensitive, and growth-related, transcriptional co-activator that can regulate mTORC1. Here we show that, in skeletal muscle, mechanical overload promotes an increase in YAP expression; however, the time course of YAP expression is markedly different from that of mTORC1 activation. We also show that the overexpression of YAP induces hypertrophy via an mTORC1-independent mechanism. Finally, we provide preliminary evidence of possible mediators of YAP-induced hypertrophy (e.g. increased MyoD and c-Myc expression, and decreased Smad2/3 activity and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1) expression).
Hearing Impairment Induces Frequency-Specific Adjustments in Auditory Spatial Tuning in the Optic Tectum of Young Owls

Bimodal, auditory-visual neurons in the optic tectum of the barn owl are sharply tuned for sound source location. The auditory receptive fields (RFs) of these neurons are restricted in space primarily as a consequence of their tuning for interaural time differences and interaural level differences across broad ranges of frequencies. In this study, we examined the extent to which frequency-specific features of early auditory experience shape the auditory spatial tuning of these neurons. We manipulated auditory experience by implanting in one ear canal an acoustic filtering device that altered the timing and level of sound reaching the eardrum in a frequency-dependent fashion. We assessed the auditory spatial tuning at individual tectal sites in normal owls and in owls raised with the filtering device. At each site, we measured a family of auditory RFs using broadband sound and narrowband sounds with different center frequencies both with and without the device in place. In normal owls, the narrowband RFs for a given site all included a common region of space that corresponded with the broadband RF and aligned with the site's visual RF. Acute insertion of the filtering device in normal owls shifted the locations of the narrowband RFs away from the visual RF, the magnitude and direction of the shifts depending on the frequency of the stimulus. In contrast, in owls that were raised wearing the device, narrowband and broadband RFs were aligned with visual RFs so long as the device was in the ear but not after it was removed, indicating that auditory spatial tuning had been adaptively altered by experience with the device. The frequency tuning of tectal neurons in device-reared owls was also altered from normal. The results demonstrate that experience during development adaptively modifies the representation of auditory space in the barn owl's optic tectum in a frequency-dependent manner.
Theory of a second-order microfluid

To characterize the motion of fluids for which the microstructure of the given material is of the essence, Eringen (1) proposed a theory of “simple microfluids”. Microstructure in the fluid may be due to the fact that the given body is a composite of two or more different types of material, e.g. a suspension, or that the body while constituting a single type of a material is characterized by nonhomogeneous local motions such as eddies in a turbulent flow. Since local “micro-motion” is taken into account, the theory provides a mechanism whereby a wide variety of fluid flow problems traditionally treated in a statistical manner may be considered in a continuum formulation. Such an application is given by Eringen and Chang (2) in which a particular case of the theory is used to describe a simple problem in hydrodynamic turbulence.
Activation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by rat tissues in vitro

The conversion of labeled palmitic, linoleic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids to their respective acyl CoA's was studied in homogenates and microsomes of rat tissues. The highest activity, both in homogenates and microsomes, was seen in liver and heart. There was moderate activity in retina, brain, lung, kidney and testes and the lowest activity was found in spleen. Docosahexaenoic acid was activated much less actively in heart tissue than the other fatty acids. In all tissues examined, the highest activation was observed with arachidonic acid and the lowest with docosahexaenoic acid. Except for liver, those tissues that contained high levels of docosahexaenoic acid also had the highest activation capacity for this fatty acid.
Refractive index measurement for irregular-shaped samples

An immersion method that combines conventional minimum deviation technique and Fizeau interferometry for measuring the refractive index of irregular-shaped samples is described in this paper. The refractive indices of both sample and liquid can be measured and matched at the same time, thus minimizing the perturbation effected from the environment. A hollow prism is specially designed and constructed for these experiments. The results show that for precision this method reaches at least 10-4 for the refractive index and is primarily limited by the accuracy of fringe counting.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A longitudinal analysis of risk factors for child maltreatment: findings of a 17-year prospective study of officially recorded and self-reported child abuse and neglect

Abstract Objective: To identify demographic, family, parent, and child factors prospectively associated with risk for child abuse and neglect among families in the community, using data on child maltreatment obtained from both official records and youth self-reports. Method: Surveys assessing demographic variables, family relationships, parental behavior, and characteristics of parents and children were administered to a representative sample of 644 families in upstate New York on four occasions between 1975 and 1992. Data on child abuse and neglect were obtained from New York State records and retrospective self-report instruments administered when youths were ≥ 18 years old. Results: Logistic regression analyses indicated that different patterns of risk factors predicted the occurrence of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, although maternal youth and maternal sociopathy predicted the occurrence of all three forms of child maltreatment. In addition, the prevalence of child abuse or neglect increased from 3% when no risk factors were present to 24% when ≥ 4 risk factors were present. State records and self-reports of child maltreatment did not correspond in most cases when maltreatment was reported through at least one data source, underlining the importance of obtaining data from both official records and self-reports. Conclusions: Assessment of a number of risk factors may permit health professionals to identify parents and children who are at high risk for child maltreatment, facilitating appropriate implementation of prevention and treatment interventions.
Syntheses of Gradient π-Conjugated Copolymers of Thiophene

we prepared the first gradient π-conjugated copolymers via Ni-catalyzed chain-growth copolymerization of 3-hexylthiophene and 3-((hexyloxy)methyl)thiophene. Because rate studies indicated little difference in monomer reactivities, one monomer was gradually added to the polymerization over time to form gradient copolymers. Now that controlled sequence π-conjugated copolymers can be synthesized, the next goal is to identify their unique properties, including phase-compatibilizing abilities in homopolymer blends. Preliminary data reported herein suggest that the solid-state optical and physical properties are influenced by the copolymer sequence. Finally, although the Ni-catalyzed copolymerizations are chain growth under the conditions reported herein, our preliminary attempts to expand the substrate scope by examining the copolymerization of monomers with varying steric and electronic properties has highlighted a need for developing improved catalysts.
Update on fertility preservation in young women undergoing breast cancer and ovarian cancer therapy

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of the article is to review the available options for fertility preservation in patients with breast and ovarian cancer, and the special issues faced by BRCA mutation carriers.Recent findingsFuture fertility is an important consideration for many young patients with canc
Are racial differences in patient-physician cancer communication and information explained by background, predisposing, and enabling factors?

Research shows that African Americans tend to have poorer and less informative patient–physician communication than Whites. We analyzed survey data from 248 African American and 244 White cancer patients to examine whether this disadvantage could be explained by race variability on several other variables commonly reported to affect communication. These variables were organized into background, enabling, and predisposing factors, based on the Precede-Proceed Model. Multivariate regressions were used to test whether race differences in communication and information variables persisted after successively controlling for background, enabling, and predisposing factors. African American patients had higher interpersonal communication barriers than Whites, but this difference did not persist after controlling for background factors. African Americans also had higher unmet information needs and were less likely to receive the name of a cancer expert. These differences persisted after controlling for all other fa...
The effect of indomethacin on the response of thyroid tissue to thyrotropin

Abstract Indomethacin, in concentrations up to 400 μM, fails to alter the stimulation by thyrotropin in various thyroid preparations of [1- 14 C]glucose oxidation, hormone and iodine secretion, and adenylate cyclase activity. It is concluded that prostaglandin synthesis is not an obligatory step in the activation of these thyroid functions by thyrotropin.
Human-computer communication and response

Human beings learn to communicate through mutual efforts to develop shared understandings within a given context. With neural network technology, computers may learn to identify objects and behaviors in the CAD context by which they may “understand” the needs of designers. This capability can enable the computer to respond adaptively to assist individual users.
The effectiveness of a soluble calcium preparation as a gut phosphate binder

Abstract We determined the phosphate binding capacity of a soluble commercial calcium preparation by carrying out metabolic balances on four normal subjects and by administering it for 4 weeks to six patients treated by maintenance hemodialysis. Each tablet of Sandocal 1000 (Sandoz, Australia) contained 1 g of elemental calcium as calcium lactate-gluconate 5.23 g and calcium carbonate 0.8 g. The metabolic balance study was performed over two consecutive nine-day periods. A constant, normal diet was consumed throughout, but in the second period one Sandocal 1000 tablet was added to each of the three major daily meals. Each period consisted of four days of equilibration, then five days of collection of urine and feces. Polyethylene glycol 4,000 was used as a continuous fecal marker and carnine red was used to indicate gut transit time. Calcium supplementation increased fecal phosphate excretion by 11.2 ± 2.3 mmol/d (SD), and decreased urinary phosphate by 8.4 ± 2.6 mmol/d. Plasma calcium levels were unchanged, while plasma phosphate levels rose slightly. The increase in fecal phosphate was similar to that previously reported when calcium carbonate 8 g/d or aluminum hydroxide 6.4 g/d were administered. In the patients treated by maintenance hemodialysis, the reduction in plasma phosphate induced by Sandocal 1000, three tablets daily, was similar to that obtained with aluminum hydroxide 1.8 ± 1.2 g/d. Hence, this calcium preparation appears to have a phosphate binding capacity similar to that of standard doses of aluminum hydroxide.
Enhanced Sensitivity of the Iris Sphincter to the Muscarinic Agonist Carbachol at Lower Temperature

ABSTRACT Cooling of the human iris sphincter from 37.5°C to 17.5°C potentiates the concentration response curves of the muscarinic agonist, carbachol. Although EC50 value 0.31 μmol/l of the agonist was not significantly affected at the lower temperature, the maximum contraction of the control at 37.5°C was potentiated by 263%. Such potentiation was 272%, 135% and 125% for the dog, horse and pig in sphincter, respectively. Low temperature potentiation of the carbachol can be reversed by warming the tissue to 37.5°C Pretreatment of the tissue with competitive muscarinic receptor blocker, atropine, blocked the contractile action of carbachol at 37.5°C and 17.5°C which resulted in nearly equal KB of ∼ 2 nmol/l, but at 17.5°C, the contraction induced by carbachol was antagonized by atropine with difficulty to give pseudo KB of 67 nmol/l. Ideally, a competitive reversible antagonist is expected to give equal KB values for the drug receptor interaction; irrespective of the method of study. The higher KB value in...
SPE-8, a protein-tyrosine kinase, localizes to the spermatid cell membrane through interaction with other members of the SPE-8 group spermatid activation signaling pathway in C. elegans

The SPE-8 group gene products transduce the signal for spermatid activation initiated by extracellular zinc in C. elegans. Mutations in the spe-8 group genes result in hermaphrodite-derived spermatids that cannot activate to crawling spermatozoa, although spermatids from mutant males activate through a pathway induced by extracellular TRY-5 protease present in male seminal fluid. Here, we identify SPE-8 as a member of a large family of sperm-expressed non-receptor-like protein-tyrosine kinases. A rescuing SPE-8::GFP translational fusion reporter localizes to the plasma membrane in all spermatogenic cells from the primary spermatocyte stage through spermatids. Once spermatids become activated to spermatozoa, the reporter moves from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm. Mutations in the spe-8 group genes spe-12, spe-19, and spe-27 disrupt localization of the reporter to the plasma membrane, while localization appears near normal in a spe-29 mutant background. These results suggest that the SPE-8 group proteins form a functional complex localized at the plasma membrane, and that SPE-8 is correctly positioned only when all members of the SPE-8 group are present, with the possible exception of SPE-29. Further, SPE-8 is released from the membrane when the activation signal is transduced into the spermatid.
Eels of molecular beam and temperature induced surface processes: Implications on time dependent surface phenomena

Abstract Recent advances in the data acquisition speed of electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) have made possible the study of the kinetics of various surface processes. The experiments involve monitoring in real time the vibrational spectra of adsorbates following perturbations of the sample temperature and/or ambient pressure. Complementary information is obtained by mass spectrometry of thermal or photon induced desorption. Analysis of the time evolution of the adsorbed species and desorbed products points to the usefulness of casting our understanding in the framework of macroscopic products and microscopic transients, with the categorization based on the differences in the observational time scales (longer than milliseconds for the former and much shorter for the latter). Three examples are discussed: the dissociation of NO on Rh(100), the site occupation change of CO on Ni(110), and the photon induced desorption and dissociation of NO on Si(111)7 × 7. From these and other results, an experimental scheme is developed to directly probe the microscopic transients.
Hepatocellular carcinoma‐fibrolamellar variant: Cytopathology of an unusual case

The fibrolamellar variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is an uncommon visceral malignancy with a distinctly better prognosis. An accurate initial diagnosis, therefore, is essential for prognostic and therapeutic reasons. This case report describes the cytomorphology of an unusual case of FL-HCC in a 13-yr-old boy who was found to have a hepatic mass with prominent intraluminal growth pattern seen predominantly in the right hepatic duct. A diagnosis of FL-HCC was originally suspected on bile duct brushings obtained during endoscopic retrograde choleangiopancreaticogram (ERCP) and subsequently confirmed on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and surgical resection of the hepatic tumor. The cytomorphologic profile of FL-HCC is distinctive in the right clinical setting, allowing an accurate preoperative identification of this malignancy on biliary brushing or FNA.
Climate Signal Detection Using Wavelet Transform: How to Make a Time Series Sing

In this paper, the application of the wavelet transform (WT) to climate time series analyses is introduced. A tutorial description of the basic concept of WT, compared with similar concepts used in music, is also provided. Using an analogy between WT representation of a time series and a music score, the authors illustrate the importance of local versus global information in the time–frequency localization of climate signals. Examples of WT applied to climate data analysis are demonstrated using analytic signals as well as real climate time series. Results of WT applied to two climate time series—that is, a proxy paleoclimate time series with a 2.5-Myr deep-sea sediment record of δ18 O and a 140-yr monthly record of Northern Hemisphere surface temperature—are presented. The former shows the presence of a 40-kyr and a 100-kyr oscillation and an abrupt transition in the oscillation regime at 0.7 Myr before the present, consistent with previous studies. The latter possesses a myriad of oscillatory modes from...
Marked for Translation: Long A/U Tails as an Interface between Completion of RNA Editing and Ribosome Recruitment

The mechanism by which ribosomes select translatable mRNAs from the complex mixture of incompletely edited mRNAs in trypanosome mitochondria has remained a mystery. In this issue of Molecular Cell , Aphasizheva and colleagues (Aphasizheva et al., 2011) reveal a role for long 3′ A/U tails in signaling ribosome recruitment to a fully edited, translatable mRNA.
Influence of education and neighborhood poverty on pressor responses to phenylephrine in African-Americans and Caucasian-Americans.

Although neighborhood disadvantage has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease, the mechanism through which living in impoverished neighborhoods is associated with poor cardiovascular health is not well understood. Additionally, it is not clear whether individual socioeconomic status (SES) interacts with neighborhood factors to influence cardiovascular outcomes. Using multilevel modeling, we examined the interaction between neighborhood poverty and individual SES on pressor responses to an alpha agonist, phenylephrine (PE), in an adult sample of 105 African-Americans and 106 Caucasian-Americans. Neighborhood poverty was assessed using census block data gathered from the Census Bureau. Education and occupation were used to assess individual SES. Pressor responsiveness was calculated as the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) response to a 100-μg PE bolus administered intravenously. There was a significant interaction between education and neighborhood poverty on pressor responses. Higher education was associated with smaller BP responses to PE; but only in individuals who lived in neighborhoods in which less than 5% of the residents lived below the poverty line. Occupation was unrelated to pressor responses to PE. These results suggest that neighborhood characteristics play an important role in cardiovascular functioning.
The block to sperm penetration in zona-free mouse eggs

Abstract The rate of sperm penetration and the number of sperm penetrating zona-free mouse eggs were found to be dependent on sperm concentration. At the lowest sperm concentrations examined (102 cells/ml, sperm-egg ratios of approximately 1:1), most eggs were penetrated (75%), and polyspermy was low (19%) following 3 hr of incubation. The number of sperm penetrating the egg was logarithmically related to sperm concentration. All eggs showed a delay of at least 20 min between insemination and penetration, and penetration was complete in approximately 2 hr at 104 sperm/ml; this penetration block was attributed to egg-related changes. The existence and timing of the egg plasma membrane block to polyspermy were evaluated by reinsemination experiments. In this approach, the block was triggered in zona-free eggs with a low concentration of capacitated epididymal sperm at time 0, and the eggs were subsequently challenged with high sperm concentrations. The presence or absence of a block was inferred from the degree of polyspermy observed in these eggs after 3 hr of incubation. Adjusting for sperm concentration-dependent delays between insemination and sperm penetration, a blocking time of approximately 40 min was obtained.
The appraisal of FBI records: Random destruction of evidence or statistically valid sampling method?

With “over six million criminal, civil, security, applicant and administrative case files” (Bradsher 1988, 53) in 1979, the FBI faced not only the challenges of determining which files are culturally and historically significant and which should be retained for legal liability purposes, but a more mundane problem faced regularly by Archives; the problem of space. The National Archives and Records Administration developed a new approach to appraising records based on a combination of historical methods, theories and approaches. Is the final result a valid approach to appraisal?
Commentaires d'un toxicologue

« Le grand physiologiste Claude Bernard dans l'Introduction de ses Lecons sur les substances medicamenteuses et toxiques, a[vait] montre qu'il n'y a pas de difference essentielle entre un aliment, un medicament et un poison. Tout se resume en une question de dose. » Paraphrasant la formule de Paracelse (« C'est la dose qui fait le poison »), Rene Fabre poursuit : « Un meme produit agit comme aliment, comme medicament et comme poison, selon la quantite plus ou moins considerable introduite dans l'organisme. » On pourrait ajouter une categorie complementaire a la triade aliment/ medicament/poison, celle de l'aliment contrepoison, dont les exemples les plus classiques sont le lait, le blanc d'œuf (ou l'albumine d'œuf), le vinaigre, aliments usuels et traditionnels, presents dans tous les foyers. Albumine seche et vinaigre figuraient reglementairement dans l'armoire a contrepoisons des pharmacies militaires jusqu'a la derniere guerre, et ulterieurement. Encore maintenant, le vinaigre reste recommande dans le traitement des lesions cutanees urticantes provoquees par le contact des meduses : l'acide acetique qu'il contient coagulerait les minuscules appareils urticants des cnidaires [Quinot, 2000]. Comme il n'est pas habituel d'aller a la plage en emportant une bouteille de vinaigre, les centres antipoisons proposent dans un but similaire, l'utilisation « moderniste » d'un seche-cheveux (sur batterie !). Pour autant, et si connu que soit cet aspect traditionnel et desuet de l'aliment contrepoison, il ne parait pas avoir capte l'attention des chercheurs actuels. Des travaux recents tendent a montrer que les chimpanzes consommeraient des plantes a proprietes antimicrobiennes et antiparasitaires dans un possible comportement d'automedication [Krief, 2004] : la perception d'une triade aliment/remede/poison serait familiere aux grands singes. Et les contrepoisons ? Le chat mange de temps a
The rarity of clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure after laser peripheral iridotomy with apraclonidine

Abstract Objective To determine the incidence of intraocular pressure (IOP) rise of varying degrees after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in patients with and without glaucoma treated perioperatively with pilocarpine and apraclonidine. Design A retrospective chart review. Participants A total of 289 eyes in 179 patients with narrow occludable angles (NOA) (N = 148), open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OAG) (N = 115), or chronic-angle closure glaucoma (CACG) (N = 26) were reviewed. Main outcome measures The difference between preoperative and postoperative IOP, absolute postop- erative IOP, and the need for acute IOP-lowering treatment was noted. Results Only 1.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03%–5.8%; 1 of 94) of patients and 0.7% (95% CI, 0.02%–3.7%; 1 of 148) of eyes with NOA experienced a rise of more than 10 mmHg 1 to 2 hours after LPI. The incidence of postoperative IOP greater than 25 mmHg and acute postoperative IOP-lowering management was 0% (95% CI, 0%–3.8%). Intraocular pressure in 1 of 115 eyes (0.9%, 95% CI, 0.02%–4.7%) with OAG rose more than 10 mmHg, requiring acute treatment. None of the 26 CACG eyes experienced a rise of more than 10 mmHg (95% CI, 0%–13.2%). Conclusion The IOP rise that requires further intervention after LPI with the perioperative use of pilocarpine and apraclonidine is very uncommon. In patients with NOA, routine postiridotomy IOP monitoring may not be required.
The Portrayal of Blacks in Magazine Advertisements: 1950–1982

This article compares the frequency and social characteristics of blacks and whites in advertisements in Time and Ladies' Home Journal during 1950 and 1980. The occupational level of blacks portrayed has risen considerably, and blacks are no longer presented as maids or servants. However, white authority figures are still frequently shown aiding poor blacks or supervising black children. Furthermore, ads show friendly and informal social relationships between individual whites much more frequently than they show such relationships between whites and blacks. Finally, in an extended analysis the frequency of black ads in 1980, 1981, and 1982 is examined for Time, Newsweek and LHJ. Blacks are still somewhat underrepresented, and recent fluctuations in the use of black advertisements are considered. The article begins and ends with a discussion of three different models that might account for the way blacks are presented in advertisements in the United States.
Practice Standards: Implications for the Internist

Pressure for national standards of medical practice is increasing from cost control initiatives, medical malpractice liability, and the desire to simplify complex practice problems. Good standards need to be academically sound, focused enough to be clinically useful, yet flexible enough to allow for the realities of practice. Standards have already been created by several professional societies, including anesthesiology and cardiology in internal medicine. Although physician education is primary, controlling the use of expensive new technologies is an unwritten but important secondary goal. While standards have reduced malpractice liability in some professional groups, some clinicians are concerned that standards will be too academic and unrealistic. Currently, third-party payers are watching the development of practice standards but are hesitant to use them as criteria for determination of reimbursement. The federal government has a major interest in practice standards as a means of both monitoring quality of care and controlling costs. A number of agencies are studying the development of standards and their implications for use. Recent articles questioning the usefulness of common diagnostic tests and even the routine physical examination have raised concern among internists that restriction of practice and reimbursement will follow. Some evolving standards, such as screening for breast cancer, seem to ignore the realities of clinical practice and may generate more cost than they save. Internists need to provide input as standards are developed to guarantee appropriateness and feasibility.
Effects of H1-receptor antagonists on responding punished by histamine injection or electric shock presentation in squirrel monkeys.

Squirrel monkeys were trained to press a key under a two-component schedule of food presentation. In the presence of either green or red stimulus lights, the 30th response produced a food pellet (fixed-ratio schedule). During the red stimulus lights (punishment component), the first response of each fixed ratio produced either an IV injection of histamine (100.0 μg/kg/inj) or a brief electric shock (3.0 mA). Responding was selectively suppressed in either punishment component. Presession IM administration of chlorpheniramine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg), diphenhydramine (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg), or pyrilamine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) increased rates of responding punished by histamine but not those punished by electric shock. Presession administration of promethazine (0.1–3.0 mg/kg) or tripelennamine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) also increased rates of responding punished by histamine in all subjects and response rates punished by electric shock in one of three subjects. Chlordiazepoxide (3.0–56.0 mg/kg) increased rates of responding punished by either histamine or electric shock. These results suggest that the punishing effects of histamine injection are mediated by H1 receptors and that H1-receptor antagonists increase rates of responding suppressed by punishment only under limited conditions including those in which histamine is the punishing stimulus.
Transverse and longitudinal optical properties of graphite

Abstract Optical anisotropy of single crystals of graphite has been studied in the visible and u.v. spectrum from measurements of reflectance of polarized light normally incident on the (1012) face employing two immersion media. The spectrum of the real part of the transverse dielectric constant suggests the presence of electronic absorption and the imaginary part exhibits a peak at 4·8 eV explained by “π resonance”. The real longitudinal dielectric constant remains more or less invariant and the imaginary part is zero or too small to be measured in the wave energy range 2–5·5 eV, indicating a transparency to polarized light when the electric vector lies along the optic axis.
Effect of intracellular anisotropy on electrical source determination in a muscle fibre

Expressions are available for describing, quantitatively, the source associated with an action potential propagating along an excitatble fibre. For a nerve fibre one such expression defines an equivalent volume dipole density function τ(x) = − ∂/∂x (σi φi(x) − σe φe(x))ax (where x is the axial co-ordinate, i is the intracellular and e the extracellular region, σi and σe are isotropic conductivities, ϕ the potential at the membrane, while axial symmetry is assumed), and this source fills the intracellular region. This source, as distinct from transmembrane current formulations, lies in a uniform, isotropic, extracellular, medium. Consequently, for a fibre bundle a simple superposition of sources, all lying in a uniform, isotropic, extracellular space, can be accomplished. However, for muscle fibres the presence of non-conducting myofibrils causes the intracellular space to be anisotropic. The paper describes the modification in the aforementioned expressions for the case of longitudinal and transverse propagation and extrapolation to an arbitrary angle of propagation. The resultant source continues to be expressed relative to a uniform, isotropic, extracellular medium.
Gist perception requires attention

Four experiments (240 subjects) explored gist perception without attention using the Mack and Rock (1998) cross task. Twelve scenes were flashed under conditions of inattention, divided, and full attention. Subjects described what they saw on critical trials in which a scene was flashed with the cross. In Experiments 3 and 4 subjects also chose the scene from a four scene array. In Experiment 4 the critical scenes were shown twice in the inattention condition. Overall, only 17% reported gist in the inattention condition, 65% did so with divided, and 82% did so with full attention. In Experiment 4 most subjects remained inattentionally blind to the scenes even though they were shown twice, conditions which fostered repetition priming, and we found a suggestion of negative priming. The results of all 4 experiments indicate that gist requires attention.
Results of colectomy in elderly patients with colon cancer, based on Medicare claims data.

Abstract Currently available estimates of outcomes following colon resection in elderly patients with colon cancer are based on series collected at academic medical centers. We used Medicare Part A claims and enrollment records of a 5% nationally random sample of elderly Medicare beneficiaries from 1983 to 1985 to estimate how patient age and sex affected perioperative mortality and 1- and 2-year survival rates among elderly patients undergoing a colon resection procedure for colon cancer. Among the 5,586 individuals in our data set, the overall perioperative mortality rate was 5.0%, ranging from 3.3% in beneficiaries 66 to 69 years of age to 9.3% in those 85 years of age and older. Men had a 31% higher perioperative mortality rate than women (5.8% versus 4.4%, p
Exploring the analytical processes of intelligence analysts

We present an observational case study in which we investigate and analyze the analytical processes of intelligence analysts. Participating analysts in the study carry out two scenarios where they organize and triage information, conduct intelligence analysis, report results, and collaborate with one another. Through a combination of scenario-based analysis, artifact analysis, role-playing, interviews, and participant observations, we explore the space and boundaries in which intelligence analysts work and operate. We also assess the implications of our findings on the use and application of key information technologies.
The role of endogenous opioids in the placebo effect in post-traumatic stress disorder.

Summary The concept of the placebo effect has received a considerable attention over the past several decades. The placebo effect has been observed in different psychiatric disorders, including po