cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide and Ordered-Subset linkage analyses provide support for autism loci on 17q and 19p with evidence of phenotypic and interlocus genetic correlates

Autism is a neurobehavioral spectrum of phenotypes characterized by deficits in the development of language and social relationships and patterns of repetitive, rigid and compulsive behaviors. Twin and family studies point to a significant genetic etiology, and several groups have performed genomic linkage screens to identify susceptibility loci. We performed a genome-wide linkage screen in 158 combined Tufts, Vanderbilt and AGRE (Autism Genetics Research Exchange) multiplex autism families using parametric and nonparametric methods with a categorical autism diagnosis to identify loci of main effect. Hypothesizing interdependence of genetic risk factors prompted us to perform exploratory studies applying the Ordered-Subset Analysis (OSA) approach using LOD scores as the trait covariate for ranking families. We employed OSA to test for interlocus correlations between loci with LOD scores ≥1.5, and empirically determined significance of linkage in optimal OSA subsets using permutation testing. Exploring phenotypic correlates as the basis for linkage increases involved comparison of mean scores for quantitative trait-based subsets of autism between optimal subsets and the remaining families. A genome-wide screen for autism loci identified the best evidence for linkage to 17q11.2 and 19p13, with maximum multipoint heterogeneity LOD scores of 2.9 and 2.6, respectively. Suggestive linkage (LOD scores ≥1.5) at other loci included 3p, 6q, 7q, 12p, and 16p. OSA revealed positive correlations of linkage between the 19p locus and 17q, between 19p and 6q, and between 7q and 5p. While potential phenotypic correlates for these findings were not identified for the chromosome 7/5 combination, differences indicating more rapid achievement of "developmental milestones" was apparent in the chromosome 19 OSA-defined subsets for 17q and 6q. OSA was used to test the hypothesis that 19p linkage involved more rapid achievement of these milestones and it revealed significantly increased LOD* scores at 19p13. Our results further support 19p13 as harboring an autism susceptibility locus, confirm other linkage findings at 17q11.2, and demonstrate the need to analyze more discreet trait-based subsets of complex phenotypes to improve ability to detect genetic effects.
(1,5‐Cyclooctadiene)(1,3,5‐cyclooctatriene)ruthenium

[42516-72-3] C16H22Ru (MW 315.42) InChI = 1S/C8H12.C8H10.Ru/c2*1-2-4-6-8-7-5-3-1;/h1-2,7-8H,3-6H2;1-6H,7-8H2;/b2-1-,8-7-;2-1-,5-3-,6-4-; InChIKey = LRKNOSLOHGOJSU-ORAADDSUSA-N (catalyst precursor for dehydrogenative silylation of alkenes,4, 5 hydroacylations,7 carbonylation of amines,9 and various carbon–carbon bond forming reactions12-17) Physical Data: mp 92–94 °C (dec); 1H NMR (C6D6) δ 0.9 (m, 2H), 1.64 (m, 2H), 2.22 (m, 8H), 2.92 (m, 4H), 3.79 (m, 2H), 4.78 (m, 2H), 5.22 (dd, 2H). Solubility: sol toluene and chloroform; insol alcohols. Form Supplied in: yellow crystalline solid. Preparative Method: to a solution of RuCl3·3H2O (0.34 g, 1.3 mmol) in 10 mL of ethanol is added 1,5-cyclooctadiene (8.8 g, 81 mmol) and zinc dust (3.5 g); the mixture is heated under reflux with stirring for 3 h and then filtered; the resulting brown-yellow solution is evaporated in vacuo, extracted with 20 mL of pentane and filtered through a plug of alumina (20 cm); the volume is reduced to ca. 5 mL and the yellow solution cooled to −78 °C to give yellow crystals of (1,5-cyclooctadiene)(1,3,5-cyclooctatriene)ruthenium (0.2 g, 50%).1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the compound rapidly decomposes when exposed to air.
Lasting Effects of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program on Breast Cancer Detection and Outcomes, Ohio, 2000–2009

Introduction The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCP) in Ohio provides screening and treatment services for uninsured low-income women aged 40 to 64. Because participation in the BCCP might engender greater self-efficacy for cancer screening, we hypothesized that breast cancer and survival outcomes would be better in BCCP participants who become age-eligible to transition to Medicare than in their low-income non-BCCP counterparts.
Mutation and senescence: where genetics and demography meet

Two evolutionary genetic models–mutation accumulation and antagonistic pleiotropy–have been proposed to explain the origin and maintenance of senescence. In this paper, we focus our attention on the mutation accumulation model. We re-examine previous evidence for mutation accumulation in light of new information from large-scale demographic experiments. After discussing evidence for the predictions that have been put forth from models of mutation accumulation, we discuss two critical issues at length. First, we discuss the possibility that classical fruit fly stock maintenance regimes may give rise to spurious results in selection studies of aging. Second, we consider evidence for the assumptions underlying evolutionary models of aging. These models assume that mutations act additively on age-specific survival rate, that there exist mutations whose effects are confined to late age-classes, and that all mutations have equal effects. Recent empirical evidence suggests that each of these three assumptions is unlikely to be true. On the basis of these results, we do not conclude that mutation accumulation is no longer a valid explanation for the evolution of aging. Rather, we suggest that we now need to begin developing more biologically realistic genetic models for the evolution of aging.
Steric hindrance to the solvation of melamines and consequences for non-covalent synthesis.

Steric hindrance to solvation disfavors structures like 1syn-anti in which the melamine exposes to the solvent faces, such as tBu–H, for whom binding to the ring nitrogen is hindered but not blocked; steric hindrance to solvation lowers the barriers to rotation in solvents which bind the triazine nitrogens, therefore these solvents display the fastest rates for assembling/disassembling processes.
A Generalization of Wigner's Law

We present a generalization of Wigner’s semicircle law: we consider a sequence of probability distributions \((p_1,p_2,\dots)\), with mean value zero and take an N × N real symmetric matrix with entries independently chosen from pN and analyze the distribution of eigenvalues. If we normalize this distribution by its dispersion we show that as N → ∞ for certain pN the distribution weakly converges to a universal distribution. The result is a formula for the moments of the universal distribution in terms of the rate of growth of the kth moment of pN (as a function of N), and describe what this means in terms of the support of the distribution. As a corollary, when pN does not depend on N we obtain Wigner’s law: if all moments of a distribution are finite, the distribution of eigenvalues is a semicircle.
Response of beryllium to deuterium plasma bombardment

Experiments have been conducted in the PISCES-B device to investigate the erosion and deuterium retention characteristics of beryllium. The impurity fractions of both carbon and oxygen in a deuterium plasma have been reduced to 0.2% for carbon and 0.2% or less for oxygen. Under these conditions, the measured sputtering yield of the beryllium samples agrees with beryllium-oxide sputtering. The clean plasma conditions allow for investigation of the surface morphology of the samples under various exposure conditions. During high-temperature exposure the surface develops a porous structure, unlike the smooth surface resulting from low-temperature exposures. The hydrogen isotope retention characteristics of beryllium are measured under conditions which simulate the ITER first wall and baffle plasma interaction regions. The beryllium samples develop a saturated surface layer under these high-flux bombardment conditions. Thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) is used to measure the release temperature of the retained deuterium. The TMAP4 code is used to model the deuterium release from the beryllium.
Localized arterial wall drug delivery from a polymer-coated removable metallic stent. Kinetics, distribution, and bioactivity of forskolin.

BACKGROUND Coronary stenting is associated with two major complications: subacute thrombosis and neointimal proliferation resulting in restenosis. Our hypothesis is that the biocompatibility of metallic stents can be improved by coating with a polymer membrane that delivers agents that favorably modify the local arterial microenvironment. This study evaluates the kinetics, distribution, and bioactivity of the model drug forskolin delivered to the local arterial wall by a polyurethane-coated removable metallic stent. METHODS AND RESULTS Stents were used in rabbit carotid arteries (n = 20) for as long as 24 hours. The quantity of forskolin bound to the stent decreased exponentially with a half-life of 5.8 hours. Blood concentrations peaked at 140 +/- 39 pg/microL at 4 hours. The adjacent arterial media contained 60 +/- 39 ng/mg, which was 380- and 460-fold greater than the contralateral carotid media and the systemic blood, respectively (P CONCLUSIONS A polymer-coated metallic stent can deliver forskolin to the local arterial wall in high concentrations relative to the blood or other tissues. High local drug concentrations are dependent on maintaining stent-to-tissue gradients. The delivered drug is biologically active, demonstrating vasodilating and antiplatelet properties.
The Emerging Molecular Foundations of Pediatric Brain Tumors

Recent years have witnessed extensive molecular characterization of several pediatric brain tumor variants. These studies have dramatically shifted notions of disease classification and are likely to have similarly profound effects on patient management in the near future. In this review, we cover the molecular foundations of low-grade glial and glioneuronal neoplasms, high-grade glioma, ependymoma, and medulloblastoma, the details of which have only been recently elucidated in many cases. In doing so, we describe an array of biomarkers likely to play a major role in clinically relevant molecular stratification moving forward. We also discuss strategies for robust and efficient biomarker assessment in the clinical environment.
Multi-platform computer labs and classrooms: a magic bullet?

Although the idea of multi-platform computers has been around for a long time, the recent convergence of both the Mac and Windows worlds to Intel hardware has brought this concept to the forefront. Throw in the latest in virtualization technologies, and it is now technically very possible to offer Mac OS X, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux, and more all on one single computer. Solutions to allow multi-boot configurations, virtualized operating systems, and API emulation all conceivably mean that a computer lab or classroom could be outfitted with only Macintosh computers, but still be able to provide a range of computing platforms. There are both costs and potential savings to this approach. Some of these come in the form of direct expenses on hardware and software while others are more in the form of administration, support, and training time. Ultimately, a multi-platform lab must meet the needs of the faculty and students who use it. Are the compromises or complexities of these systems detrimental to the actual teaching and computing needs? The University of New Hampshire has been exploring all of these issues as we look towards classrooms slated for new computers in the Summer 2007.
The influence of microstructure and strength on the fracture mode and toughness of 7XXX series aluminum alloys

The effects of microstructure and strength on the fracture toughness of ultra high strength aluminum alloys have been investigated. For this study three ultra high purity compositions were chosen and fabricated into 1.60 mm (0.063 inches) sheet in a T6 temper providing a range of yield strengths from 496 MPa (72 ksi) to 614 MPa (89 ksi). These alloys differ only in the volume fraction of the fine matrix strengthening precipitates (G. P. ordered + η′ ). Fracture toughness data were generated using Kahn-type tear tests, as well asR-curve andJ c analyses performed on data from 102 mm wide center cracked tension panel tests. Consistent with previous studies, it has been demonstrated that the toughness decreases as the yield strength is increased by increasing the solute content. Concomitant with this decrease in toughness, a transition in fracture mode was observed from predominantly transgranular dimpled rupture to predominantly intergranular dimpled rupture. Both quantitative fractography and X-ray microanalysis clearly demonstrate that fracture initiation for the two fracture modes occurred by void formation at the Cr-dispersoids (E-phase). In the case of intergranular fracture, void coalescence was facilitated by the grain boundary η precipitates. The difference in fracture toughness behavior of these alloys has been shown to be dependent on the coarseness of matrix slip and the strength differential between the matrix and precipitate free zone (σM-σPFZ). A new fracture mechanism has been proposed to explain the development of the large amounts of intergranular fracture observed in the low toughness alloys.
Inline injection microdevice for attomole-scale sanger DNA sequencing.

A new affinity-capture-based inline purification, concentration, and injection method is developed for microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) and used to perform efficient attomole-scale Sanger DNA sequencing separations. The microdevice comprises three axial domains for nanoliter-scale sequencing sample containment, sample plug formation, and high-resolution capillary gel electrophoresis. Purified and concentrated inline sample plugs are formed by electrophoretically driving Sanger sequencing extension fragments into an affinity-capture polymer network positioned within a CE separation channel. Extension fragments selectively hybridize and concentrate at the polymer interface while residual primer, nucleotides, and salts electrophorese out of the system. The plug is thermally released and injected into the CE channel by direct application of the separation voltage. To evaluate this system, 30 nL of sequencing sample prepared from 100 amol (60 million molecules) of human mitochondrial hypervariable regi...
Simultaneous, Dual-Color STORM Imaging of Membrane Reorganization during Early Immune Response

TLR-4 receptor reorganization in cell membranes was investigated using a novel STORM microscope. The increased resolution permits observation of receptor cluster formation following challenge with chemotypes of lipopolysaccharide.
Antiproton annihilation at rest in deuterium

Annihilation of antiprotons at rest in the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory’s 15-inch deuterium-filled bubble chamber has been studied. Particular emphasis was on investigation of the characteristics of the antiproton-neutron annihilations. With a total of 2071 observed events, the ratio of the number of annihilations on protons to that on neutrons was found to be 1.3±0.07. The observed momentum distribution of proton recoils accompanying the neutron-annihilation products deviates strongly from the deuterium internal-momentum distribution and cannot be explained by final-state pion-proton interactions. Three-body effects are considered. Multiplicity and momentum distributions of the annihilation products are in agreement with predictions of a Lorentz-invariant phase-space model with an interaction volume of radius about 2.2 pion Compton wavelengths. Annihilations yielding K-mesons accounted for 0.05±0.01 of the neutron annihilations.
A Protein Structure is Only as Good as the Data

In the interpretation of any protein structure derived from diffraction data, one has to try to assess the reliability of the derived atomic positions and atomic species. In the neutron case, it is possible to localize hydrogen atoms (1). This, however, just about doubles the total number of atoms to be derived with about the same number of reflections. In addition, neutron data are often of poorer statistical quality than their x-ray counterparts because of low source flux and the very high background caused by the incoherent scattering of hydrogen atoms. Thus in neutron protein crystallography there is a higher uncertainty in the measured structure factor, in addition to uncertainties in phasing and refinement.
Topological Phase Diagram of a Two-Subband Electron System

We present a phase diagram for a two-dimensional electron system with two populated subbands. Using a gated GaAs/AlGaAs single quantum well, we have mapped out the phases of various quantum Hall states in the density-magnetic filed plane. The experimental phase diagram shows a very different topology from the conventional Landau fan diagram. We find regions of negative differential Hall resistance which are interpreted as preliminary evidence of the long sought reentrant quantum Hall transitions. We discuss the origins of the anomalous topology and the negative differential Hall resistance in terms of the Landau level and subband mixing.
Forage quality of genetically diverse alfalfa germplasms at four phenological growth stages

Forage quality of various alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars has been determined under different environmental conditions, and numerous trials with alfalfa have documented an inverse relationship between forage quality and maturity. Little information is available, however, regarding the comparative forage quality of the germplasm sources from which most USA cultivars were developed. We compared forage quality of these germplasm sources at four phenological stages under disease- and insect-free conditions in a greenhouse. Germplasm sources (cultivars) tested were: Indian (Sirsa #9), African (African), Peruvian (Hairy Peruvian), Flemish (DuPuits), Turkistan (Lahontan), Chilean (Kansas Common), M. varia (Grimm), and Ladak (Ladak). Four harvests were taken and forage was separated into four phenological stages: vegetative, early bud (1–3 buds-per-stem), late bud (>3 buds-per-stem), and bloom. The germplasm source X phenological stage interaction was significant for crude protein (CP) and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) concentrations. M. varia showed the least decline in IVDDM and CP with increasing maturity. M. varia had higher IVDDM than did African and Indian at late bud and bloom stages. Indian and Flemish had higher CP than did Turkistan and Peruvian at late bud and bloom stages. Alfalfa germplasm sources differ in forage quality when comparisions are made within similar stages of phenological development.
Coping with latency in SOC design

Latency-insensitive design is the foundation of a correct-by-construction methodology for SOC design. This approach can handle latency's increasing impact on deep-submicron technologies and facilitate the reuse of intellectual-property cores for building complex systems on chips, reducing the number of costly iterations in the design process.
Niacin as a Component of Combination Therapy for Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for coronary disease. Despite the availability of highly effective lipid-modifying agents, many patients still do not reach lipid targets established by national guidelines. Niacin has been known to be an effective treatment of dyslipidemia for almost half a century. Niacin substantially increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels while lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a). In addition, niacin converts small LDL particles into more buoyant, less atherogenic LDL particles. Combined with other agents, niacin offers an important treatment option for patients with dyslipidemia. In particular, niacin complements LDL-C-lowering drugs; it is the most effective agent available for increasing HDL-C levels while lowering levels of LDL-C and triglycerides and improving other lipid risk factors such as lipoprotein(a). Combining niacin with statins or bile acid sequestrant therapy is safe and effective for improving lipid levels and decreasing coronary risk. Differences in niacin formulations dictate tolerability profiles and should be considered when selecting niacin as part of lipid therapy. Furthermore, adverse effects on glucose and insulin sensitivity should be considered when selecting candidates for niacin therapy. Adding niacin to lipid-lowering regimens is a valuable option for physicians treating patients with dyslipidemia and should be considered in appropriate patients.
PREVENTION OF TRANSMISSION: Pharmaceutical and Obstetric Approaches

An increasing body of information regarding risk factors for perinatal HIV transmission suggests the use of logical management strategies during the prenatal period and parturition directed at maximizing maternal health and minimizing perinatal transmission. This article reviews the recommendations for pharmacologic therapy and rational obstetric management strategies to decrease perinatal HIV transmission based on published clinical trials and a review of data relevant to transmission.
Migration, Education and Rural Development: Evidence from China 2000 Population Census Data

There has been a concern that the growth of towns has been stalled recently and with it, the creation of non-farm jobs in rural industries. This study uses 2000 census tabulations to look at this issue by examining in-migration in towns in three provinces in China, Zhejiang, Henan, and Sichuan. In addition to the diversified patterns of town in-migrants revealed in these provinces, this paper finds that town in-migrants generally possess higher levels of educational attainment than those of the local population in towns, especially in the less-developed western and central provinces of Sichuan and Henan. There is also evidence that as towns themselves grow wealthier, such as in Zhejiang, better educated people in rural areas were likely to shift their jobs from the farm to non-farm sector in towns nearby, instead of leaving the countryside to migrate to other provinces. Labor markets in towns in less-developed western and central provinces were more flexible in accommodating in-migrants, whereas in the co...
Algebraic approximation in many-body perturbation theory

Many-body perturbation theory is developed within the algebraic approximation, i.e., parametrization of state functions by expansion in a finite basis set. This considerably extends the applicability of the theory to molecules, allowing all two-, three-, and four-body contributions to the energy to be evaluated through third order. Within this context, a comparison is presented between perturbation calculations and previously reported configuration-interaction calculations which employed the same basis sets. The [2/1] Pad\'e approximants to the energy are constructed and upper bounds to the energy expectation values are determined. Two zeroth-order Hamiltonians are used, and the convergence of the resulting perturbation series is compared. Both of these perturbation expansions yield Pad\'e approximants to the energy which are within 0.9% of the corresponding configuration-interaction results. The variation-perturbation upper bounds for the energy are all within 3.2% of the corresponding configuration-interaction bounds. Considering this agreement and the tractability of the diagrammatic perturbative scheme, it appears that the perturbation expansion is highly competitive.
Behind closed doors: an exploration of kinky sexual behaviors in urban lesbian and bisexual women.

This study of 347 urban, self-identified lesbian (n = 289) and bisexual (n = 58) women examined women's engaging in 4 kinky sexual behaviors: bondage/domination, sadomasochism, photo/video exhibitionism, and asphyxiation/breath play. A cross-sectional, brief-intercept survey was administered at 2 New York City gay, lesbian, and bisexual community events. Over 40% reported engaging in at least 1 of these behaviors, and 25% reported engaging in multiple behaviors. Bisexual women were more likely to have engaged in any kinky sexual behavior and photo/video exhibitionism. White women were more likely than women of color to have engaged in bondage/domination. Compared to older women, younger women were more likely to have engaged in photo/video exhibitionism and asphyxiation/breath play. Participants who were younger when they came out to others, and younger at their same-sex sexual debut, were more likely to have engaged in any and each of the behaviors compared to women who were older at those developmental ...
Postprostatectomy incontinence: Pathophysiology and management

Postprostatectomy incontinence in men is a devastating condition impacting the quality of life profoundly. Various types of male sling procedures have been introduced over the years. The bone-anchored male sling appears to be effective and safe in intermediate-term follow-up. It is certainly more effective than collagen implant and may provide an alternative treatment option in patients with mild to moderate incontinence. In the short term, other novel procedures seem promising. In spite of new technology, the artificial urinary sphincter continues to provide high patient satisfaction and cure rates.
Allosteric Coupling between Open Subunits in the Hv1 Proton Channel Probed by Guanidino-Thiazoles

The Hv1 channel extrudes protons from cells in response to membrane depolarization, and regulates the production of reactive oxygen species by NOX enzymes. Its excessive activity has been implicated in cancer development and in brain damage during ischemic stroke. The channel is a dimeric complex made of two voltage-sensing domains (VSDs), each containing a gated proton permeation pathway. We have previously identified 2-guanidinobenzymidazole (2GBI) derivatives that block proton permeation through the two VSDs (Hong et al. 2013, Neuron 77(2): 274-286). For these compounds, the binding occurs independently in the two open subunits, and resembles the binding to a monomeric version of the channel. Here we describe a separate class of guanidine derivatives - 2-guanidinothiazoles - that block Hv1 in a cooperative way. Comparison of the dose dependences of inhibition of dimeric and monomeric channels shows that blocker binding to one open subunit causes an increase in binding affinity of the neighboring open subunit. Using a site-directed mutagenesis approach, we identify the residues in the binding site responsible for cooperativity and then explore the residues at the interface between subunits that mediate allosteric coupling in the open state. Understanding the molecular features of the inhibitor that modulate cooperative binding can help develop better drugs targeting the Hv1 channel. This work is supported by NIH -National Institute of General Medical Sciences, grant R01GM098973.
Quantitative determination of threading in rotaxanated polymers by diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy

Two-dimensional diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) was used to examine a rotaxanated polymer and its blends with unthreaded macrocycles. The threaded macrocycles exhibit self-diffusion coefficients similar to those of the polymer, while the diffusion coefficients for the unthreaded macrocycles are much larger. For poly[(styrene)-rotaxa-(30-crown-10)], the method provided definitive proof that the 30-crown-10 is threaded; for blends, the method allowed quantitative determination of the threaded-macrocycle fraction. The DOSY technique is particularly useful for those rotaxanated polymers in which weakly interacting macrocycle and polymer offer no other detectable spectroscopic signature. Threading can be proven, and the fraction of threaded macrocycles can be determined.
A careful numerical study of flowfields about external conical corners. I - Symmetric configurations

A numerical study of the flowfield about symmetrical external axial corners formed by the juncture of swept compressive wedges is presented. The geometrical configuration under investigation allows a unified treatment of external corners typical of delta wings and of rectangular inlets. Comparisons are made with other numerical results. For the delta wing configuration, the occurrence of an anomalous shock behavior predicted by Gonor is discussed. A parametric study shows the singular behavior of the pressure at the corner as a function of the external corner angle, and a second parametric study shows the effect of finite corner radius on the location of the crossflow stagnation point. Previous theoretical predictions of certain flow features typical of corner flows agree well with present numerical results.
Life, death, and the risk of transfusion: a university hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: Frequently one encounters donor recruitment statements like “. . . about 90 percent of American adults will need at least one blood transfusion in the course of a lifetime.” To assess the validity of such statements, the lifetime transfusion rate of patients dying in our tertiary-care hospital was determined. It would be expected that patients dying in a tertiary-care, Level 1 trauma center university hospital would have one of the highest transfusion rates. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective review of blood bank and electronic clinical records was conducted for all patients who expired at our institution from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2004. Stillborn infants were excluded from analysis. The rate of transfusion was stratified by age and sex. RESULTS: A total of 906 patients expired in 2004 at our institution. Of these, 35 were excluded (stillborn infants), leaving 871 patients for analysis. After review of blood bank records, 591 patients received blood products (67.9%). An additional 27 patients (3.1%) had a possible transfusion at another institution as the clinical record indicated complex surgical history. Only 253 patients (29.0%) did not have a documented transfusion event. Individuals who died before the age of 31 had the highest rates of transfusion (p < 0.001, Fisher’s exact test, two-sided). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients who expire at our institution have a history of transfusion (67.9%-71.0%). Patients who die before the age of 31 have the highest rate of transfusion.
Two-site exchange revisited: a new method for extracting exchange parameters in biological systems

A new analysis is presented which links real volume fractions, relaxation rates, and intracompartmental exchange rates directly with apparent volume fractions and relaxation rates obtained from biexponential fits of transverse magnetization decay curves. The analysis differs from previous methods in that measurements from two paramagnetic doping levels are used to close the two-site exchange equations. Both the new method and one previously described by Herbst and Goldstein (HG) have been applied to paramagnetically doped whole-blood data sets. Significant differences in the calculated exchange parameters are found between the two methods. A small dependence of the intracellular relaxation rate on extracellular paramagnetic agent concentration, assumed nonexistent with the HG method, is inferred from the new analysis. The analysis was also applied to published data on perfused rat hearts, and we obtained a limited assessment of two-site exchange in this system.
Thin Film Actinometers for Transient Absorption Spectroscopy: Applications to Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The chromophores Ru(bpy)3(PF6)2 and Os(bpy)3(PF6)2 were immobilized within poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films on glass substrates for applications as actinometers for nanosecond flash photolysis. Transient absorption difference spectra of M(bpy)3(PF6)2 (M = Ru, Os), at ambient temperature and in an argon atmosphere, were the same when imbedded in PMMA films as in solution, within experimental error. Linear ranges of ΔA versus 532 nm pulsed laser energy where these actinometers were applicable were identified, up to 25 mJ/(cm2 pulse) for Ru(bpy)32+/PMMA and up to 5 mJ/(cm2 pulse) for Os(bpy)32+/PMMA. Laser energy measurements were used to estimate the difference between the excited- and ground-state extinction coefficients at 450 nm for Os(bpy)32+, Δe450nm, which is −7300 M-1 cm-1. The Ru(bpy)32+/PMMA actinometer was useful from 300 to ∼550 nm, while the Os(bpy)32+/PMMA actinometer extends the sensitivity to ∼700 nm. An application of these actinometers for dye-sensitized solar cells is described,...
Behavior Therapy and the Transdermal Nicotine Patch: Effects on Cessation Outcome, Affect, and Coping.

The process and outcome of a smoking cessation program using behavior therapy alone (BT) or behavior therapy plus the nicotine patch (BTP) was studied in 64 participants. Participants quit smoking on a target date after a period of ad libitum smoking, cognitive-behavior therapy preparing them for cessation, and behavioral rehearsal for high-risk situations, including stress management, and coping with negative affect. Abstinence was significantly higher for the BTP group versus the BT group from the end of behavioral treatment (79% vs. 63%) through the 3-month follow-up (p < .01), with the effects weakening at the 6- (p = .06) and 12-month marks (p = 38% vs. 22%). More general distress was observed among BT versus BTP participants (i.e., increased withdrawal, tension, fatigue, and coping frequency with decreased coping effort; coping-to-urge ratio). The coping behavior of the BTP group may have been more effective than that of the BT group, as indicated by their significantly higher level of self-efficacy.
Interval query indexing for efficient stream processing

A large number of continual range queries can be issued against a data stream. Usually, a main memory-based query index with a small storage cost and a fast search time is needed, especially if the stream is rapid. In this paper, we present a CEI-based query index that meets both criteria for efficient processing of continual interval queries in a streaming environment. This new query index is centered around a set of predefined virtual containment-encoded intervals, or CEIs. The CEIs are used to first decompose query intervals and then perform efficient search operations. The CEIs are defined and labeled such that containment relationships among them are encoded in their IDs. The containment encoding makes decomposition and search operations efficient because integer additions and logical shifts can be used to carry out most of the operations. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the CEI-based query index and to compare it with alternative approaches. The results show that the CEI-based query index significantly outperforms existing approaches in terms of both storage cost and search time.
A least-square fitting algorithm for separating absorption and scattering profiles in spectroscopic optical coherence tomography

We report a new algorithm for spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (SOCT) that is theoretically optimal for extracting the spectral absorption profiles from turbid media when absorbing contrast agents are used. The algorithm is based on least-squares fitting of the extracted total attenuation spectra to the known absorption spectra of the contrast agents, while suppressing the contributions from spectrally dependent scattering attenuation. By this algorithm, the depth resolved contrast agent concentration can be measured even in the presence of high scattering. The accuracy and noise tolerance of the algorithm are analyzed by Monte-Carlo simulation. The algorithm was tested using single and multi-layer tissue phantoms.
Where Have All the Stem Cells Gone

See related articles, pages 398–402 Acute myocardial infarction is the most generally accepted cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Despite rapid restoration of perfusion, postinfarction heart failure remains a major challenge. Considerable experimental and clinical evidence indicates the feasibility of therapeutic implantation of bone marrow–derived cells in reversing abnormal cardiac remodeling with the generation of cardiac myocytes, as well as the stimulation of neovascularization within the infarcted area.1–3 Although therapeutic delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction and heart failure is being explored in clinical trials (see http://www.clinicaltrials.gov for the list of ongoing trials), little is yet known about what determines the fate of stem cells and how they move into and within tissues to provide a regenerative effect. The acute fate of these cells in the microcirculation seems of particular interest, because the small blood vessels are the site of adhesion and migration of circulating cells, including systemically or locally administered stem cells, into the tissues. One would expect that an intimate interaction of stem cells with elements of the microcirculation plays a crucial role in integration and survival of cells, allowing for potential tissue repair. Among the various cell types investigated, bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewing clonal precursors of nonhematopoietic stromal tissues.4,5 MSCs represent a type of adult stem cell that can easily be isolated from various tissues and expanded in vitro.4 Evidence indicates that MSCs give rise to osteoblasts and chondroblasts and that under appropriate conditions, they can also express phenotypic characteristics of endothelial, neural, and smooth muscle cells, as well as skeletal myoblasts and cardiac myocytes.4 The MSCs, with their ease of isolation, high expansion potential and genetic stability, and potential to promote tissue repair, appear to be an appealing source for stem cell therapy, …
The critical elements of patch management

Only a few years ago, the term "patch management" was not in the general vocabulary of even the most advanced information technology staff. Today, "patch management" is not only in the general vernacular of most IT staff, but it is also one of the more essential responsibilities of IT departments. Security threats stemming from the exploitation of vulnerabilities in software products pose an important problem to corporations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, banking, and many other entities. We can decrease the possibility of security threats by systematically applying patches to software products for which vulnerabilities have been identified.The patch management process is important to all aspects of an institution. The success of the patch management process depends on several critical elements, including senior executive support, identification of vulnerabilities, reporting, testing, and more. All of these elements contribute to the success of an organization's patch management process.This paper discusses the results of a survey of IT professionals which sought to determine the importance of these critical elements in the patch management process. The results of the survey provide insight into how organizations view these elements.
A controlled phantom study of a noise equalization algorithm for detecting microcalcifications in digital mammograms

We report on some extensions and further developments of a well-known microcalcification detection algorithm based on adaptive noise equalization. Tissue equivalent phantom images with and without labeled microcalcifications were subjected to this algorithm, and analyses of results revealed some shortcomings in the approach. Particularly, it was observed that the method of estimating the width of distributions in the feature space was based on assumptions which resulted in the loss of similarity preservation characteristics. A modification involving a change of estimator statistic was made, and the modified approach was tested on the same phantom images. Other modifications for improving detectability such as downsampling and use of alternate local contrast filters were also tested. The results indicate that these modifications yield improvements in detectability, while extending the generality of the approach. Extensions to real mammograms and further directions of research are discussed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Elderly Practical Treatment Guidelines

Although Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis were initially described in young adults, it has become increasingly apparent that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects the elderly, with the new onset of disease occurring well into the seventh and eighth decades of life. The diagnosis of IBD in the elderly may be difficult because it can be easily confused with infectious, ischaemic and drug-related processes, as well as with diverticulitis and carcinoma.
Measuring distribution of the ellipsoid of birefringence through the thickness of optical disk substrates.

We have measured the birefringence of polycarbonate optical disk substrates, using ellipsometry. For a more comprehensive characterization, the probe beam was incident upon substrates in a wide range of polar angles and from different azimuths relative to track direction (o). Our measurements show that the ellipsoid of birefringence is tilted in the plane of radial (r) and normal (z) directions. The tilt angle varies through thickness, with a maximum value of approximately 10°. For beams passing through the substrate in the o-z plane and at large incident angles, this tilt causes significant conversion (up to 100%) between p- and s-polarized components. Distributions of other parameters, such as the values of in-plane and vertical birefringence, are obtained simultaneously in the measurements.
Enantioselective synthesis of isoxazolidinyl thymine and cytosine nucleoides

Abstract A diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of isoxazolidinyl nucleosides (4) is described. The required isoxazolidine intermediate (16) was successfully prepared by the dioxolane-derived tautomerization of the corresponding lactol (13) which, in turn, was obtained from the reduction of the Michael adduct of N-methyl hydroxylamine and the unsaturated γ-lactone (5).
Xeroderma Pigmentosum: A Heterogeneous Disease with Pockets of Homogeneity

QUESTIONS 1. Describe the features of the different types of xeroderma pigmentosum. 2. What is a founder effect? 3. What is the proposed hypothesis and rationale for this study? 4. What methods were employed in the study, and what were the results? 5. What were the conclusions and clinical implications? The occurrence of rare genetic diseases at higher than anticipated rates in selected populations may be the result of a common ancestor in such populations. This phenomenon is referred to as the founder effect. One such example is the occurrence of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) in the population in the five-country region of North Africa called the Maghreb. In this population, XP occurs more commonly than in other parts of the world. XP is the prototypical nucleotide excision repair (NER) disorder. Via a multistep reaction, NER ordinarily eliminates DNA-distorting lesions caused by UV-induced photoproducts. The two branches of NER are global genome repair (GGR) and transcription-coupled repair. GGR searches nontranscribed regions of the genome for strand distortions, whereas transcription-coupled repair removes lesions that block RNA polymerase (Hoeijmakers, 2009). Eight subtypes of XP have been described. Specific mutations in one NER protein have been reported for each of the XPA-XPG subtypes, and these subtypes all have defective NER. The eighth type, the XP variant, has normal NER but aberrant translesional synthesis. All patients with XP display photosensitivity of varying degrees. Other cutaneous features of this disease include abnormal pigmentation and frequent skin cancers (Kraemer et al., 1987). Neurologic, growth, and ocular abnormalities vary among the eight subtypes, termed complementation groups. To better characterize this distinct population of patients with XP, Soufir et al. studied Maghrebi patients with XP. Through genetic and molecular analysis of a large cohort of 86 patients, a common XPC mutation was identified. Mathematical modeling was employed to determine the likelihood of a common ancestor. Assuming a 20to 30-year generation time, the original mutation was calculated to have occurred 1,250 years ago; on the basis of these results, a founder effect was proposed. Through the following questions, we examine this paper, as well as the mutations that underlie xeroderma pigmentosum, in greater detail. For brief answers, please refer to the supplementary information online
Redundant binary partial product generators for compact accumulation in Booth multipliers

The use of signed-digit number systems in arithmetic circuits has the advantage of constant time addition. When signed-digit number systems are used in binary, they are referred as redundant binary. Here, we present a new encoding technique for generating redundant binary partial products for a multiplier, without using any additional hardware. We express each normal binary partial product in one's complement form, with an extra bit denoting the sign bit. The proposed redundant binary partial product generator (RBPPG) achieves the highest reduction in the number of partial products (75%) for a radix-4 multiplier. The carry-free nature of redundant binary adders is exploited to add the extra bits with the partial products, without using any extra adder stages. The new partial product generation (PPG) technique is shown to improve the speed of multipliers, with the least number of adder stages, irrespective of the multiplier size.
Inability of avian myeloblastosis virus RNA-directed DNA polymerase to transcribe poly(rU) due to instability of the oligo(dA): Poly(rU) complex

Abstract Avian myeloblastosis virus DNA polymerase is unable to transcribe poly(rU). When the random copolymer, poly(rI,rU), is used as template and oligo(dC)12–18 is used as primer, there is good incorporation of both dCMP and dAMP into product. In contrast, when oligo(dA)12–18 is used as primer, transcription is poor. This demonstrates that the problem with oligo(dA) as primer is in the initiation of DNA synthesis. This result, together with the observation of Martin and Tinoco that (dA:rU) duplexes are very unstable, suggests that it is the instability of the primer: template complex which results in the lack of transcription of poly (rU).
On Krugman's model of economic geography

Abstract This essay evaluates the evolution of Paul Krugman's ideas about economic geography between 1989 and 1996, focusing on the scope and intention of his work. While Krugman's geographical writings have acknowledged diverse research traditions, he has increasingly focused his efforts on formal spatial models that embody the methods of mainstream economic modeling. This emphasis reflects Krugman's view that formal modeling holds the most promise for understanding spatial aspects of urbanization. Krugman's interventions into economic geography have in turn allowed him to develop and articulate his own view of the future of social science: that is, the explanation of self-organizing behaviour should be the focal point of research, and formal modelling is the key means of advancing this agenda.
Effect of ferroelectric polarization on the adsorption and reaction of ethanol on BaTiO3

Abstract The effect of ferroelectric polarization on the adsorption and reaction of ethanol on BaTiO 3 was studied using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Consistent with previous studies for methanol, the reactive sticking coefficient for ethanol on the surfaces of the ferroelectric, tetragonal phase of BaTiO 3 was found to be dependent on the orientation of the ferroelectric domains with a higher sticking coefficient on the c + surface relative to the c − surface. TPD peak shapes and the relative product yields were also found to be polarization dependent suggesting that ferroelectric polarization may affect the intrinsic reactivity of the surface.
Navigating the Competitive Landscape: The Drivers and Consequences of Competitive Aggressiveness

By defining strategy as a sequence of competitive actions carried out over time, I develop and test a dynamic process model of competitive interaction among firms. Results based on a sample of thou...