cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A cost savings approach to SPRED1 mutational analysis in individuals at risk for neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a clinically diagnosed autosomal dominant disorder requiring routine clinical management, particularly during the pediatric years. An overlapping disorder, Legius syndrome, at times is clinically indistinguishable from NF1 and results in a small percentage of individuals being mischaracterized. Distinguishing these two entities is increasingly important for prognosis, reproductive planning, and clinical management. The goal of our study was to evaluate the cost impact of genetic testing for patients with solely pigmentary findings. The costs of genetic testing in patients aged 1.5-18 years were modeled using a simulated population, assuming the clinical management approach of a single NF1 clinic. Two genetic testing algorithms (SPRED1 testing alone, and NF1 mutation analysis with reflex to SPRED1) were compared against a baseline of no genetic testing. The cost for SPRED1 mutation analysis for each individual meeting NF1 diagnostic criteria without neoplastic or boney manifestation, when compared to the no-testing approach with routine follow-up mutations between the ages of 10 and 14 years, was minimal (range of $4-$16). Based on the clinical practice of one NF1 clinic, we found that the cost difference to perform SPRED1 mutation analysis on individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for NF1 without neoplastic or boney manifestation were minimal. Therefore it is important that "when to test decisions" remain a physician/patient discussion, as individual benefits may be greatest at a different age than when it is most cost efficient.
Cell locomotion, nerve elongation, and microfilaments.

Abstract A basic difference in locomotion between migratory cells and nerves correlates with a difference in distribution of certain microfilament systems. Lattice filaments are present where extension and movement of cell surface occur in both cell types. Bundles of sheath filaments which bind heavy meromyosin, are present in migratory cells, where displacement of the cell soma over the substratum occurs, but absent from nerves, where the cell body and axon remain fixed upon the substratum and “locomotion” is restricted to the axonal tip. It is proposed that the microfilament lattice is involved in the extension phase of locomotion, and the microfilament sheath in the contractile phase.
Conditioned based maintenance (CBM)

The Army's Research Development and Engineering Command's, Aviation Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) is leading a prognostic and diagnostic revolution to incorporate conditioned based maintenance (CBM) into the U.S. Army's rotorary aircraft programs. By combining the CBM concept with existing AMRDEC diagnostic products and in-house created algorithms, opportunities have arisen for methods of prognosis utilizing data from our automatic test equipment (ATE). Implementing diagnostics and prognostics into army weapon systems presents an opportunity to reduce system downtime and costs associated with unscheduled maintenance. By enabling CBM, diagnostics and prognostics can dramatically reduce the need for routine tear-down for inspection, repair or replacement of critical components. Fault detection creates an opportunity for self maintained actions that can autonomously correct emerging faults and perform routine system health functions or maintenance
International Program Comm. co-chair

On behalf of the 2014 International Conference on Computers and Information Technology (ICCIT 2014) International Program Committee (IPC), I would like to welcome and thank you for participating in this conference. The main purpose of ICCIT 2014 is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia, industry and government research labs to share their expertise on the latest trends and advancements in various areas of computers, information and communication technology. This conference is sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) - the largest professional society in the world.
Historical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: Thomas B. Ferguson (1923-2013).

Thomas Bruce Ferguson, 62nd president of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), was born in Oklahoma City on May 6, 1923. His roots in Oklahoma ran deep, as his grandparents, Thompson and Elva Ferguson, were pioneer Oklahomans. They crossed into the Oklahoma Territory from Kansas during the ‘‘second run’’ for land claims in the early 1890s, when Dr Ferguson’s father was 8 years old. ‘‘They literally shot a shotgun off at noon,’’ Dr Ferguson recently recounted, ‘‘and went helterskelter as fast as they could until they found a plot of land that they liked and could stake a claim.’’* His grandparents settled in theCherokeeOutlet and started a newspaper called the Watonga Republican. His grandfather was appointed Territorial Governor by Teddy Roosevelt in 1901, before Oklahoma became a state, while his grandmother continued to run the paper for more than 30 years. Dr Ferguson’s father, Walter Scott Ferguson, first began writing a political column ‘‘Over the Tea Cup’’ at the age of 17. Lore has it that the column contained so much inside information that Walter had to be snooping about the governor’s office from time to time. Walter was barred from political discussions by the Governor’s advisors, but by then his reputation as a controversial writer was entrenched. Walter met Lucia Loomis at the University of Oklahoma, and after they wed they moved to Northwest Oklahoma and bought the local newspaper, the Cherokee Republican. Walter went into banking after a few years and was a very active legislator after Oklahoma became a state. One of his famous quotations was, ‘‘A legislator must always respect the views of his opponents, even if he does not agree with them,’’ recalled Dr Ferguson, a quotation he felt was particularly relevant given the ‘‘harangue and fighting that the national legislature is carrying out today.’’ Dr Ferguson’s mother stayed in the newspaper business and became one of America’s best-known syndicated columnists for more than 4 decades. Her daily column, ‘‘AWoman’s Viewpoint,’’ was picked up by the Scripps-Howard syndicate and published in 69 newspapers across the country.
Anterior decerebration blocks visual habituation in the larval salamander (Ambystoma punctatum) 1

Amputation of the rostral half of the cerebrum induces a compulsion-like reaction in larval Ambystoma punctatum towards Enchytraeus protected within glass vials. Normal and craniotomized larvae are visually attracted to worm-containing vials, as revealed by time-lapse video taping but, after several unsuccessful attempts to get the prey, habituate and depart. The video tapes revealed that anteriorly decerebrated animals spent as much as 100 of 120 minutes at the worm-containing vial, repeatedly but futilely attacking the glass. The data indicate that the telencephalon plays an active negative role in the salamander larva's visually guided behavior.
965-50 Accumulation of Collagen in the Cardiac Interstitium of Dogs with Chronic Heart Failure is Associated with Decreased Capillary Density and Increased Oxygen Diffusion Distance

Progressive LV dysfunction is a characteristic feature of the failing heart. The mechanism(s) responsible for this functional deterioration are not known. Progressive accumulation of collagen in the cardiac interstitium termed “reactive interstitial fibrosis” (RIF). occurs in the failing heart but its role in the progression of LV dysfunction remains uncertain. We examined the consequences of RIF severity on capillary density (CD) and oxygen diffusion distance (ODD) in LV myocardium of 11 dogs with heart failure produced by intracoronary microembolizations (LV ejection fraction 26 ± 1%). CD was defined as the index capillary to fiber ratio and ODD as half the distance between two adjoining capillaries. Frozen sections were prepared from LV tissue and double stained with a collagen III antibody to quantitate RIF and with GSllectin to visualize capillaries. From each section. 5 infarct free fields manifesting severe RIF (volume fraction 16 ± 2%) and 5 fields with little or no RIF (volume fraction 4 ± 1%) were selected for analyses. No RIF RIF Probability CD 1.05 ± 0.03 0.92 ± 0.02 P l 0.003 ODD ( μ m 2.3 ± 0.4 15.3 ± 0.4 P l 0.001 Conclusion In the failed canine heart, CD is decreased and ODD is increased in LV regions manifesting severe RIF. These abnormalities may contribute to the progression of LV dysfunction by promoting hypoxia of the collagen encircled cardiocytes.
Photoperiod Manipulation of Insect Diapause: A Method of Pest Control?

Extension of day length by artificial light in selected field plots in the fall prevented 76 percent of European corn borer [Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner)] larvae and 70 percent of codling moth [Laspeyresia pomonella (L.)] larvae from entering diapause. Nondiapausing insects cannot survive rigorous winter conditions.
An exchange enzyme-catalyzing incorporation of inorganic phosphate into adenosine diphosphate in Alcaligenes faecalis

Abstract The reaction in the Alcaligenes faecalis system previously believed to be a stoichiometric ATP-forming process catalyzed by a high-energy intermediate of oxidative phosphorylation has been shown to be a catalytic ADP ⇌ P i exchange reaction, which incorporated P i into the β position of ADP. Preincubation of the enzyme with P i was partially inhibitory (10–20%), and this substrate-preconditioning effect was greatly enhanced (up to 80%) by divalent cations. DEAE-Sephadex profiles showed several peaks of activity while sucrose-gradient profiles showed only one. About 95% of the enzyme was soluble, while the remainder was compartmentalized in the membrane fraction; most of this small amount could be leached out slowly by successive washings. Low ionic strength reduced but did not eliminate the compartmentation. Incubating phosphorylating particles with DPNH resulted in a slight increase in the elution of coupling factors and exchange enzyme over that of the control system. This was explained in terms of small effects on the affinity of coupling factors for membranes and on the degree of compartmentation of the exchange enzyme. The identity of the enzyme was established as polynucleotide phosphorylase by the finding that it could form a trichloracetic acid-precipitable product which was RNase sensitive (ribopolynucleotide) from [ 3 H] ADP. The concentration of divalent cations determined whether the enzyme would catalyze primarily ADP ⇌ P i exchange or synthesize polynucleotide.
A Dynamic Option Value for Institutional Change: Marketable Property Rights in the Sahel

In this article we use dynamic programming methods to create an option value measure of the value of the institutional innovation of marketable property rights. This measure has two properties that are important to understanding institutional change: it is truly dynamic and it allows for agent heterogeneity. In the case of West Africa, we find that the collapse of customary risk management institutions is a vital part of the demand for marketability rights as agents struggle to smooth income and consumption in its wake. We find that the social efficiency implications of this demand for institutional innovation are ambiguous.
830 NEONATAL HYPERLIPOPROTEINEMIA TYPE

At ten days of age a 2690 grams preterm female infant was studied because of weight loss while receiving Similac 120 kcal/kg/day. The serum was milky in appearance and had a creamy layer and clear infranate after refrigeration. No hepatosplenomegaly, xanthomata or lipemia retinalis were present. Triglycerides (TG) were 10,720 mg/dl;cholesterol 530 mg/dl. Lipoprotein electrophoresis (LPE) showed a chylomicron band. Maternal and paternal LPE showed a type IV pattern. Extrahepatic postheparin lipolytic activity was abnormally low: 1.6 μM free fatty acids/ml/60 min., confirming type I hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP). Plasma ApoCII was elevated: 33.2 mg/dl (Normal 5±2.3 M±SD);percent of ApoCII in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) was low: 3.8 (Normal 9.9±5.8 VLDL net lipoprotein lipase activator (LPL-A) was low: 54 units/mg (Normal: 145.6±47.5). After 15 days on skim milk TG:1080 mg/dl;cholesterol 300 mg/dl. ApoCII activates extrahepatic lipoprotein lipase (LPL) which hydrolyses TG in VLDL. Deficiency of LPL results in severe hypertriglyceridemia. A deficiency of extrahepatic LPL in this infant was associated with markedly elevated plasma ApoCII,while ApoCII and LPL-A relative to VLDL were decreased. Overproduction of ApoCII in type I HLP is possibly a compensatory mechanism for the LPL deficiency.
Microprobe and magnetic characterization of some single crystal hexagonal ferrites

Abstract Electron probe investigation of zinc and manganese-zinc substituted single-crystal members of the hexagonal ferrite group indicates that up to approximately 8 wgt. % manganese may be incorporated in the material; the manganese substitution is principally for ferric iron. Saturation magnetization and lattice parameter measurements suggest that the manganese is present primarily as the trivalent ion principally occupying octahedral sites; this is consistent with calculations based on a collinear spin model for the Y structure.
Comparison of antigenic components in normal and neoplastic tissues

Abstract When antisera are elicited in rabbits against normal kidney tissue of the frog, and against the Lucke renal adenocarcinoma, and reacted with the homologous antigens, as well as with antigens from other tissues of the frog, a component of normal kidney represented on agar-diffusion plates is not found in the tumor. Appropriate absorption tests revealed that this antigenic component is specific to the kidney cells. These results are compared with similar observations on mammalian kidney and tumor cells.
Integrated optic chip for laser threat identification

In this conference last year, we proposed free-space gratings, Fizeau interferometers and wavefront estimation for detecting the different lasers deployed in the battlefield for range finding, target designation, communications, dazzle, location of targets, munitions guidance, and destruction. Since last year, advanced laser weapons of the electron cyclotron type, are in development, such as the free-electron laser, that are tunable and can, unlike conventional bound-electron state lasers, be used at any wavelength from microwaves to soft X-rays. We list the characteristics of the nine dominant laser weapons because we assume that the free-electron lasers will initially use one of the current threat wavelengths because of availability of components and instrumentation. In this paper we replace the free-space grating with a higher performing array waveguide grating integrated optic chip, similar to that used in telecommunications, because integrated circuits are more robust and less expensive. It consists of a star coupler that fans out amongst waveguides of different length followed by a star coupler that focuses different wavelengths to different outputs in order to separate them. Design equations are derived to cover a range of frequencies at specific frequency spacing relevant to this application.
Neurotrophic factors as novel therapeutics for neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that is caused by injury to the nervous system. Unlike acute pain, which is protective, neuropathic pain persists and serves no useful purpose, and severely affects quality of life. However, present therapies have modest efficacy in most patients, are palliative rather than curative, and their side effects represent significant limitations. Tremendous progress has been made over the past decade in our understanding of the biology of pain sensory neurons. The recent discovery that neurotrophic factors play an important role in neuropathic pain indicates that these pathways could serve as novel intervention points for therapy. Moreover, neurotrophic factors have the potential to address the underlying pathophysiology of neuropathic pain, thereby halting or reversing the disease process.
Argon laser photocoagulation of choroidal malignant melanoma. Tissue effects after a single treatment.

Argon laser photocoagulation of choroidal malignant melanomas from a 54-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman was carried out. The globes were enucleated 24 hours postcoagulation and studied histopathologically. Because the tumors studied were flat, heavily vascularized, and (in one of the cases) pigmented, they would theoretically appear to be candidates for destruction by argon therapy. Tumor cell necrosis was seen only in the superficial aspect of the masses after a single treatment, however, and extensive fragmentation and breakdown of tumor vessels with associated hemorrhage occurred. Such vessel damage is dangerous because an increased potential for vascular invasion (with subsequent tumor seeding or metastasis) is created.
Polymer Nanoparticles Mediated Codelivery of AntimiR-10b and AntimiR-21 for Achieving Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy

The current study shows the therapeutic outcome achieved in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) by simultaneously antagonizing miR-21-induced antiapoptosis and miR-10b-induced metastasis, using antisense-miR-21-PS and antisense-miR-10b-PS delivered by polymer nanoparticles (NPs). We synthesized the antisense-miR-21 and antisense-miR-10b loaded PLGA-b-PEG polymer NPs and evaluated their cellular uptake, serum stability, release profile, and the subsequent synchronous blocking of endogenous miR-21 and miR-10b function in TNBC cells in culture, and tumor xenografts in living animals using molecular imaging. Results show that multitarget antagonization of endogenous miRNAs could be an efficient strategy for targeting metastasis and antiapoptosis in the treatment of metastatic cancer. Targeted delivery of antisense-miR-21 and antisense-miR-10b coloaded urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) targeted polymer NPs treated mice showed substantial reduction in tumor growth at very low dose of 0.15 mg/kg, ...
Regulatory mechanisms and protein synthesis. X. Codon recognition on 30 S ribosomes.

Abstract Characteristics of aminoacyl-sRNA binding to 30 s ribosomes were studied. The specificity of RNA codon recognition on 30 s ribosomes resembled the specificity observed with 70 s ribosomes in response to polynucleotide templates; however, at 0 °C, aminoacyl-sRNA was bound to 70 s ribosomes but not to 30 s ribosomes. In addition, the pH optimum of the rate of binding to 30 s ribosomes is pH 6.8 whereas the optimum of the rate of binding to 70 s ribosomes is about pH 9; and Tris—acetate inhibits the binding to 30 s ribosomes at concentrations which do not affect the binding to 70 s ribosomes. Trinucleotide and oligonucleotide templates appear to be active in stimulating aminoacyl-sRNA binding to 30 s ribosomes, but only after incubation at 37 °C of the 30 s particles in 0.02 m -magnesium acetate. Under various conditions studied, no isoleucyl-sRNA was stimulated to bind to 30 s ribosomes in the presence of poly U, whereas this binding occurs readily to 70 s ribosomes. Zone centrifugation studies suggest that the 30 s particles employed in these studies consist of at least two populations of ribosomes, only one of which is active in binding aminoacyl-sRNA in response to polynucleotide templates. The addition of 50 s ribosomes to 30 s subunits increased the binding of aminoacyl-sRNA in response to a polynucleotide template 20 to 30%. Studies on the effects of monovalent cations on the binding of phenylalaninesRNA in response to poly U suggest that 30 s ribosomes may contain at least two sites for specific binding of aminoacyl-sRNA's. The binding of aminoacyl-sRNA to one site is stimulated by ammonium or potassium ions; and the ammonium or potassium ion-stimulated binding is inhibited by lithium ions. Aminoacyl-sRNA binding to the second site is relatively unaffected by ammonium, potassium, lithium or sodium ions.
The Reflection of Atomic Hydrogen from Ice Crystals

DAVISSON and Germer (NATURE, April 16, p. 558) have shown that electrons are reflected from a nickel crystal in the directions which would be taken by X-rays of wave-length λ=h/mv if they were reflected from a slightly modified crystal lattice. This result, which is in accord with the ideas of L. de Broglie, indicates that the diffractive nature of the reflection is to be associated with the momentum rather than with the structure of the electron. One is therefore led to think that the same phenomenon may exist when atoms are reflected from a crystal surface. Although the investigation of this reflection is not yet completed, the preliminary results support this view and are therefore thought to be of sufficient interest for immediate publication.
Glycoalkaloid content of potatoes and potato products sold in the UK

Potatoes and potato products were collected from six areas of the UK. Composite samples of potatoes, determined by variety, collection area and collection date, and composite samples of similar potato products were prepared. The glycoalkaloid content of the samples was determined and only two samples out of 133 analysed exceeded the recommended maximum level of 20 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight. The mean values were: main crop 10.4mg 100g−1, UK earlies 11.3mg 100g−1 and imported earlies 12.3 mg 100 g−1 Potato products, when calculated on an equivalent fresh weight basis, all contained less than 10mg 100g−1.
Medical and Mental Health of Children Entering the Utah Foster Care System

BACKGROUND. Investigators from several states have reported that children entering foster care are at risk for medical and mental health conditions. Additional information based on data from a larger statewide population of children in foster care would assist in the development of appropriate strategies of care for these children. OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to describe the prevalence of medical and mental health conditions, the number of referrals for specialty care, the use of medications and to compare the prevalence of these conditions across age groups of children entering foster care in Utah. METHODS. We conducted an analysis of a statewide database containing abstracted medical and mental health information from the initial medical and mental health assessments of all children entering foster care between January 1, 2001, and December 16, 2004. RESULTS. Of the 6177 children who entered foster care during the study period, 83% were white and 24% were Hispanic. One or more acute or chronic medical conditions were present in 54%, and 44% had ≥1 mental health condition. The most prevalent medical conditions in all of the children were overweight or obesity (35%), 30% had a referral for specialty care. The most prevalent mental health conditions were oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder (18%), reactive attachment and adjustment disorders (17%), and mood disorders (15%). The frequency of psychotropic medication use increased with age. Of the 2747 children of all ages with a diagnosed mental health condition, 35% were receiving psychotropic medications. CONCLUSIONS. This study of a statewide cohort of children entering foster care supports and strengthens previous evidence that children in foster care are more likely to have more health care needs compared with the general pediatric population. Focused strategies are needed that address prevalent conditions, the need for continuity of care, ongoing mental health services, and medication management.
Morphogenesis of the mitochondrial alterations in muscle diseases

Abstract In this paper we present sequential morphologic changes produced in rat muscle mitochondria. Respiratory toxins such as crotoxin (rattle-snake venom) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP-an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation) were injected in rat quadriceps muscle and the mitochondrial aterations were studied at various time intervals. The series of mitochondrial changes consisted of rounding and swelling of mitochondria, unfolding of the cristae as straight lines, formation of the concentric rings, appearance of paracrystalline inclusions, formation of multiple vesicles and finally vacuole formation. These changes were comparable to the range of mitochondrial alterations seen in the human material examined. Similarity of the timerelated mitochondrial changes in the rat to the spectrum of changes observed in human muscle biopsies suggests that the mitochondrial alteration in the human muscle disorders is a stepwise process in which respiratory alterations and calcium ion may play a role.
Informational Efficiency of Markets for Stumpage

This paper examines the weak-form informational efficiency of markets for pine sawtimber stumpage in the U.S. South. Analyses of annual and quarterly rates of price change generally indicate that stumpage markets are efficient. When viewed over monthly intervals, stumpage markets do not pass the tests for weak-form efficiency. This failure is attributed to friction in the market due to the time and cost involved in consumating timber sales. The results have implications for price-responsive timber harvest scheduling, for the application of asset pricing models to forestry investments, and for policies governing sales of timber from public lands.
Exposure-induced high-pass filtering of a volume by means of an absorption hologram recording technique.

High-pass filtering effects have long been noted during recording of Fourier-type holograms on a saturable medium [Collier et al., Optical Holography (Academic, New York, 1971), p. 405]. The origin of the filtering effect lies in recording an absorption hologram such that the diffraction efficiency of strong spatial frequencies is significantly reduced by the saturable nature of the film. A simple optical configuration is used to take advantage of this effect in order to reduce the depth-of-focus noise associated with particle holography. The origin of the noise is clutter produced by a field of out-of-focus particles in which the particle under scrutiny exists [Reynolds et al., The New Physical Optics Notebook: Tutorials in Fourier Optics (Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, Bellingham, Washington, 1989), p. 205]. A theoretical basis for the filtering is presented. Experimental results are shown.
Relative contribution of changes in sodium current versus intercellular coupling on reentry initiation in 2-dimensional preparations of plakophilin-2-deficient cardiac cells.

Background Loss of expression of the desmosomal protein plakophilin-2 (PKP2) leads to decreased gap junction–mediated (GJ) coupling, and alters the amplitude and kinetics of sodium current in cardiac myocytes. Whether these modifications, alone or in combination, are sufficient to act as arrhythmogenic substrates remains undefined. Objective This study sought to characterize arrhythmia susceptibility and reentry dynamics consequent to loss of PKP2 expression, and to assess the relative contribution of cell uncoupling versus alterations in sodium current in generation of reentry. Methods Monolayers of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were treated with oligonucleotides that either prevented or failed to prevent PKP2 expression. Numerical simulations modeled experimentally observed modifications in I Na , GJ coupling, or both (models PKP2-Na, PKP2-GJ, and PKP2-KD, respectively). Relative roles of sodium current density versus kinetics were further explored. Results Loss of PKP2 expression increased incidence of rotors and decreased frequency of rotation. Mathematical simulations revealed that single premature stimuli initiated rotors in models PKP2-Na and PKP2-KD, but not PKP2-GJ. Changes in sodium current kinetics, rather than current density, were key to reentry initiation. Anatomical barriers led to vortex shedding, wavebreaks, and rotors when I Na kinetics, but not GJ coupling or I Na density, were altered. Conclusion PKP2-dependent changes in sodium current kinetics lead to slow conduction, increased propensity to functional block, and vortex shedding. Changes in GJ or I Na density played only a minor role on reentry susceptibility. Changes in electrical properties of the myocyte caused by loss of expression of PKP2 can set the stage for rotors even if anatomical homogeneity is maintained.
Design of a cost-effective weighing facility for PM2.5 quality assurance.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Quality Assurance (QA) Guidance Document 2.12: Monitoring PM2.5 in Ambient Air Using Designated Reference or Class I Equivalent Methods (Document 2.12) requires conditioning of PM2.5 filters at 20-23 degrees C and 30-40% relative humidity (RH) for 24 hr prior to gravimetric analysis. Variability of temperature and humidity may not exceed +/-2 degrees C and +/-5% RH during the conditioning period. The quality assurance team at EPA Region 2's regional laboratory designed a PM2.5 weighing facility that operates well within these strict performance requirements. The traditional approach to meeting the performance requirements of Document 2.12 for PM2.5 filter analysis is to build a walk-in room, with costs typically exceeding $100,000. The initial one-time capital cost for the laboratory at EPA's Edison, NJ, facility was approximately $24,000. Annual costs [e.g., National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recertifications and nitrogen replacement cylinders used for humidity control] are approximately $500. The average 24-hr variabilities in temperature and RH in the Region 2 weighing chamber are small, +/-0.2 degrees C and +/-0.8% RH, respectively. The mass detection limit for the PM2.5 weighing system of 47-mm stretched Teflon (lab blank) filters is 6.3 microg. This facility demonstrates an effective and economical example for states and other organizations planning PM2.5 weighing facilities.
Trust in physicians and elements of the medical interaction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective To identify components of the patient-doctor relationship associated with trust in physicians. Methods We assessed 102 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seen at publicly funded hospitals in Houston, Texas. Patients completed a self-response survey examining patient perceptions of the medical encounter and trust in their physicians. Evaluated components of physicians' behaviors included: informativeness, sensitivity to concerns, reassurance and support, patient-centeredness, and participatory decision-making style. Scales were scored 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more positive perceptions of communication. Results Seventy patients had RA and 32 SLE; 25% were white, 43% Latino, 31% African American, and 75% were female. Mean scores for the medical interaction and trust scales ranged from 6.2–7.1, indicating moderate degrees of positive perceptions. All components were highly and positively correlated with each other, and with trust, suggesting that these traits are all elements of a positive style of doctor-patient communication. In multivariate analysis, ethnicity, physicians' informativeness, physicians' sensitivity to concerns, patient-centeredness, disease activity, and patient trust in the US health care system were independent predictors of trust in physicians. A separate model examined the predictors of patient disclosure of information. Patient perceptions of physicians' patient-centeredness and severity of disease activity were independently predictive of patient disclosure of information. Conclusion In patients with SLE and RA, trust in physicians is significantly associated with patients' ethnicity and their perceptions about specific components of physicians' communication style. Trust in physicians can be improved by using a patient-centered approach, being sensitive to patient concerns, and providing adequate clinical information. Furthermore, patients appear to be more willing to disclose concerns when physicians use a patient-centered communication style.
The effect of group size on group performance in computer-supported decision making

Abstract This experimental study investigates the effects of computer- supported systems in groups of nine persons and the effects of group size (three versus nine persons) in the computer- supported environment. A two-by-two completely randomized factorial design was employed, and 192 subjects participated in this study. Group efficiency is assessed by decision time and the number of alternatives generated by group members. Group effectiveness is measured by satisfaction with the decision making processes, decision satisfaction, and decision quality. The main findings of this study were: (1) decision quality can be improved in large computer-supported groups, and (2) large groups generate more alternatives and take longer to reach a final decision than small ones. Implications are discussed.
SciBox, an end-to-end automated science planning and commanding system

Abstract SciBox is a new technology for planning and commanding science operations for Earth-orbital and planetary space missions. It has been incrementally developed since 2001 and demonstrated on several spaceflight projects. The technology has matured to the point that it is now being used to plan and command all orbital science operations for the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) mission to Mercury. SciBox encompasses the derivation of observing sequences from science objectives, the scheduling of those sequences, the generation of spacecraft and instrument commands, and the validation of those commands prior to uploading to the spacecraft. Although the process is automated, science and observing requirements are incorporated at each step by a series of rules and parameters to optimize observing opportunities, which are tested and validated through simulation and review. Except for limited special operations and tests, there is no manual scheduling of observations or construction of command sequences. SciBox reduces the lead time for operations planning by shortening the time-consuming coordination process, reduces cost by automating the labor-intensive processes of human-in-the-loop adjudication of observing priorities, reduces operations risk by systematically checking constraints, and maximizes science return by fully evaluating the trade space of observing opportunities to meet MESSENGER science priorities within spacecraft recorder, downlink, scheduling, and orbital-geometry constraints.
On the asymptotic normality of multinomial population size estimators with application to backcalculation of AIDS epidemic

SUMMARY Estimation of the unknown size of a multinomial distribution is required in some important applications. It has been previously shown that the maximum likelihood estimators of the size and other parameters in the multinomial distribution are asymptotically normal under suitable regularity conditions. Unfortunately, one of these conditions is difficult to verify in practice. Here we present an alternative regularity condition that is straightforwardly verifiable. An application to the backcalculation estimates of AIDS incidence is presented. Explicit formulae are given for the asymptotic variances and covariances of the backcalculation estimators. The associated confidence interval for the size of the HIV infected population is comparable to the likelihood-ratio-test-based interval given in Brookmeyer & Gail (1988). A simulation study shows that the asymptotic normal interval is highly accurate in terms of coverage probability.
25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and juvenile idiopathic arthritis: is there an association with disease activity?

The aims of this study were to examine the association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), to determine the prevalence of vitamin D (VD) deficiency [25(OH)D ≤19 ng/ml] and insufficiency [25(OH)D 20–29 ng/ml], and to determine factors associated with lower serum levels of 25(OH)D in this population. In this cross-sectional study, disease activity was measured using JADAS-27, as well as its individual components (physician global assessment of disease activity, parent global assessment of child’s well-being, count of joints with active disease, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Linear regression models were developed to analyze the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and JADAS-27 and to determine variables associated with serum 25(OH)D levels. A total of 154 patients (61% girls, 88% whites) were included. Mean age was 10.6. VD deficiency was detected in 13% and insufficiency in 42%. In univariate and multivariate analyses, 25(OH)D levels were not associated with JADAS-27, neither with its individual components. However, in a subset analysis including all new-onset JIA patients (n = 27), there was a nonsignificant negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and JADAS-27 (r = −0.29, P = 0.14). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, age, ethnicity, BMI, and season were significantly associated with serum 25(OH)D levels, but not total VD intake. More than 1/2 of JIA patients had serum 25(OH)D levels below 29 ng/ml; however, there was no association between serum 25(OH)D levels and disease activity. Future larger, long-term studies with new-onset JIA patients are needed to further explore the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and disease activity.
Predictive State Representations for grounding human-robot communication

Allowing robots to communicate naturally with humans is an important goal for social robotics. Most approaches have focused on building high-level probabilistic cognitive models. However, research in cognitive science shows that people often build common ground for communication with each other by seeking and providing evidence of understanding through behaviors like mimicry. Predictive State Representations (PSRs) allow one to build explicit, low-level models of the expected outcomes of actions, and are therefore well-suited for tasks that require providing such evidence of understanding. Using human-robot shadow puppetry as a prototype interaction study, we show that PSRs can be used successfully to both model human interactions, and to allow a robot to learn on-line how to engage a human in an interesting interaction.
Hypermethylation of CCND2 May Reflect a Smoking-Induced Precancerous Change in the Lung

It remains unknown whether tobacco smoke induces DNA hypermethylation as an early event in carcinogenesis or as a late event, specific to overt cancer tissue. Using MethyLight assays, we analyzed 316 lung tissue samples from 151 cancer-free subjects (121 ever-smokers and 30 never-smokers) for hypermethylation of 19 genes previously observed to be hypermethylated in nonsmall cell lung cancers. Only APC (39%), CCND2 (21%), CDH1 (7%), and RARB (4%) were hypermethylated in >2% of these cancer-free subjects. CCND2 was hypermethylated more frequently in ever-smokers (26%) than in never-smokers (3%). CCND2 hypermethylation was also associated with increased age and upper lobe sample location. APC was frequently hypermethylated in both ever-smokers (41%) and never-smokers (30%). BVES, CDH13, CDKN2A (p16), CDKN2B, DAPK1, IGFBP3, IGSF4, KCNH5, KCNH8, MGMT, OPCML, PCSK6, RASSF1, RUNX, and TMS1 were rarely hypermethylated (<2%) in all subjects. Hypermethylation of CCND2 may reflect a smoking-induced precancerous change in the lung.
Design, performance, and applications of a coherent ultra-wideband random noise radar

Ram M. NarayananYi XuPaul D. HoffmeyerUniversity of Nebraska—LincolnCenter for Electro-OpticsDepartment of Electrical EngineeringLincoln, Nebraska 68588-0511E-mail: rnarayanan@unl.eduJohn O. CurtisU.S. Army Waterways Experiment StationEnvironmental LaboratoryVicksburg, Mississippi 39180-6199Abstract. A novel coherent ultra-wideband radar system operating inthe 1- to 2-GHz frequency range has been developed recently at theUniversity of Nebraska. The radar system transmits white Gaussiannoise. Detection and localization of buried objects is accomplished bycorrelating the reﬂected waveform with a time-delayed replica of thetransmitted waveform. Broadband dual-polarized log-periodic antennasare used for transmission and reception. A unique signal-processingscheme is used to inject coherence into the system by frequency trans-lation of the ultrawideband signal by a coherent 160-MHz phase-lockedsource prior to performing heterodyne correlation. The system coher-ence allows the extraction of a target’s polarimetric amplitude and phasecharacteristics. This paper describes the unique design features of theradar system, develops the theoretical foundations of noise polarimetry,provides experimental evidence of the polarimetric and resolution capa-bilities of the system, and demonstrates results obtained in subsurfaceprobing applications.
Post-transcriptional inhibition of protein synthesis by rifampicin in rat hepatoma cells.

RIFAMPICIN (rifampin) has been shown to inhibit induction of tyrosine aminotransferase by cortisol in rat hepatoma cells (Reuber H-35) grown in culture but not in rat liver. This effect was independent of any action on RNA polymerase since no change in either the Mg++- or Mn++/(NH4)2SO4-activated enzymes of hepatoma cells was noted. Since a 30% decrease in L[14C] leucine incorporation into protein of hepatoma cells was observed in the presence of rifampicin (166 μg/ml), it is likely that inhibition of tyrosine aminotransferase induction occurred at a site related to translation rather than to transcription.
Transcription Activator Interactions with Multiple SWI/SNF Subunits

We have previously shown that the yeast SWI/SNF complex stimulates in vitro transcription from chromatin templates in an ATP-dependent manner. SWI/SNF function in this regard requires the presence of an activator with which it can interact directly, linking activator recruitment of SWI/SNF to transcriptional stimulation. In this study, we determine the SWI/SNF subunits that mediate its interaction with activators. Using a photo-cross-linking label transfer strategy, we show that the Snf5, Swi1, and Swi2/Snf2 subunits are contacted by the yeast acidic activators, Gcn4 and Hap4, in the context of the intact native SWI/SNF complex. In addition, we show that the same three subunits can interact individually with acidic activation domains, indicating that each subunit contributes to binding activators. Furthermore, mutations that reduce the activation potential of these activators also diminish its interaction with each of these SWI/SNF subunits. Thus, three distinct subunits of the SWI/SNF complex contribute to its interactions with activation domains.
Temporal expression of types XII and XIV collagen mRNA and protein during avian corneal development

Using immunohistochemistry and competitive PCR for collagen types XII and XIV, we have followed the expression of these fibril-associated molecules during development of the avian cornea. By immunofluorescence histochemistry, both molecules are found in the acellular primary stroma and are therefore presumably of epithelial origin. During formation and development of the secondary corneal stroma, which is populated by mesenchymal cells, the molecules generally appear to be spatially segregated from each other. Type XIV collagen is found throughout most of the stroma, and therefore is predominantly a product of stromal fibroblasts. During subsequent compaction of the cornea, an event necessary for corneal transparency, the collagen XIV mRNA level increases dramatically, suggesting that this molecule may play a role in this event. Type XII collagen is more localized, occurring mainly in regions of the secondary stroma where matrices interface, such as where Bowman's membrane and Descemet's membrane abut the orthogonally layered collagen fibrils of the stromal matrix. These interfacial regions are highly stable areas of the cornea as determined previously by protease digestion and thermal denaturation studies. Type XII collagen may be involved in this stabilization. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Xth International Symposium on Amyloid and Amyloidosis April 18-22, 2004 (selected highlights) Tours, Loire Valley, France.

T he Xth International Amyloid Symposium, organized by Gilles Grateau together with local and international committees, was held at the Vinci Conference Center in Tours, France, April 18–22, 2004. The Symposium considered advances in knowledge of amyloid protein structure, disease pathogenesis, new fibril-forming proteins and a number of approaches to therapy, some at the bench and some that are showing efficacy in ongoing clinical trials. A hotly debated topic was whether the deposited amyloid fibrils themselves cause organ and tissue damage, or are inert byproducts of toxic transient intermediates in the protein refolding and self assembly pathway that leads to amyloid fibril formation. This led to the question as to whether treatments that block fibrillogenesis or dissolve fibrils might increase the levels of toxic oligomeric intermediates. Particularly well received were the Monday and Tuesday afternoon workshops. On each of the afternoons there were two concurrent workshops on diagnosis and typing of amyloidosis and clinical management of patients. The need for better standardized reagents and methodology was voiced throughout these workshops, and there was the feeling that publication of workshop summaries could be a valuable feature of future Symposia. The Symposium was launched with a Sunday evening dinner buffet following the satellite meeting sponsored by Neurochem Inc. ‘Emerging clinical practices in AA amyloidosis’ – chaired by H Filit, B Hazenberg, J Kelly, G Merlini, P Hawkins, and M Skinner reported that, in developed countries, inflammatory conditions most often underlie amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. The incidence of AA amyloidosis in these countries appears to be declining, perhaps due to the development of new antiinflammatory treatments such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor antagonists. Nonetheless, in as many as 10% of patients, the etiology of AA amyloidosis cannot be identified. In developing countries, infectious diseases remain the major predisposing condition. There was the opinion that AA amyloidosis may be underdiagnosed, and the importance of ruling out AL and ATTR was stressed. Strategies for treatment include inhibition of serum
ParalleX An Advanced Parallel Execution Model for Scaling-Impaired Applications

High performance computing (HPC) is experiencing a phase change with the challenges of programming and management of heterogeneous multicore systems architectures and large scale system configurations. It is estimated that by the end of the next decade Exaflops computing systems requiring hundreds of millions of cores demanding multi-billion-way parallelism with a power budget of 50 Gflops/watt may emerge. At the same time, there are many scaling-challenged applications that although taking many weeks to complete, cannot scale even to a thousand cores using conventional distributed programming models. This paper describes an experimental methodology, ParalleX, that addresses these challenges through a change in the fundamental model of parallel computation from that of the communicating sequential processes (e.g., MPI) to an innovative synthesis of concepts involving message-driven work-queue execution in the context of a global address space. The focus of this work is a new runtime system required to test, validate, and evaluate the use of ParalleX concepts for extreme scalability. This paper describes the ParalleX model and the HPX runtime system and discusses how both strategies contribute to the goal of extreme computing through dynamic asynchronous execution. The paper presents the first early experimental results of tests using a proof-of-concept runtime-system implementation. These results are very promising and are guiding future work towards a full scale parallel programming and runtime environment.
Coleridge's Moors: Osorio, Remorse, and the Swarthy Shadow of Othello

Shakespeareans remember S.T. Coleridge's Othello criticism largely for his characterization of Iago as a “motiveless malignancy,” an apt phrase that dominated readings of Iago for the next 150 year...