cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Victory of Orthogonality

The equation $A x=0$ tells us that x is perpendicular to every row of $A-$ and therefore to the whole row space of A. This is fundamental, but singular vectors v in the row space do more. (1) the v’s are orthogonal (2) the vectors $u=A v$ are also orthogonal (in the column space of A). Those v’s and u’s are columns in the singular value decomposition $A V=U \Sigma$. They are eigenvectors of $A^{T} A$ and $A A^{T}$, perfect for applications. We can list 10 reasons why orthogonal matrices like U and V are best for computation - and also for understanding. Fortunately the product of orthogonal matrices $V_{I} V_{2}$ is also an orthogonal matrix. As long as our measure of length is $\|v\|^{2}=v_{1}^{2}+\ldots+v_{n}^{2}$, orthogonal vectors and orthogonal matrices will win.
Desiccation Mitigates Heat Stress in the Resurrection Fern, Pleopeltis polypodioides.

Although heat and desiccation stresses often coincide, the response to heat especially in desiccation tolerant plants is rarely studied. We subjected hydrated Pleopeltis polypodioides fronds to temperatures up to 50°C and dehydrated fronds up to 65°C for 24 h. The effect of heat stress was evaluated using morphological changes, photosystem (PS) II efficiency, and metabolic indicators. Pinnae of dried fronds exposed to more than 40°C curled tighter and became brittle compared to fronds dried at lower temperatures. Exposure to > 50°C leads to discolored fronds after rehydration. Hydrated fronds turned partially brown at > 35°C. Chlorophyll fluorescence (Ft) and quantum yield (Qy) increased following re-hydration but the recovery process after 40°C treatment lasted longer than at lower temperatures. Similarly, hydrated fronds showed reduced Qy when exposed to > 40°C. Dried and hydrated fronds remained metabolically active up to 40°C. Hydroperoxides and lipid hydroperoxides in dried samples remained high up to 50°C, but decreased in hydrated fronds at > 40°C. Catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) oxidizing activities remained high up to 40°C in dehydrated fronds and up to 35°C in hydrated fronds. Major fatty acids detected in both dehydrated and hydrated fronds included palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids, oleic (18:1), linoleic (C18:2); and linolenic (C18:3) acids. Linolenic acid was most abundant. In dried fronds, all fatty acids decreased at > 35°C. The combined data indicate that the thermotolerance of dry fronds is about 55°C but is at least 10°C lower for hydrated fronds.
The intratumor microbiome predicts prognosis across gender and subtypes in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Abstract While the intratumor microbiome has become increasingly implicated in cancer development, the microbial landscape of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is essentially uninvestigated. PTC is characterized by varied prognosis between gender and cancer subtype, but the cause for gender and subtype-based dissimilarities is unclear. Women are more frequently diagnosed with PTC, while men suffer more advanced-staged PTC. In addition, tall cell variants are more aggressive than classical and follicular variants of PTC. We hypothesized that intratumor microbiome composition distinctly alters the immune landscape and predicts clinical outcome between PTC subtypes and between patient genders. Raw whole-transcriptome RNA-sequencing, Level 3 normalized mRNA expression read counts, and DNA methylation 450 k sequencing data for untreated, nonirradiated tumor, and adjacent normal tissue were downloaded from the Genomic Data Commons (GDC) legacy archive for 563 thyroid carcinoma patients. Microbe counts were extracted using Pathoscope 2.0 software. We correlated microbe abundance to clinical variables and immune-associated gene expression. Gene-set enrichment, mutation, and methylation analyses were conducted to correlate microbe abundance to characterize microbes’ roles. Overall, PTC tumor tissue significantly lacked microbes that are populated in adjacent normal tissue, which suggests presence of microbes may be critical in controlling immune cell expression and regulating immune and cancer pathways to mitigate cancer growth. In contrast, we also found that microbes distinctly abundant in tall cell and male patient cohorts were also correlated with higher mutation expression and methylation of tumor suppressors. Microbe dysbiosis in specific PTC types may explain observable differences in PTC progression and pathogenesis. These microbes provide a basis for developing specialized prebiotic and probiotic treatments for varied PTC tumors.
Monolayer Transfer Layers During Sliding at the Atomic Scale

One of the fundamental issues in friction is understanding the atomic details of how two materials slide against each other and start to wear. Whether this involves single-atom processes or the collective motion of atoms has been open to debate for some time. Here we report direct observations of this via in situ studies within a transmission electron microscope. We observed for both graphite and molybdenum disulfide that single atomic layers are transferred from the material to a sliding tip to form a transfer layer, and subsequent sliding takes place by sliding of single layers of graphite or molybdenum disulfide against each other. Despite the similarity of the end result, how the single layers are formed is quite different; with graphite, it involves buckling/wrinkling ~3 nm ahead of the tip, whereas with molybdenum disulfide it is via direct transfer of single sheets. Graphite is more like plastic wrap, molybdenum disulfide more like a pack of cards. This difference is attributed to the large difference in the bending modulus and strength of monolayers in the two cases. In both cases, collective processes are taking place.
Hyperfine structure in selenium, palladium and gold

Hyperfine structure analysis of some selenium and palladium lines shows that none of the levels examined reveal any even isotope displacement. The nuclei of Se 77 and Pd 105 have very small magnetic moments and their spin moment is probably ½h / 2π.
Evaluation of oven controlled crystal oscillator performance under non-continuous stressed operating conditions

The frequency stability of a set of six oven controlled crystal oscillators has been measured under noncontinuous and other stressed operating conditions. The oscillators were subjected to a range of environmental conditions which would be experienced in an airborne communications terminal. A database, corresponding to those measurements, was generated for support of a Kalman Filter/Neural Network modeling and training effort. The tests were performed at a MITRE environmental control laboratory utilizing a vibration table which was enclosed within a heating chamber. An automated measurement system was used for control and data logging. Initial observations of the test results indicate that non-continuous operation in a benign environment has no noticeable impact on the aging characteristics, while aging under stress is harder to discern from frequency measurements made under composite environmental stress conditions. More elusive are the infrequent but sudden and permanent changes in frequency that appear to occur at random. The magnitude of those frequency jumps was often significant, and justifies further investigation.
Regina Lee Blaszczyk, The Color Revolution

We glance through the horoscope section in newspapers or answer that Facebook quiz about which color defines us based on the date we were born. Would we not then want to be able to understand and interpret the role that color plays in our lives? Regina Lee Blaszczyk’s The Color Revolution helps us to accomplish exactly that. Color plays a significant role in human existence, acting as the connector between our visual and cognitive thought processes. In Saussure's terms, color can be both the signifier (image) as well as the signified (translate image to a behavior). Color forms a part of our everyday encoding/decoding processes. “Orange is the new black” resonates with the majority of the population. Think about the pink ribbon signifying Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns or the red ribbon representing HIV/AIDS health campaigns. Color essentially allows us to form a link between a particular shade and a string of qualifiers/codes such that the particular shade of color elicits an emotional or psychological reaction every time we interact with it. As an emerging mass communications scholar with an interest in social networks and human interactions, as well as in the interaction between human agency and corporate structures, I found The Color Revolution to be an excellent resource for further studies.
On the use of signal-to-noise ratio estimation for establishing hidden Markov models

A technique for developing a two-level finite-state Markov model that can accurately describe a frequency nonselective slowly fading channel is illustrated. A dynamic channel model is first found by monitoring the receiver input signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Each channel state is then embedded with a binary error Fritchman model. From the Markov model, system performance parameters, such as the bit-error-rate (BER), can be determined directly.
a Multi-Space Model for Computer Generated Imagery

A computer program is described which allows the creation and manipulation of three dimensional object assemblies using a typed natural (English) language. An object or a grouping of objects is mapped as a point or a set of points in a multi- dimensional space and properties of the object are changes in the coordinates in that space. In this system, new concepts may be input in a conversational manner based upon combinations of previously defined concepts. These new concepts are then reevaluated and may be subsequently used to form higher level concepts at the operator's discretion. New OBJECT concepts exist as hierarchical structures of points in a multi- dimensional feature space, based upon more primitive OBJECTS. MODIFIERS are used to change their appearance by the vector displacement of these points. The concept space model is a quantitative medium for the representation of visual and verbal concepts and is compatible with accepted qualitative linguisitic theories. A portion of the model is implemented as a natural language based computer graphics language. This program uses a 'Structured' parser which incorporates a flexible strategy to transform typed English commands into the appropriate multi- space conceptualization for direct execution by a computer graphics system. A sample dialogue with the program is discussed in the presentation of this paper.
Quantitative real-time analysis of collective cancer invasion and dissemination

A grand challenge in biology is to understand the cellular and molecular basis of tissue and organ level function in mammals. The ultimate goals of such efforts are to explain how organs arise in development from the coordinated actions of their constituent cells and to determine how molecularly regulated changes in cell behavior alter the structure and function of organs during disease processes. Two major barriers stand in the way of achieving these goals: the relative inaccessibility of cellular processes in mammals and the daunting complexity of the signaling environment inside an intact organ in vivo. To overcome these barriers, we have developed a suite of tissue isolation, three dimensional (3D) culture, genetic manipulation, nanobiomaterials, imaging, and molecular analysis techniques to enable the real-time study of cell biology within intact tissues in physiologically relevant 3D environments. This manuscript introduces the rationale for 3D culture, reviews challenges to optical imaging in these cultures, and identifies current limitations in the analysis of complex experimental designs that could be overcome with improved imaging, imaging analysis, and automated classification of the results of experimental interventions.
Haploid genetic dissection of immune molecule trafficking (TECH1P.836)

To perform their expected functions, immune molecules must be targeted to specific cellular compartments such as the plasma membrane. Improper protein targeting can lead to major forms of immune disease such as immunodeficiency and persistent inflammation. Our group developed a novel haploid genetics approach in order to unravel protein targeting on a genome-wide scale. We take advantage of human myeloid cell lines (e.g. KBM7 and HAP1) that exhibit a haploid karyotype. Retroviral insertional mutagenesis of these cells offers an efficient method to generate a library of mutant cells with complete disruption of specific genes. After selections of desired phenotypes (e.g., mislocalization of a protein), the retroviral insertion sites of the mutant clones can be mapped by deep sequencing. We have used this haploid genetics approach to characterize the plasma membrane protein CD59, a key player in the complement system. We identified ~20 genes involved in the biosynthesis, maturation, and trafficking of CD59. These genes are involved in GPI lipid synthesis, oligosaccharide modification, as well as protein trafficking at both the early and late stages of the secretory pathway. This haploid genetic screen provides the first genome-wide map of a complement protein. Many factors identified in the screen represent novel components of the complement system, and may serve as therapeutic targets for treating immune disorders.
Some Recent Developments in Impulse-Voltage Testing

Impulse-voltage testing of electrical apparatus and circuits is a steadily growing practice and constant attention is therefore being given to improvements in testing methods. Accordingly, as progress is made it is necessary to describe recent changes. This paper presents a brief discussion of the present situation, describes some improvements in technique of surge analysis of apparatus and circuits, and in equipment for the generation and measurement of test surges.
Buckminsterfullerene as a model reactant for testing electron transfer theory

The importance of molecular structure and quantum mechanical properties in determining the kinetics of electron transfer has been discussed at length in the recent literature [l]. According to Marcus’ theory [2], the reactant is represented as a simple sphere, any changes in molecular configuration accompanying electron transfer being associated with an internal reorganization energy. In order to estimate the outer sphere reorganization energy one must assume a size and shape for the reacting molecule. Attempts to improve on the simple spherical model have included descriptions based on ellipsoids [3] and on collections of spheres [4]. Even when the molecule is approximately spherical, selection of its radius requires careful consideration of a variety of experimental data [5,6]. Considerable attention has been directed in recent months to the electrochemistry of buckminsterfullerene (C,), the new allotropic form of carbon 17-161. This molecule can be reduced in polar solvents in several one electron transfer steps [9-161. From the point of view of testing electron transfer theory, it would seem to be an ideal system. It is close to spherical in shape, and is chemically uniform over its surface. Because of its large size, the rate constant associated with electron transfer is expected to be large. We have recently studied the thermodynamics and kinetics of electroreduction of both C, and C,, in several polar solvents at platinum microelectrodes. In the present communication we present kinetic data for the first electron transfer to these molecules and compare the results obtained with those for other fast heterogeneous reactions studied under similar conditions. It should be noted that the C,, molecule is spheroidal in shape with the ratio of the shorter major axis to the longer equal to 0.86 1171. Data are also presented for some activation
Reduced cardiac output and exercise capacity in patients after MI

This article summarizes the literature and suggests directions for future research concerning rehabilitation potential, impairment, and reduced cardiac output after myocardial infarction (MI). Current evidence suggests that cardiac output and maximal exercise capacity are reduced in some post-MI patients. The conceptual model of rehabilitation potential presented emphasizes the need for careful assessment of the state of underlying pathology present after MI when evaluating the response to exercise or exercise training.
Polymicrobial septic arthritis in a patient with Wilson’s disease

Septic arthritis should be excluded in patients with new onset inflammatory polyarthritis and a history of organ transplant on immunosuppressive drugs or diabetes. Unusual organisms or polymicrobial joint infection may be present, even in the absence of bacteraemia or abnormal radiographs, and a history of prior infections may provide valuable clues. A 35 year old white man was seen for pain and swelling in both wrists and the right knee for about three weeks. He was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease at age 23 and underwent orthotopic liver transplant for cirrhosis one year later. Past history included personality disorder, choreiform movements, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and renal insufficiency (serum creatinine 220–330 μmol/l). There were no symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The drugs he was taking were prednisone 10 mg/day, mycophenolate mofetil 1000 mg twice daily, atenolol, and insulin. He had taken cyclosporin until six months previously, but it was discontinued because of worsening renal insufficiency. He had an intrahepatic abscess due to Enterococcus faecalis six months previously, which was treated with drainage and several weeks of intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin …
Mitochondrial regulation of β-cell function: maintaining the momentum for insulin release

All forms of diabetes share the common etiology of insufficient pancreatic β-cell function to meet peripheral insulin demand. In pancreatic β-cells, mitochondria serve to integrate the metabolism of exogenous nutrients into energy output, which ultimately leads to insulin release. As such, mitochondrial dysfunction underlies β-cell failure and the development of diabetes. Mitochondrial regulation of β-cell function occurs through many diverse pathways, including metabolic coupling, generation of reactive oxygen species, maintenance of mitochondrial mass, and through interaction with other cellular organelles. In this chapter, we will focus on the importance of enzymatic regulators of mitochondrial fuel metabolism and control of mitochondrial mass to pancreatic β-cell function, describing how defects in these pathways ultimately lead to diabetes. Furthermore, we will examine the factors responsible for mitochondrial biogenesis and degradation and their roles in the balance of mitochondrial mass in β-cells. Clarifying the causes of β-cell mitochondrial dysfunction may inform new approaches to treat the underlying etiologies of diabetes.
Evaluation of Ceftazidime and NXL104 in Two Murine Models of Infection Due to KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

We evaluated the efficacy of NXL104, a novel β-lactamase inhibitor, in combination with ceftazidime (CAZ) in two murine infection models (septicemia and thigh infection). We chose two KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains (VA-361 and VA-406) showing MICs of CAZ of ≥256 μg/ml. Septicemia was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae followed 30 min later by a single subcutaneous treatment with CAZ alone or CAZ-NXL104 in ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and 16:1. In this model, the median effective doses for 50% (ED(50)) of the animals for CAZ alone versus VA-361 and VA-406 were 1,578 and 709 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. When combined with NXL104 at 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and 16:1 ratios, the CAZ ED(50)s for VA-361 and VA-406 were reduced to 8.1 and 3.5 mg/kg, 15.1 and 3.8 mg/kg, 16.9 and 7.2 mg/kg, and 29.5 and 12.1 mg/kg, respectively. For thigh infection, neutropenia was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at days -4 and -1 preinfection. Infection was established by the intramuscular injection of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae into the right thigh. Mice were treated 1.5 h postinfection with either CAZ alone or CAZ-NXL104 at constant ratios of 4:1. When thighs were removed at 24 h postinfection, a >2-log CFU reduction was observed for mice treated with CAZ-NXL104 at doses of ≥128:32 mg/kg. In contrast, CAZ doses of ≥1,024 mg/kg were unable to reduce the numbers of CFU. Despite resistance to CAZ and possessing a complex β-lactamase background, NXL104 combined with CAZ proved to be very effective in murine models of infection due to contemporary highly resistant KPC-producing K. pneumoniae isolates.
ATM-dependent IGF-1 induction regulates secretory clusterin expression after DNA damage and in genetic instability

Secretory clusterin (sCLU) is a stress-induced, pro-survival glycoprotein elevated in early-stage cancers, in particular in APC/Min-defective colon cancers. sCLU is upregulated after exposure to various cytotoxic agents, including ionizing radiation (IR), leading to a survival advantage. We found that stimulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1R protein kinase signaling was required for sCLU induction after IR exposure. Here, we show that activation of Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated kinase (ATM) by endogenous or exogenous forms of DNA damage was required to relieve basal repression of IGF-1 transcription by the p53/NF-YA complex, leading to sCLU expression. Although p53 levels were stabilized and elevated after DNA damage, dissociation of NF-YA, and thereby p53, from the IGF-1 promoter resulted in IGF-1 induction, indicating that NF-YA was rate limiting. Cells with elevated endogenous DNA damage (deficient in H2AX, MDC1, NBS1, mTR or hMLH1) or cells exposed to DNA-damaging agents had elevated IGF-1 expression, resulting in activation of IGF-1R signaling and sCLU induction. In contrast, ATM-deficient cells were unable to induce sCLU after DNA damage. Our results integrate DNA damage resulting from genetic instability, IR, or chemotherapeutic agents, to ATM activation and abrogation of p53/NF-YA-mediated IGF-1 transcriptional repression, that induces IGF-1-sCLU expression. Elucidation of this pathway should uncover new mechanisms for cancer progression and reveal new targets for drug development to overcome resistance to therapy.
Stochastic modeling of a power-managed system: construction and optimization

The goal of a dynamic power management policy is to reduce the power consumption of an electronic system by putting system components into different states, each representing certain performance and power consumption level. The policy determines the type and timing of these transitions based on the system history, workload and performance constraints. In this paper we propose a new abstract model of a power-managed electronic system. We formulate the problem of system-level power management as a controlled optimization problem based on the theories of continuous-time Markov decision processes and stochastic networks. This problem is solved exactly and efficiently using a "policy iteration" approach. Our method is compared with existing heuristic approaches for different workload statistics. Experimental results show that power management method based on Markov decision process outperforms heuristic approaches in terms of power dissipation savings for a given level of system performance.
Ultrasound directs a transposase system for durable hepatic gene delivery in mice.

Abstract Our aim was to evaluate the delivery of transposase-based vectors by ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) in mice. DNA vectors were attached to cationic lipid microbubbles (1–3 μm in diameter), injected intravenously and delivered to the liver by destruction of the carrier bubbles with ultrasound in burst mode at 1.0 MHz, 20-μs pulse duration, 10-Hz pulse repetition frequency and ∼1.3-MPa acoustic peak negative pressure. We evaluated the expression and genomic integration of conventional (pcDNA3) and piggyBac transposase-based (p m GENIE) reporter vectors. In vivo , we observed UTMD-mediated liver-specific expression of p m GENIE for an average of 24 d, compared with 4 d with pcDNA3. Reporter expression was located predominately near blood vessels initially, whereas expression after 3 d was more evenly distributed through the parenchyma of the liver. We confirmed random genomic integration for p m GENIE in vitro ; however, integration events for p m GENIE in vivo were targeted to specific areas of chromosome 14. Our results suggest that a combination of UTMD and non-viral DNA transposase vectors can mediate weeks of hepatic-specific gene transfer in vivo , and analyses performed by non-restrictive linear amplification-mediated (nrLAM) polymerase chain reaction, cloning and sequencing identify an unexpected tropism for integration within a specific sequence on chromosome 14 in mice. UTMD delivery of transgenes may be useful for the treatment of hepatic gene deficiency disorders.
Arabidopsis protein microarrays for the high-throughput identification of protein-protein interactions.

Protein microarray technology has emerged as a powerful new approach for the study of thousands of proteins simultaneously. Protein microarrays have been used for a wide variety of applications for the human and yeast systems. In a recent study, we demonstrated that Arabidopsis functional protein microarrays can be generated and employed to characterize the function of plant proteins. The arrayed proteins were produced using an optimized large-scale plant-based expression system. In a proof-of concept study, 173 known and novel potential substrates of calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-like proteins (CML) were identified in an unbiased and high-throughput manner. The information documented here on novel potential CaM targets provides new testable hypotheses in the area of CaM/Ca2+-regulated processes and represents a resource of functional information for the scientific community.
The Hellenistic Stoa: Political Thought and Action

Preface to the Second Edition, 2011 Abbreviations Introduction 1. Zeno's Politeia 2. Slavery and Society 4. Third-Century Athenian Politics 5. Property and Justice 6. The Spartan Revolution 7. The Gracchi 8. The Justification of the Roman Empire Conclusion Appendix: Panaetius Bibliography Index
Combined methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria, cblC type. II. Complications, pathophysiology, and outcomes

Combined methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria, cblC type, is stated to be the most common inborn error of intracellular cobalamin metabolism. The disorder can display a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, spanning the prenatal period through late adulthood. While increased homocysteine concentrations and impaired methyl group metabolism may contribute to disease-related complications, the characteristic macular and retinal degeneration seen in many affected patients appears to be unique to cblC disease. The early detection of cblC disease by newborn screening mandates a careful assessment of therapeutic approaches and provides a new opportunity to improve the outcome of affected patients. The following article reviews the current knowledge on the complications, pathophysiology, and outcome of cblC disease in an effort to better guide clinical practice and future therapeutic trials.
Determination of acute Hg emissions from solidified/stabilized cement waste forms

Abstract The chemical form of mercury in wastes to be solidified/stabilized may lead to volatile losses from the finished solidified/stabilized monolith. Elemental mercury vapor (Hg vapor) was detected in the headspace of batch reactors that contained solidified/stabilized ordinary Portland cement doped with mercuric oxide (HgO) or liquid elemental mercury [Hg°(1)]. Vapor concentrations increased as a function of time and temperature; the headspace over the HgO samples was saturated in about one hour, while the samples containing Hg°(1) reached approx. 20% of saturation in about two hours. Increased temperatures due to cement hydrolysis lead to increased Hg vapor evolution. Mercury solidified/stabilized as mercuric sulfide (HgS, black) emitted no Hg vapor. Data for the HgO and Hg°(1) experiments was fit to a reversible first-order rate expression. Samples containing HgO displayed the greatest volatility as a result of the rapid dissolution of HgO and the subsequent formation of a strong driving force across the air-water interface. The evolution of Hg vapor from samples solidified/stabilized as Hg°(1) is limited by mass transfer resistances that kinetically limit the dissolution of Hg°(1) into the aqueous phase. The inert character of HgS (extremely low solubility and resistance to oxidative dissolution) prevents the evolution of detectable Hg in wastes solidified/stabilized as HgS. The findings of these studies may be important when considering treatment and disposal scenarios for Hg-containing wastes.
Possible involvement of partial biotinidase deficiency in alopecia areata

Abstract Background The many factors which appear to be implicated in alopecia areata (AA) include genetic and autoimmune disorders as well as emotional stress. Biotinidase deficiency, an inborn error of metabolism, causes alopecia in infants, children and adults. Subjects and methods A fluorimetric method was used to evaluate biontinidase activity in 19 patients before and after 40 days treatment with biotin (20 mg/day p.o). Nineteen members of the medical staff were the controls. Results The mean biotinidase activities in our patients before treatment (3.0 ± 1.50 mmol/l/min) were statistically significantly decreased compared to those of controls (4.75 ± 0.80 mmol/l/min) as well as to those after treatment (4.40 ± 0.84 mmol/l/min). Consequently, 12 of our 19 patients showed a clinical remission of the disease after treatment, and thin white hair appeared on the frontal area of the scalp. Conclusions An evaluation of biotinidase activity is suggested in all patients with AA and supplements of biotin are recommended.
Cancer incidence among women living on farms : Findings from the Iowa women's health study

The purpose of this study was to determine whether site-specific cancer incidence in women residing on farms is different from those residing elsewhere. A large population-based cohort of Iowa women 55 to 69 years of age reported in a questionnaire whether or not they lived on a farm. Linkage to a s
Too good to be true: Dose insensitivity and stereotypical thinking of foods’ capacity to promote weight gain

Abstract It has been well documented that the general public holds many mistaken beliefs about foods and their roles in weight gain and health/disease. For example, foods that are perceived as bad for health (e.g., 3 slices of bacon; 109 calories) are typically judged to promote significantly more weight gain than more reputable foods (e.g., a large raisin bran muffin; 460 calories), even if the “bad” food contains far fewer calories than the “good” food. The current study was unique in that participants were provided not only names of snacks but also their caloric amounts and then asked to judge each snack’s capacity to promote weight gain. Results indicated that, despite the caloric information presented, respondents rated “bad” foods as weight promoters (compared to “good” foods) and only fat content (not energy density or fiber and sugar content) primarily predicted which foods would be judged to promote weight gain. It appears that “high fat” may be a synonymous with “bad” for many people or that dietary fat is perceived to have a far greater impact on body weight than is justified by the nutrient’s caloric content. In either case, it appears that a potentially harmful message has been assimilated by the general public.
Studies on molybdena-alumina catalysts: VII. Effect of cobalt on catalyst states and reducibility

The effect of cobalt on the structure and reducibility of a series of cobalt-promoted, molybdena-alumina catalysts was studied. Preparational variables were: Co and Mo levels, order of addition, and calcination temperature and environment. Catalysts were characterized by various instrumental techniques and reduction in H2 at 500 °C. Mo/Al2O3 catalysts exhibited a variable strength of interaction of Mo with the Al2O3. For Co/Al2O3 catalysts, two separate phases were found, a Co-Al2O3 interaction phase, which was nonreducible, and a well-defined Co3O4 phase, which reduced to Co metal. When Mo was added to Co/Al2O3 catalysts, the Co and Mo phases were essentially the same as for the individual catalysts. Addition of Co to Mo/Al2O3 catalysts, however, resulted in an interaction between Co and Mo. In coimpregnated catalysts, bulk CoMoO4 was observed when Co ≥ 2%. Relative amounts of the various phases were greatly dependent upon preparation and calcination conditions.
CRT-110 Elevated Left Ventricular End-diastolic Pressure Predicts a Higher Rate of In-hospital and 30-day Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) has been shown to predict adverse outcomes in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. However, the prognostic value of elevated LVEDP in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) has not been fully elucidated. We
Medical Adherence to Acne Therapy: A Systematic Review

Background Poor adherence of acne patients to treatment may equate to poor clinical efficacy, increased healthcare costs, and unnecessary treatments. Authors have investigated risk factors for poor medical adherence and how to improve this difficult problem in the context of acne.
Nano-mechanics Foundations and Experimental Methodologies for Multiphysics Prognosis of Functional Behaviour in Heterogeneous Functional Materials (HeteroFoaM)☆

Abstract The present paper will discuss the nano-mechanics foundations and experimental methodologies that provide a foundation for the prognosis of the functional behavior of nano-structured heterogeneous materials for energy systems. The principle objective of this work at the fundamental level is the creation of conceptual foundations for prognosis of heterogeneous functional materials. Our approach is to focus on the mechanics associated with the nano-structural configurations and interfaces (function and geometry) of the active phases. The paper will discuss conceptual foundations, experimental methods, and computational and analysis methods that associate global functional response of interest to energy conversion and storage with the multiphysics of nano-structured heterogeneous materials. New experimental room-temperature, non-invasive interrogation methods for establishing internal integrity and for following material state changes in solid oxide fuel cells as a function of operation history will also be introduced and discussed as an example of the application of these concepts.
Carboxylate anion binding in the cyclohexaamylose cavity: A steric and electronic evaluation

Abstract This investigation focuses on the steric and electronic requirements for the binding of carboxylate anions in the cyclohexaamylose cavity. The geometries and thermodynamic stabilities of the 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamic acid cyclohexaamylose complexes are evaluated at pH = 7.60 and 12.00. Results indicate that the carboxylate anions of 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamic acid bind in the cyclohexaamylose cavity at both pH = 7.60 and 12.00. In addition, the dependence of the stability of the resulting complexes on pH is shown to be marginal. These findings suggest that if a carboxylate anion is to bind in the cyclohexaamylose cavity, it must be able to adopt a position in the cavity which allows for at least partial solvation of charge.
Engineering Design under Imprecise Probabilities: Computational Complexity

En los problemas de diseno de ingenieria, en los que quiere asegurarse de que una determinada cantidad c del sistema se encuentra dentro de los limites dados - o por lo menos que la probabilidad de esa cantidad fuera de estos limites no superen un determinado umbral. Es posible que haya varios requisitos - la exigencia puede formularse como limites [Fc(x), Fc(x)] en la funcion de distribucion acumulada Fc(x) de la cantidad de c, esos limites son conocidos como p-caja. El valor de la cantidad deseada c depende de los parametros de diseno a y los parametros b caracterizar el medio ambiente: c = f(a, b). Para lograr el objetivo de diseno, tenemos que encontrar los parametros de diseno a para que la distribucion de Fc(x) para c = f(a, b) ese dentro de los limites dados por todos los valores posibles de las variables ambientales b. El problema de la informatica se llama a retrocalculo. Por b, tambien tienen rangos con diferentes probabilidades, es decir, tambien una p-box. Por lo tanto, tenemos un problema de retrocalculo para p-cajas. Para p-cajas, existen algoritmos eficientes para encontrar un diseno a que satisface las restricciones dadas. La pregunta logica es encontrar un diseno que satisfaga restricciones adicionales: el coste, la eficiencia, etc. En este trabajo, demostramos, en general, el problema de encontrar un diseno que es computacionalmente dificil (NPhard). Se demuestra que este problema es NP-hard ya en el caso lineal mas simple posible, cuando la dependencia c = f(a, b) es lineal. Tambien ofrecemos un ejemplo, cuando un algoritmo eficiente es posible.
Contributions and Challenges to Clinical Practice from Buddhist Psychology

Psychotherapy is considered to belong to a branch of medicine, and adheres to many conventions of the medical model. As psychotherapists continue to embrace mindfulness (a foundational practice derived from Buddhist psychology), the way we understand suffering and what is to be done about it may be informed by the insights gained in mindfulness practice. Some of these insights depart in degree and in type from the assumptions underlying the medical model, as well as from prevalent ideas of suffering, treatment, and most challenging, the idea of the self who is assumed to be at the center of suffering. By examining a number of influences of mindfulness on clinical practice, the author suggests subtle and potentially radical influences on the way we think of the healing process. It is hypothesized that the Buddhist model may offer a transtheoretical and transcultural model of suffering and its treatment.
Forces of interaction between surfaces bearing looped polymer brushes in good solvent

In a previous publication we suggested [Huang et al., Macromolecules, 2008, 41, 1745–1752] that looped polymer brushes formed by tethering chains by both ends to a surface may exhibit a polydispersity-like effect due to a distribution of distances between tethering points, leading to segment density profiles dominated by a long and diffuse exponentially-decaying tail. To study this issue in more detail, the force profiles (forces of interaction as a function of separation distance) of a series of looped polymer brushes made by preferential adsorption of poly(2-vinylpyridine)–polystyrene–poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PVP-b-PS-b-PVP) triblock copolymers of varying molecular weight and asymmetry ratio are measured using the surface forces apparatus. The force profiles are analyzed using an equivalent diblock model, which considers the triblock copolymer brushes as being comprised of two diblock copolymers of half the PS molecular weight. While scaling the dependencies of the interaction energy and distance on molecular weight, the tethering density and segment size coalesce the measured force profiles to the “universal profile”, it is necessary to include polydispersity in the description of the equilibrium structure. This is done using the self-consistent field model of Milner et al. [Macromolecules, 1988, 21, 2610–2619]. For looped brushes formed from the symmetric and moderately symmetric triblock copolymers we find that the polydispersity due to molecular weight distribution effectively accounts for the observed force profiles. On the other hand, agreement between the measured and predicted force profiles of looped brushes formed from highly asymmetric copolymers at low degrees-of-compression is achieved only if a much smaller value of the polydispersity index is used in the fitting. The implication of these results is that the shape of the segment density profiles is not due to the previously proposed anchor-induced polydispersity arising due to loop formation; however in the case of highly asymmetric copolymers, loop formation may constrain the stretching of the chains relative to what is expected for brushes formed from the equivalent diblock copolymer.
Virus Load as a Marker of Disease Progression in HIV-infected Children*

The relationship of virus load to clinical disease progression in HIV-infected children remains to be elucidated. In this study, HIV-1 proviral DNA load was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by the quantitative competitive DNA polymerase chain reaction assay (QC-PCR) in 47 HIV-infected children subdivided by age (group I, or = 5 years), who were further categorized to include 12 rapid progressors (RP, age or = 5 years, excluding CDC categories C and/or immune category 3). Significantly higher mean proviral copies/10(3) PBMCs were detected in group I versus group II (75.4 +/- 104.3 and 13.0 +/- 17.8 respectively, p < 0.0001) and in RP (158.0 +/- 118.2) as compared to either SP (11.8 +/- 18.8, p < 0.0001) or other age-matched infected children (20.3 +/- 38.8, p < 0.0001). Thus HIV-infected children appear to have a higher cell-associated virus load early in life, especially in association with rapid disease progression.
Impact of calcification state on the inherent optical properties of Emiliania huxleyi coccoliths and coccolithophores

Abstract Understanding the inherent optical properties (IOPs) of coccoliths and coccolithophores is important in oceanic radiative transfer simulations and remote sensing implementations. In this study, the invariant imbedding T-matrix method (II-TM) is employed to investigate the IOPs of coccoliths and coccolithophores. The Emiliania huxleyi (Ehux) coccolith and coccolithophore models are built based on observed biometric parameters including the eccentricity, the number of slits, and the rim width of detached coccoliths. The calcification state that specifies the amount of calcium of a single coccolith is critical in the determination of the size–volume/mass relationship (note, the volume/mass of coccoltihs at different calcification states are different although the diameters are the same). The present results show that the calcification state, namely, under-calcification, normal-calcification, or over-calcification, significantly influences the backscattering cross section and the phase matrix. Furthermore, the linear depolarization ratio of the light scattered by coccoliths is sensitive to the degree of calcification, and provides a potentially valuable parameter for interpreting oceanic remote sensing data. The phase function of an ensemble of randomly oriented coccolithophores has a similar pattern to that of individual coccoliths, but the forward scattering is dominant in the coccolithophores due to the large geometric cross sections. The linear depolarization ratio associated with coccolithophores is found to be larger than that for coccoliths as polarization is more sensitive to multiple scattering than the phase function. The simulated coccolithophore phase matrix numerical results are compared with laboratory measurements. For scattering angles larger than 100°, an increase of the phase function with respect to the scattering angle is confirmed based on the present coccolithophore model while the spherical approximation fails.
Street attire vs nurses' uniforms: a brief questionnaire.

A 12-item instrument was designed to quantify the views of 62 nurses on how the wearing of nurses' uniforms vs street attire might affect their performance of routine nursing duties, effectiveness ...
Skin effects of trichothecenes and their amelioration by decontamination.

Abstract The ability of trichothecenes, in particular T2 toxin (T2), to cause irritant effects on the skin has been investigated in laboratory rodents and rabbits. Quantitatively, T2 was found to be highly potent in this respect, causing irritant reactions on rat skin at contamination densities of g · cm −2 . The first appearance of skin effects was delayed for approximately 6 h after application, irrespective of the dose applied. Similarly, variation in solvent or injection into or beneath the skin failed to accelerate the onset of the irritant reaction. An aqueous soaps solution was largely effective in removing low doses of T2 from the skin, but was ineffective in removing larger doses. However, washing the contaminated skin with polyethylene glycol 300 was very effective at removing even large doses of T2 from the skin. The macrocyclic trichothecene verrucarin A was of comparable irritancy to T2 on rat skin. Diacetoxyscirpenol and nivalenol were less potent.
Mastocytosis of bone in the hand without systemic disease

M astocytosis is a rare disease that is characterized by a proliferation of mast cells affecting one or more organ systems. In adults the disease usually has cutaneous manifestations (urticaria pigmentosa) and may progress to the systemic form, which affects the skin, bone, liver, spleen, and gut. In 50% of the patients, a cutaneous lesion may precede systemic signs by several years.’ Skeletal abnormalities have been described in up to 70% of the patients with systemic mastocytosis.2, 3 The following case exemplifies an atypical form of the disease in which the skeleton is the only organ affected; to our knowledge, this is the first such case involving the hand.
The psychosexual aspects of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: A review of the literature

Abstract Published studies dealing systematically with the psychosexual aspects of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are reviewed. While definitive answers to questions of the relationship between sexuality and the eating disorders are not apparent in the literature, several important trends emerge. On the basis of psychosexual data, there appear to be two discrete groups of anorexia neruosa patients. Several investigations report on significant differences between restricting and bulimic anorexics with respect to psychosexual history and/or sexual behaviors. There are also suggestions in the literature that bulimic patients may be more sexually active than control subjects. Finally, in spite of the continued appearance in the literature of case studies to the contrary, there is apparently no particularly high incidence of sexual abuse among anorexic or bulimic patients. Suggestions for future researchers in this area are offered.
Characterization of a nuclear reactor for neutron activation analysis

Ouelques caracteristiques du reacteur nucleaire NBSR utilise pour l'analyse par activation neutronique ont ete evaluees; les techniques de mesure developpees sont decrites. La discussion porte sur les caracteristiques suivantes: (1) le flux de neutrons thermiques absorbes par le cadmium, (2) la distribution energetique des neutrons mesuree grâce aux rapports cadmium et a des detecteurs a seuil. L'exces de pression dans les echantillons engendre l'irradiation.
Outwitting Evolution: Fighting Drug-Resistant TB, Malaria, and HIV

Although caused by vastly different pathogens, the world's three most serious infectious diseases, tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV-1 infection, share the common problem of drug resistance. The pace of drug development has been very slow for tuberculosis and malaria and rapid for HIV-1. But for each disease, resistance to most drugs has appeared quickly after the introduction of the drug. Learning how to manage and prevent resistance is a major medical challenge that requires an understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of each pathogen. This Review summarizes the similarities and differences in the evolution of drug resistance for these three pathogens.