cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and evaluation of a phantom with structured background for digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis

The presence of anatomical structure in 2D mammograms and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images impacts cancer detection. Previous work has shown that the low frequency range of the power spectrum (PS) of breast structure in mammograms can be characterized by a power law with exponent (β). This work reports our experience with the development of a self-similar phantom that produces a structured background in both 2D mammography and breast tomosynthesis. Theory predicts that this phantom produces a PS with power law exponent related to its fractal dimension. Results of a phantom with acrylic spheres in air and in water respectively, evaluated on a Siemens mammographic system with tomosynthesis option, show power law exponents of 2.90 and 3.18 for 2D, 2.91 and 2.45 for DBT projections and, 2.06 and 1.66 for DBT reconstructions. These values were within the range of the exponents measured in patient data.
Chapter 16 Use of a Rule-Building Expert System for Classifying Particles Based on Sem Analysis

Abstract Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) permits the characterization of size, shape, and composition of individual particles and thus provides a rich source of data to identify the origin of ambient airborne particles. The problem is how to make best use of this information. The general procedure has been to assign each particle to a class of similar particles based on its x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The initial efforts developed the class characteristics and classification rules in an empirical fashion. Recent studies have suggested that greater specificity and precision in the subsequent class balance analysis can be obtained if particle classes are more homogeneous. To obtain the classification of large numbers of particles in an efficient manner, the x-ray intensity data have been subjected to an agglomcrative hierarchical cluster analysis. The resulting groups of samples are then used as candidate examples for a rule-building expert system that provides a decision tree that can be used for subsequent particle classification. An error analysis approach based on jackknifing has also been developed. The use of this approach to characterize particle source emissions from a large coal-fired electric generating stations was employed. It was found that the samples collected in the stack using a dilution sampler could be distinguished from the particles collected in the plume emitted by the plant. It was also found that the plume could be readily distinguished from the particles in the ambient air upwind of the plant.
Machine Learning for Applied Weather Prediction

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has a long history of applying machine learning to weather forecasting challenges. The Dynamic Integrated foreCasting (DICast®) System was one of the first automated weather forecasting engines. It is now in use in quite a few companies with many applications. Some applications being accomplished at NCAR that include DICast and other artificial intelligence technologies include renewable energy, surface transportation, and wildland fire forecasting.
Acute Stress Fracture of the Pelvis after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

Introduction Acute hip pain following total hip arthroplasty (THA) could have numerous causes to include stress fracture of the pelvis. Stress fractures of the pelvis are rare and have been reported to involve the medial wall and the pubic ramus. A unique case is presented demonstrating the clinical presentation and management of an acute stress fracture of ilium and anterior column following a THA. Case report A 72-year-old man underwent an uncomplicated right THA. He was noted to have femoral head resorption and thin osteoporotic bone intraoperatively. He initially did well postoperatively and ambulating without pain or assistive devices. Within 1 month of surgery, he returned with acute right hip pain without any traumatic event. Radiographs showed migration of the acetabular component and computed tomography scan confirmed a fracture through the ilium. The patient underwent revision surgery, where the fracture was reduced and internal fixation was achieved with a reconstruction plate and acetabular cage construct. At 9 months postoperatively, the patient remained pain-free with full weight bearing and with stable radiographs. Conclusion Elderly patients who undergo THA may have low bone mineral density. These patients can develop stress fractures in their pelvis after surgery. These fractures may involve the medial wall, posterior column, or posterior wall. In patients who develop atraumatic pain postoperatively, it is important to consider for potential stress fractures of the ilium and evaluate appropriately with imaging. In these cases, revision surgery can be necessary to provide fixation of the stress fracture.
Neurofeedback for Pediatric Emotional Dysregulation

Abstract Emotional regulation (ER) is an adaptive skill that develops through the lifetime. Successful development of ER skills predicts achievement and success throughout the lifetime, while maladaptive ER behaviors correlate with many mental health challenges. A consistent picture describing the underlying neurobiology of ER has emerged, pointing to the importance of limbic-frontal connectivity in the brain. The neural development correlates tightly with the emergence of regulation skill. Further, ER is learnable. NF is the deliberate modulation of brain activity to produce therapeutic change. Given the developing understanding of ER, NF has emerged as a potential tool for building ER skills, especially NF methods that can provide high spatial resolution in deep cortical structures. The evidence supporting the efficacy of NF for ER is still emerging. However, a consistent body of literature points to the plasticity of the brain, and the ability to maintain changes induced by NF even after the feedback is withdrawn. Future work will expand current findings by demonstrating effects on symptoms and functioning, improving methodology, and working with younger children, where symptoms related to ER tend to emerge.
Experimental study of a hydrophobic solvent for natural gas sweetening based on the solubility and selectivity for light hydrocarbons (CH4, C2H6) and acid gases (CO2 and H2S) at 298–353 K

Henry’s constants of H2S, CO2, CH4, and C2H6 in a hydrophobic solvent (HPS) consisting of 2-fluorophenethylamine (2-FPEA)/4-methoxy phenol (MePhOH)/a mixture of polyethylene glycol dibutyl ether (G...
Mucosal Vaccines for Allergy and Tolerance

Abstract Allergies are an increasingly common problem, and treatment options are sparse. Food allergies, in particular, are of growing concern, with no effective treatments currently available. Various approaches to improve current methods of immunotherapy as well as novel methods to vaccinate against allergic sensitization are under investigation. Here, we provide a brief overview of the immunology of allergic reactions and tolerance induction. We then examine methods to create hypoallergenic derivatives of allergens to increase therapeutic safety and explore current efforts to improve vaccine efficacy. Finally, we touch on the role of the microbiota and emerging approaches to develop microbiome-modulating therapeutics to combat allergies, especially those against food.
Human leukocyte antigen expression in paired primary lung lesions and brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer.

43Background: Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are crucial for cytotoxic T cell responses to cancer. Loss of HLA expression is a mechanism of tumor immune escape and may contribute to resistance to i...
Role of the One-Carbon Cycle in Neuropsychiatry

This paper reviews the work available to date suggesting that elements of the one-carbon cycle may be involved in psychiatric illnesses. Two enzymes of the one-carbon cycle (in erythrocytes) – methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) – have been reported by our group to be underactive in schizophrenia and depression and overactive in mania. This correlates with the reported anti-depressant effects of S-adenosylmethionine in humans. SHMT has also been found by another group to be underactive in serum of schizophrenics. This defect appears to be linked to abnormalities in the distribution of phospholipids in the membrane, with a relative deficiency of phosphatidylcholine and a relative excess of phosphatidylserine. Evidence showing that medications do not appear to be responsible for these findings will be presented. A review is then made of the role of transmethylation systems for lipids and proteins in cellular control systems. Lipid transmethylation is related in many systems to receptor-final messenger coupling and so to information transfer across the membrane. Protein methylation is involved in many cellular systems including chemotaxis in bacteria and leucocytes, neurotransmitter release, sperm motility and calmodulin function.
Kids grow up so fast: national patterns of positive drug/alcohol screens among pediatric trauma patients.

Background National guidelines recommend screening all trauma patients for drug and alcohol use beginning at age 12, but no national data have examined rates of screening or positive results in this population. Methods We examined national testing rates and results among all trauma patients under 21 years old in the 2017 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs (TQP) database. Results Of a cohort of n = 157,450 pediatric and adolescent trauma patients, n = 45,443 (28.9%) were screened, and n = 16,662 (36.7%) of those had a positive result. While both testing and positive results increased with age, testing rates were only 61.7% by age 20 and the prevalence of positive results was significant even at younger ages. Cannabinoids were the most commonly detected substance, followed by alcohol, and then opioids. Conclusions These national data support the need for further efforts to increase screening rates and provide structured interventions to mitigate the consequences of substance abuse. Impact These data provide the first national evidence of underutilization of drug and alcohol screening in pediatric and adolescent trauma patients, with substantial rates of positive screens among those tested. Cannabinoids were the most commonly detected substance, followed by alcohol and then opioids. These data should guide physicians' and policymakers' efforts to improve screening in this high-risk population, which will amplify the potential benefits of using the trauma admission as a critical opportunity to intervene with structured programs to mitigate the consequences of substance abuse.
Functionalization of Benzotriazole-Based Conjugated Polymers for Solar Cells: Heteroatom vs Substituents

With the recent remarkable advances in the efficiency of organic solar cells, the need to distill key structure–property relationships for semiconducting materials cannot be understated. The fundam...
A Conceptual Framework for Post-postmodern Garment Design

Using post-postmodern theories of altermodernism and performatism, a framework for creating a garment that transcends cultural codes and discards traditional categories such as sex and gender is developed. A jacket design using this framework is created.
Creating Opportunity Through a Fairer Tax System: The Case for Taxing Extreme Wealth Holdings and

This written testimony is primarily devoted to discussing the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act of 2021 and the broader case for levying a federal tax on extreme wealth holdings. As is well known, both wealth and income inequality have exploded over recent decades, with the gains from economic growth disproportionately going to the richest Americans. Meanwhile, as this testimony will explain, our tax system is broken as applied to the ultra-wealthy, with many harmful consequences. A new federal tax on extreme wealth holdings, like the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act, should be a central component of reforms for fixing this disgraceful state of affairs. Secondarily, this written testimony provides support for both the Real Corporate Profits Tax Act of 2021 and proposals for improving IRS funding and for making it and other tax enforcement funding less dependent on the annual appropriations process. All of these proposals go together as reforms for raising revenues needed for public investment while helping to fix some of the ways in which our tax system is currently broken and easily exploited by tax gaming by ultra-wealthy individuals and families and by large corporations. This written testimony was drafted for the United States Senate Subcommittee Hearing on "Creating Opportunity Through a Fairer Tax System" on April 27, 2021, The video of the hearing is available here: https://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/creating-opportunity-through-a-fairer-tax-system
Resiliency in Young Adulthood and Associations among Retrospective Peer Victimization and Internalizing Problems

The social-ecological diathesis-stress model and related empirical work suggests that individuals who experienced peer victimization in childhood are at risk of revictimization and internalizing problems in young adulthood. The current study examined the association between retrospective and current reports of traditional and cyber victimization and internalizing problems, and the buffering effect of resiliency among 1141 young adults. Results indicated that retrospective traditional victimization was positively associated with current traditional and cyber victimization. Retrospective cyber victimization, however, was positively associated with current cyber victimization only. Retrospective traditional and cyber victimization were positively associated with internalizing problems while controlling for current victimization for both males and females. Resiliency buffered the positive association between retrospective cyber victimization, but not traditional victimization, and current internalizing problems. Findings suggest that retrospective accounts of peer victimization may have a lasting impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety for young adults, regardless of current victimization experiences. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the associations among revictimization and mental health, and potential buffering mechanisms, among young adults.
Water and Oil Repellency of Methacrylate-based Copolymer with Fluoroalkyl Group Side Chain

In the present paper, we report the mechanism of water and oil repellency (both static and dynamic) of methacrylate-based polymers with fluoroalkyl group side chains. Surface rearrangement has the ...
Nested Pseudoskeleton Approximation Algorithm for Generating H 2 -Representation of Electrically Large Surface Integral Operators

In this paper, we develop a fast nested pseudoskeleton approximation algorithm to generate a low-rank $\mathcal{H}^{2}$ -matrix to represent electrically large surface integral equations (SIEs). The algorithm only uses $O (N\log N)$ entries of the original dense SIE matrix of size $N$ to generate the $\mathcal{H}^{2}$ -representation. It also provides a closed-form expression of the cluster bases and coupling matrices using original matrix entries. The resultant $\mathcal{H}^{2}$ -matrix is then directly solved for electrically large scattering analysis. Numerical experiments have demonstrated the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
A design and statistical perspective on microarray gene expression studies in nutrition: the need for playful creativity and scientific hard-mindedness.

Abstract Objectives Our purpose is to highlight some of the past and potential future uses of microarray in nutrition research, while also commenting on some aspects of the design conduct and analysis of microarray data that will leave to improved data quality. Methods In this review article we outline some of the aspects of microarray experimentation that must be considered before and during these experiments. These topics include: identification of the experiment’s objective (hypothesis), the experimental design, sample size, statistical analysis, data verification, data handling, and experimental interpretation. Results In order to illustrate the principles we outline in this article we use the methods to layout the design of a microarray experiment to study one aspect of the observation that a diet high in soy is associated with lower rates of breast cancer. Conclusions Microarrays are a very powerful tool for studying virtually every nutrition-related disease and trait and can provide valuable insights that are not obtainable with other techniques. However, unless nutrition researchers conduct their studies with scientific hard-mindedness, the studies will be of lower power at least if not completely misleading.
GENE COMPLEMENTATION IN THE T-LYMPHOCYTE PROLIFERATION ASSAY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE SITES OF EXPRESSION OF THE TWO GENE PRODUCTS

The antibody responses to GLφ 1 and (T,G)-A--L 1 have been shown to be under the control of two major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked immune response (Ir) genes. In this paper we show that the T-lymphocyte proliferative responses to both of these polypeptides are also controlled by two MHC-linked Ir genes. In addition, the sites of expression of the two Ir-GLφ gene products were examined in two ways: first, through the use of subregion specific anti-Ia antisera to inhibit T-lymphocyte proliferation to GLφ, and second, through an analysis of the GLφ proliferative response of radiation chimeras, made by lethally irradiating GLφ responder F 1 mice and reconstituting them with a mixture of both types of nonresponder parental bone marrow cells. Anti-Ia antisera directed against gene products of either of the two subregions completely inhibited the proliferative response to GLφ, and the F 1 radiation chimeras failed to respond to GLφ. These results suggest that both Ir-GLφ gene products are expressed on the surface of the cells involved in the T-lymphocyte proliferative response, and that at least one of these cells must express both gene products.
The Specific Nonenzymatic Cleavage of Bovine Ribonuclease with Hydroxylamine

Abstract Treatment of reduced carboxymethylated bovine pancreatic ribonuclease with 2 m hydroxylamine, pH 9.0, resulted in specific cleavage at the Asn-Gly bond (Residues 67 to 68). Cleavage also occurred to a minor extent at the Asn-Leu bond (Residues 34 to 35). It is proposed that cyclization of asparaginyl side chains, particularly in sequences in which asparagine is followed by glycine, leads to the formation of intrachain cyclic imides which are susceptible to nucleophilic attack by hydroxylamine. In certain instances such relatively specific nonenzymatic cleavage may be utilized as a method for the limited reproducible degradation of proteins. These studies, in conjunction with similar studies of collagen, show conclusively that the existence of hydroxylamine-sensitive bonds does not indicate the presence of ester or other non-peptide bonds in proteins.
Pion-proton bremsstrahlung

We describe a method for applying the soft-photon theorem to bremsstrahlung and present a detailed derivation of the formulae for\(\pi ^ \pm p\) bremsstrahlung. Our consistent treatment of the expansion of the bremsstrahlung cross-section aroundk=0 results in excellent fits to the experimental data. The data are consistent with small off-shell effects and no radiation from the Δ(1236) resonance.
Association of inorganic pyrophosphatase activity with normal calcification of rat costal cartilage in vivo

Abstract 1. Dialysed extracts of rat costal cartilage were shown to possess an enzyme that hydrolyses inorganic pyrophosphate. 2. Inorganic pyrophosphatase activity assayed in the presence of 2mm substrate was maximal at pH6·8. 3. Mg2+ was essential for activity, which was greatest with 10mm or higher concentrations of Mg2+. 4. Extracts prepared from cartilage taken from suckling rats (<20g.) showed little or no hydrolytic activity, but as rat weight increased inorganic pyrophosphatase activity was detected, increased to a maximum in tissue from animals weighing about 40g., and then rapidly declined. 5. The increase in inorganic pyrophosphatase activity was associated with an increase in the uptake of 45Ca by the cartilage in vivo. 6. Accumulation of calcium, inorganic phosphate and magnesium occurred when inorganic pyrophosphatase activity was at its maximum. 7. Alkaline phosphatase activity, measured in the same extracts used to determine pyrophosphatase activity, was highest in the tissues of the animals weighing <20g., and decreased as inorganic pyrophosphatase activity increased to its maximum. 8. There was no direct relationship between alkaline phosphatase activity and the onset of calcification.
Structure and Governance in Industrial Districts: Implications for Competitive Advantage

The existing research on industrial districts is fragmented, and yields conflicting advice for managers about the benefits and costs of locating in an industrial district. We resolve much of this ambiguity by synthesizing and integrating the existing research, and developing a typology of districts based on the continuous dimensions of need for coordination and centralization of control. In so doing, we elucidate why different types of industrial districts have different structures, and different competitive implications. We introduce four archetypes of industrial districts (based on extreme values of our two dimensions), and for each we discuss the benefits and costs of locating in the district, the sources of competitive advantage for members of the district vis-a-vis non-members, and the sources of competitive advantage a district firm may gain over other members of the same district.
Prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure: it's the way they breathe that matters

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is a gold-standard element of evaluation of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), a disease of exercise. The initial rationale for cardiologists was that peak oxygen uptake (peakVO2) served as a surrogate of cardiac output. The breakthrough of CPX, however, came when Mancini's group showed that the prognostic importance of a peakVO2 threshold of 14 mL/kg/min eclipsed that of all other major clinical or functional variables (including left ventricular EF) in their cohort.1 In the ensuing years its dominance has been gnawed away, first by the increasingly disappointing rate of replication in other studies,2 and second by the emergence of alternative markers from the same test3 that focus on efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange. In the current issue of this journal Ingle et al 4 report on the predictive power of CPX data on all-cause mortality in patients with mild to moderate chronic heart failure. For individual variables they found optimal cut points located where the statistical analyses would suggest.2 They went on to develop a composite risk score for individual risk stratification. While there are already many risk scores for patients with CHF, Ingle et al include novel CPX variables like the nadir of the ventilation/carbon dioxide production ratio on exercise (VE/VCO2-nadir), the presence of exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) and circulatory power.5 ,6 The authors …
Glamor: an architecture for file system federation

We present the design and implementation of Glamor, a framework for building a wide-area federated file system. Glamor enables distributed file access across enterprise-wide or Internet-scale networks where users can seamlessly navigate through data across a set of heterogeneous, loosely coupled file servers. Glamor can be viewed as an architecture for file system virtualization. From the user's point of view, the file system boundaries defined by the physical file servers are indistinct," instead, users are presented with a unified file-based view of all the file storage within an enterprise. This simplifies management and enables better resource utilization and scalability. Glamor also supports user data, to be replicated among different participating file servers, and redirects users to the closest location of the data. Thus, Glamor provides a common unified namespace and managed data replication. It does this by relying completely on standard file system clients and file access protocols.
Medication refusal by involuntary psychiatric patients: Legal and clinical issues

Abstract Recent court decisions have recognized a constitutional right for involuntary psychiatric patients to refuse antipsychotic medications. A review of the literature suggests that refusal by involuntary patients is often a product of mental disorder, and that a significant percentage of psychiatric inpatients meet legal criteria for incompetency. The recognition of a right to refuse medication will not in reality enhance the legal status of the institutionalized mentally ill, nor will it address the underlying problem in medication refusal. The sources of this problem are civil commitment laws that fail to address the issue of a patient's competence to consent to treatment and competency statutes that are too vague or broad to be applied effectively. Statutory changes as well as financial support for increased use of guardianship proceedings will be necessary to resolve the problem of medication refusal in a way that will truly protect the rights of the mentally ill.
Bounded Monte Carlo integration using Java

A Monte Carlo method using Java is proposed to solve bounded integrals. This method is efficient and solves simple to complex bounded integrals within seconds. It is especially powerful for the multidimensional integrals. Its accuracy depends on the number of trial integrations completed. The Monte Carlo method only needs a random number generator to be used in Java.
Population prediction and viability model for pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus, Forbes and Richardson, ) in the lower Missouri River

Summary Long-term population trends of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus in the lower Missouri River were evaluated via a discrete and stochastic age-structure population viability model. The intent of this model was to (i) estimate the local pallid sturgeon population size, (ii) quantify the contribution of hatchery-reared fish to the overall population, (iii) predict the level of natural production needed to create a self-sustaining population, and (iv) determine the parameters that produce the largest model sensitivity. The model estimated that the wild, adult population size was approximately 6000 fish that remained in the lower Missouri River in 2012 compared to approximately 42 000 hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon. Under the assumption of no natural recruitment, the population size will continue to decline at approximately 8% annually, with an annual egg to age-1 survival rate of 0.00011 predicted to maintain a stable population. The model was most sensitive to survival rates of fish ≥ age-1 and less sensitive to age-0 survival rates and fecundity. Decreasing or increasing the female spawning interval by 1 year had minimal effect on the overall population trajectory. Recovery management planning for a species such as pallid sturgeon, which is slow-growing, late-maturing, and has intermittent spawning would require several years to access recovery potential and management decisions. Barring any unforeseen natural catastrophe, the pallid sturgeon population in the lower Missouri River is not in immediate danger of local extirpation; however, the population appears to be far from viable and self-sustaining.
Reaction of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate with Escherichia coli CoA transferase: evidence for an essential lysine residue.

Abstract The acetyl-CoA:acetoacetate CoA-transferase of Escherichia coli was reversibly inactivated by pyridoxal 5′-phosphate. The residual activity of the enzyme was dependent on the concentration of the modifying reagent to a concentration of 5 m m . The maximum level of inactivation was 89%. Kinetic and equilibrium analyses of inactivation were consistent with a two-step process (Chen and Engel, 1975, Biochem. J. 149 , 619) in which the extent of inactivation was limited by the ratio of first-order rate constants for the reversible formation of an inactive Schiff base of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and the enzyme from a noncovalent, dissociable complex of the enzyme and modifier. The calculated minimum residual activity was in close agreement with the experimentally determined value. The conclusion that the loss of catalytic activity resulted from modification of a lysine residue at the active site was based on the following data, (a) After incubation with 5 m m pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, 3.95 mol of the reagent was incorporated per mole of free enzyme with 89% loss of activity, while 2.75 mol of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate was incorporated into the enzyme-CoA intermediate with a loss of 10% of catalytic activity; the intermediate was formed in the presence of acetoacetyl-CoA; (b) acid hydrolysis of the modified, reduced enzyme-CoA intermediate yielded a single fluorescent compound that was identified as N 6 -pyridoxyllysine by chromatography in two solvent systems; (c) the enzyme was also protected from inactivation by saturating concentrations of free CoA and ADP but not by adenosine. The results suggested that a lysine residue is involved in the electrostatic binding of the pyrophosphate group of CoA. Carboxylic acid substrate did not protect the enzyme from inactivation.
Molecular Evolution of the Transmembrane Domains of G Protein-Coupled Receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a superfamily of integral membrane proteins vital for signaling and are important targets for pharmaceutical intervention in humans. Previously, we identified a group of ten amino acid positions (called key positions), within the seven transmembrane domain (7TM) interhelical region, which had high mutual information with each other and many other positions in the 7TM. Here, we estimated the evolutionary selection pressure at those key positions. We found that the key positions of receptors for small molecule natural ligands were under strong negative selection. Receptors naturally activated by lipids had weaker negative selection in general when compared to small molecule-activated receptors. Selection pressure varied widely in peptide-activated receptors. We used this observation to predict that a subgroup of orphan GPCRs not under strong selection may not possess a natural small-molecule ligand. In the subgroup of MRGX1-type GPCRs, we identified a key position, along with two non-key positions, under statistically significant positive selection.
Chemical factor analysis of skin cancer FTIR-FEW spectroscopic data

Chemical Factor Analysis (CFA) algorithms were applied to transform complex Fourier transform infrared fiberoptical evanescent wave (FTIR-FEW) normal and malignant skin tissue spectra into factor spaces for analysis and classification. The factor space approach classified melanoma beyond prior pathological classifications related to specific biochemical alterations to health states in cluster diagrams allowing diagnosis with more biochemical specificity, resolving biochemical component spectra and employing health state eigenvector angular configurations as disease state sensors. This study demonstrated a wealth of new information from in vivo FTIR-FEW spectral tissue data, without extensive a priori information or clinically invasive procedures. In particular, we employed a variety of methods used in CFA to select the rank of spectroscopic data sets of normal benign and cancerous skin tissue. We used the Malinowski indicator function (IND), significance level and F-Tests to rank our data matrices. Normal skin tissue, melanoma and benign tumors were modeled by four, two and seven principal abstract factors, respectively. We also showed that the spectrum of the first eigenvalue was equivalent to the mean spectrum. The graphical depiction of angular disparities between the first abstract factors can be adopted as a new way to characterize and diagnose melanoma cancer.
Time and distance dependence of reversible polymer bridging followed by single-molecule force spectroscopy.

Polymer bridging between surfaces plays an important role in a range of fundamental processes in the material and life sciences. Bridges formed by main-chain reversible polymers differ from their covalent analogs in that they can dynamically adjust their size and shape in response to external stimuli and have the potential to reform following bond scission. In this work, the time and distance dependence of main-chain reversible polymer bridge formation are studied using an atomic force microscope. The bridging process was studied using single-molecule force spectroscopy, and its dependence on the distance between surfaces and equilibration time was probed. The number of bridges formed decreases as the gap width increases, from ∼2 bridges per 14 s equilibration at separations of 5−15 nm to ∼0.5 bridges per 14 s equilibration at separations of 35−45 nm. The kinetics of bridge formation appear to be slightly faster at smaller separations.
The Salience of Racial and Ethnic Identification in Friendship Choices Among Hispanic Adolescents

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample of youth in 7th to 12th grades, this study examines how racial and ethnic identification ove...
Symptom Perception in Pediatric Asthma: Resistive Loading and In Vivo Assessment Compared

Background Inaccurate symptom perception contributes to asthma morbidity and mortality in children and adults. Various methods have been used to quantify perceptual accuracy, including psychophysical (resistive loading) approaches, ratings of dyspnea during induced bronchoconstriction, and in vivo monitoring, but it is unclear whether the different methods identify the same individuals as good or poor perceivers. The objectives of the study were as follows: (1) to compare in the same asthmatic children two methods of quantifying perceptual ability: threshold detection of added resistive loads and in vivo symptom perception; and (2) to determine which method best predicts asthma morbidity. Methods Seventy-eight asthmatic children 7 to 16 years of age completed two threshold detection protocols in the laboratory and recorded their subjective estimates of lung function prior to spirometry at home twice daily for 5 to 6 weeks. Summary measures from both methods were compared to each other and to asthma morbidity (as measured with the Rosier asthma functional severity scale). Results Symptom perception ability, as summarized by either method, varied greatly from child to child. Neither of the resistive load detection thresholds were significantly related to any of the three in vivo perception scores, nor were they related to asthma morbidity. The three in vivo scores did show a significant or marginal relationship with morbidity (p Conclusions Resistive loading techniques may not be useful in assessing symptom perception ability in children. Measuring estimates of symptoms in relation to naturally occurring asthma can identify children at risk for greater asthma morbidity.
Field mapping and digital elevation modelling of submerged and unsubmerged hydraulic jump regions in a bedrock step-pool channel

High-resolution tacheometric field surveying was integrated with computer-assisted drafting to visualize and contrast three-dimensional bed and water surface digital elevation models (DEMs) for submerged and unsubmerged hydraulic jump regions in a bedrock step–pool channel. Measurements were conducted for two discharge conditions. Since previous applica-tions of three-dimensional field mapping and digital elevation modelling of stream channels have been limited to smoothly contiguous gravel-bedded systems, surveying was optimized by topographic setting and scaled to localized bed and water surface discontinuities. Traces and visualizations of the jump regions indicated that dichotomous decimetre shifts in water surface topography occurred for both jump regions from lower to higher discharges. Systematic removal of the survey points and DEM differencing indicated that point densities of ten points per square metre, in conjunction with a survey structure targeting grade breaks of 0·3–0·5 m, were required to capture decimetre form variations of the natural jump regions. The DEMs highlight the importance of recognizing the relationship between transcritical flow structures and localized topographic heterogeneities in bedrock channels. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Childhood Onset of Behavioral Problems and Violent Victimization Among Serious Juvenile Offenders A Longitudinal Study

There is a growing literature suggesting that childhood-onset behavioral problems have negative long-term effects on multiple life domains, including poor physical and mental health, substance use, interpersonal conflict, and domestic violence. The current study extends this line of research by assessing the association between childhood-onset behavioral problems and later violent victimization. Using a sample of serious juvenile offenders, the study shows that individuals with childhood-onset behavioral problems are at an elevated risk of encountering violent victimization during adolescence and early adulthood. RESULTS suggest that childhood-onset does not directly lead to later victimization; instead, a mediating process that involves children's continuing involvement in delinquency/criminal activities and association with deviant peers ultimately put these youth into high-risk situations. Language: en
Casein kinase 2 binds to and phosphorylates BRCA1.

Abstract The BRCA1 gene encodes a complex protein that appears to be involved in some aspects of DNA repair, transcription, or cell cycle regulation. The phosphorylation of BRCA1 is enhanced following episodes of DNA damage or during cell cycle progression, indicating that phosphorylation may be an important regulatory mechanism. Through a yeast two hybrid assay, we found that the β-subunit of casein kinase 2 (CK2) associated with a carboxy-terminal region of BRCA1. This association was much weaker with the same fragment bearing a missense mutation (M1775R) that has been identified in breast tumors. The interaction was also evident in Sf9 cells. Subsequent studies showed that BRCA1 was phosphorylated in vitro by CK2. An analysis by site directed mutagenesis of BRCA1 showed that in vitro phosphorylation by CK2 required a serine at aa1572. These data implicate CK2 as a potential mediator of BRCA1 activity.
Co-Morbid Alcohol/Other Drug Abuse/Dependence and Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescent American Indian and Alaska Natives

Abstract Adolescent American Indians and Alaska Natives are a diverse and heterogeneous population with significant social, psychological, and substance use risk factors. This paper reviews the adolescent research to date that has examined the overlap between alcohol/other drug abuse/dependence, mental disorders, and psychiatric symptoms. In the few studies that have been completed there has been significant overlap. No national studies have been done, but there are scattered local and tribal reports. Of the studies that were surveyed, many of them report a significant co-morbidity of alcohol/other drug abuse/dependence with affective and disruptive disorders (ADHD, conduct, oppositional defiant).
Structural and functional changes in mouse fibroblast cells treated with 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone (dichlone)☆

Abstract When strain L mouse fibroblasts were treated with the substituted quinone pesticide dichlone (2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone), a rapid loss of intracellular potassium, ATP, and protein with a concomitant increase in intracellular water and volume occurred. Electron microscopic examination showed a nonreversible swelling of the cells associated with the formation of large protruding blebs. The findings indicate that dichlone can alter the permeability of the cell membrane which may be one of the sites of action of the pesticide in the fibroblast cells. Menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), a synthetic vitamin K, also a substituted quinone, was found to be less effective in short-term incubation at corresponding concentrations, althought it did produce loss of K + ions and protein from the cell. The action of dichlone was compared with that of model compounds which are known to act on plasma membranes ( p -chloromercuribenzene sulfonate—PCMBS) and those which interfere with intracellular energy metabolism (combination of antimycin A plus iodoacetate). From the results reported in this paper it appears that dichlone acts in most respects, like PCMBS, by a direct interaction with membrane components, but unlike PCMBS, dichlone enters the cell rapidly and stimulates oxygen uptake probably by constituting a bypass of electron transfer.
Parallel tracking of cAMP and PKA signaling dynamics in living cells with FRET-based fluorescent biosensors.

Proper regulation of cellular functions relies upon a network of intricately interwoven signaling cascades in which multiple components must be tightly coordinated both spatially and temporally. To better understand how this network operates within the cellular environment, it is important to define the parameters of various signaling activities and to reveal the characteristic activity structure of the signaling cascades. This task calls for molecular tools capable of parallelly tracking multiple activities in cellular time and space with high sensitivity and specificity. Here, we present new biosensors developed based on two conveniently co-imageable FRET pairs consisting of CFP–RFP and YFP–RFP, specifically Cerulean-mCherry and mVenus-mCherry, for parallel monitoring of PKA activity and cAMP dynamics in living cells. These biosensors provide orthogonal readouts in co-imaging experiments and display a comparable dynamic range to their cyan–yellow counterparts. Characterization of signaling responses induced by a panel of pathway activators using this co-imaging approach reveals distinct activity and kinetic patterns of cAMP and PKA dynamics arising from differential signal activation and processing. This technique is therefore useful for parallel monitoring of multiple signaling dynamics in single living cells and represents a promising approach towards a more precise characterization of the activity structure of the dynamic cellular signaling network.
Estimation of Sample Size

In life testing observations, x 1, x 2, … x i , … x r are often recorded in time until only a fixed number r are obtained. The total number n of individuals in the sample may be unknown. Methods for estimating n are proposed for the situation where the x i are continuous variates, the sampling random, and the probability density function f(x) known.
Hydrogen attack in a low Si0.10C214Cr1Mo14VTiB steel

Abstract Two 2 1 4 Cr-1Mo steels, one with the addition of vanadium and titanium, were exposed to high pressure hydrogen at 600°C. A comparison of the observed cavity number densities in these two steels suggests that minor alloy conditions can improve the resistance to hydrogen attack in 2 1 4 Cr-1Mo steels.
Sodium Chloride Affects Helicobacter pylori Growth and Gene Expression

Epidemiological evidence links high-salt diets and Helicobacter pylori infection with increased risk of developing gastric maladies. The mechanism by which elevated sodium chloride content causes these manifestations is unclear. Here we characterize the response of H. pylori to temporal changes in sodium chloride concentration and show that growth, cell morphology, survival, and virulence factor expression are all altered by increased salt concentration.
An educational perspective on database management systems and object-oriented methodology: a 12 year journey

Relational database management systems are an essential component of many data intensive applications. At USC, a course entitled "File and Database Management" introduces students to fundamental concepts in relational databases. Students are introduced to conceptual, logical and physical organization of data, use of both formal and commercial query languages, e.g., SQL, indexing techniques for efficient retrieval of data, the concept of a transaction, concurrency control and crash recovery techniques. This paper summarizes our experiences with this course and the challenges of educating students on use of object-oriented concepts and their mapping to tables.
Functional and structural characterization of a eurytolerant calsequestrin from the intertidal teleost Fundulus heteroclitus.

Calsequestrins (CSQ) are high capacity, medium affinity, calcium-binding proteins present in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cardiac and skeletal muscles. CSQ sequesters Ca2+ during muscle relaxation and increases the Ca2+-storage capacity of the SR. Mammalian CSQ has been well studied as a model of human disease, but little is known about the environmental adaptation of CSQ isoforms from poikilothermic organisms. The mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, is an intertidal fish that experiences significant daily and seasonal environmental fluctuations and is an interesting study system for investigations of adaptation at the protein level. We determined the full-length coding sequence of a CSQ isoform from skeletal muscle of F. heteroclitus (FCSQ) and characterized the function and structure of this CSQ. The dissociation constant (Kd) of FCSQ is relatively insensitive to changes in temperature and pH, thus indicating that FCSQ is a eurytolerant protein. We identified and characterized a highly conserved salt bridge network in FCSQ that stabilizes the formation of front-to-front dimers, a process critical to CSQ function. The functional profile of FCSQ correlates with the natural history of F. heteroclitus suggesting that the eurytolerant function of FCSQ may be adaptive.
Boys' and girls' responses to stress: affect and heart rate during a speech task.

Abstract Purpose: To examine gender differences in heart rate and reports of negative and positive affect among adolescents during a speech task. Methods: Subjects were 133 adolescents, 73 girls and 60 boys, ages 14–18 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to speak for 10 minutes and asked either to free associate or to describe the most stressful event in their lives. Their heart rate was assessed at baseline and at 5 and 10 minutes after the task began. Self-ratings of negative and positive affect were assessed at baseline and at 10 minutes after the beginning of the task. Data were analyzed by Student's t -tests for independent samples, analyses of covariance, and Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients. Results: Girls rated their negative affect significantly higher at baseline in comparison to boys. In addition, girls had a higher baseline heart rate. However, boys' increase in heart rate 5 minutes into the speech task was significantly greater than that of girls. Also, the free association task elicited significantly greater increases in heart rate compared to a task in which the adolescent described his or her most stressful life event. However, the stressful event task elicited greater negative and less positive affect. Significant relationships between change in heart rate and ratings of post-task affect were found among girls but not among boys, suggesting that the girls' ratings of their affect are more congruent with their physiological reactions to a stressful speech task. Conclusions: These results suggest that gender and task differences must be considered in assessing adolescents' stress.