cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
KCNQ1OT1 promotes ovarian cancer progression via modulating MIR‐142‐5p/CAPN10 axis

Background Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been regarded as crucial regulator for cancer progression. Roles of KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) in cancers including osteosarcoma and colon cancer have been previously reported. However, its role in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. Methods Expression level of KCNQ1OT1 on OC cells and normal cell was analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR. Gain and loss-of-function experiments were performed to analyze the biological roles of KCNQ1OT1 in OC. Moreover, whether KCNQ1OT1 functions its role via mediating MICRORNA-142-5p (MIR-142-5p)/calpain 10 (CAPN10) axis was analyzed. In addition, effects of KCNQ1OT1, MIR-142-5p, and CAPN10 on overall survival of OC patients were analyzed at Kaplan-Meier plotter website. Results We showed KCNQ1OT1 was elevated expression in OC cells and indicated poorer overall survival of OC patients. Besides, we found KCNQ1OT1 could promote OC cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Moreover, MIR-142-5p was found reduced expression, while CAPN10 was found elevated expression in OC cells compared with normal cell. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed low MIR-142-5p or high CAPN10 expression were indicators for poorer overall survival of OC patients. At length, we showed KCNQ1OT1 could regulate OC development via MIR-142-5p/CAPN10 axis. Conclusions Taken together, KCNQ1OT1 upregulates CAPN10 expression via sponging MIR-142-5p, thus promoting the proliferation and migration of OC.
Development of a low-cost UAV-based system for CH4 monitoring over oil fields.

ABSTRACTThe recent booming of oil and gas production in the U.S. sparks a growing concern about greenhouse gas emissions from the petroleum industry. This study aimed to develop a low-cost UAV-base...
Spectrum-Agile Cognitive Radios Using Multi-Task Transfer Deep Reinforcement Learning

This work proposes a cognitive engine design that enables a radio to find transmission opportunities in non-contiguous wideband spectrum to avoid interference. The radio’s objective is to apply both frequency hopping and transmit power adjustment to maintain a required level of quality-of-service (QoS). The spectrum is partitioned into sub-bands each made of a number of narrowband channels. A multi-task deep Q-network (DQN) is utilized to solve the underlying problem where communications over each sub-band represents a single task. The proposed technique exploits transfer learning between tasks to speed up learning operation for new tasks. The proposed multi-task transfer DQN is proved to be converged. It is shown through simulations that the radio is able to learn an efficient strategy to evade interference signals in a partially observable environment. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach offers up to 24% improvement to the percentage of successful communications when compared to other RL-based approaches found in existing literature.
Dualities from iterated tilting

First a duality theory is developed for arbitrary finite-dimensional algebras Λ and Λ′. It provides a characterization of the contravariant equivalences which link resolving subcategories of $$\cal P^{< \infty}$$ (Λ-mod), the category of finitely generated left Λ-modules of finite projective dimension, to resolving subcategories of $$\cal P^{< \infty}$$ (mod-Λ′). The pertinent theorem expands Miyashita’s work on tilting. As a consequence, we find: If there are resolving subcategories of $$\cal P^{< \infty}$$ (Λ-mod) and $$\cal P^{< \infty}$$ (mod-Λ′), respectively, which are dual via functors satisfying a strict exactness condition, then Λ and Λ′ are derived equivalent. The core of the paper addresses the tilting theory of truncated path algebras, i.e., of path algebras modulo ideals generated by all paths of a given fixed length in the underlying quiver. (These algebras provide a natural environment for the study of finite-dimensional representations of quivers with oriented cycles in that, for growing Loewy length, they reflect the combinatorics of the quiver in undiluted form.) If Λ is a truncated path algebra, the category $$\cal P^{< \infty}$$ (Λ-mod) is known to be contravariantly finite in Λ-mod, whence Λ has a strong tilting module. It is shown here that all algebras Δ obtained from A via iterated strong tilting retain these assets, their strong tilting modules being explicitly available from the quiver and Loewy length of Λ. The iteration process becomes periodic with period 2 after the initial tilting step. While structurally the algebras Δ that arise from an iteration of strong tilting have little in common with the original truncated algebra A, we decode their homological properties by combining the mentioned dualities with an algebraic-combinatorial approach to their $$\cal P^{< \infty}$$ -categories. This analysis permits us to recognize the Δ-modules of finite projective dimension in terms of their intrinsic structure.
A Note on the Approximate Plane Motion During the Burning Period of Rocket-Propelled Missiles Launched at Small Angles of Yaw from Aircraft

The differential equations of plane motion during the burning period of a rocket-propelled missile launched from a moving airplane are written, simplified for approximate application to small angles of yaw (20° or less), and solved. In writing the equations of motion, the gravitational force was neglected, as well as the influence of any pitching disturbances on the yawing forces or moments. The solution determines the approximate motion of the center of gravity and the spatial orientation of the missile axis as a function of missile design, the initial launching conditions, and the distance along the trajectory. The results are plotted in generalized coordinates, and the curves may then be used for the solution of specific cases.
SU‐E‐J‐92: Validating Dose Uncertainty Estimates Produced by AUTODIRECT, An Automated Program to Evaluate Deformable Image Registration Accuracy

Purpose: Deformable image registration (DIR) is a powerful tool with the potential to deformably map dose from one computed-tomography (CT) image to another. Errors in the DIR, however, will produce errors in the transferred dose distribution. We have proposed a software tool, called AUTODIRECT (automated DIR evaluation of confidence tool), which predicts voxel-specific dose mapping errors on a patient-by-patient basis. This work validates the effectiveness of AUTODIRECT to predict dose mapping errors with virtual and physical phantom datasets. Methods: AUTODIRECT requires 4 inputs: moving and fixed CT images and two noise scans of a water phantom (for noise characterization). Then, AUTODIRECT uses algorithms to generate test deformations and applies them to the moving and fixed images (along with processing) to digitally create sets of test images, with known ground-truth deformations that are similar to the actual one. The clinical DIR algorithm is then applied to these test image sets (currently 4) . From these tests, AUTODIRECT generates spatial and dose uncertainty estimates for each image voxel based on a Student’s t distribution. This work compares these uncertainty estimates to the actual errors made by the Velocity Deformable Multi Pass algorithm on 11 virtual and 1 physical phantom datasets. Results: Formore » 11 of the 12 tests, the predicted dose error distributions from AUTODIRECT are well matched to the actual error distributions within 1–6% for 10 virtual phantoms, and 9% for the physical phantom. For one of the cases though, the predictions underestimated the errors in the tail of the distribution. Conclusion: Overall, the AUTODIRECT algorithm performed well on the 12 phantom cases for Velocity and was shown to generate accurate estimates of dose warping uncertainty. AUTODIRECT is able to automatically generate patient-, organ- , and voxel-specific DIR uncertainty estimates. This ability would be useful for patient-specific DIR quality assurance.« less
Reaction of the catalytic subunit of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamylase with permanganate ion, a reactive structural analogue of phosphate ion.

Abstract A reaction between the catalytic subunit of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamylase and potassium permanganate is described. The reaction is accompanied by a rapid loss of the enzyme's catalytic activity even when stoichiometric amounts of permanganate and enzyme are used. Characterization of the inactivated enzyme has shown that when stoichiometric amounts of permanganate are used for the inactivation the only chemical change detected is oxidation of the enzyme's three cysteine thiol groups to sulfonate groups. The rate of inactivation of the enzyme by permanganate was found to be greatly decreased by the substrate carbamyl phosphate and to a lesser extent by the inhibitors phosphate, pyrophosphate, and succinate. Competition experiments show that the thiol groups of the catalytic subunit are approximately 45 times as reactive toward permanganate as the thiol group of 2-mercaptoethanol. This result is to be contrasted to the results of Vanaman and Stark (J. Biol. Chem., 245, 3565 (1970)) which showed that the thiol groups of catalytic subunit are hyporeactive or unreactive toward the many thiol reagents that they tested. The facility with which permanganate reacts with the protein's thiol groups may be a result of the structural resemblance between permanganate and the competitive inhibitor phosphate ion, a resemblance which is not shared by the other thiol reagents. Certain chemical properties of permanganate ion are pointed out which recommend it as a potential affinity reagent for phosphate binding sites in other proteins.
JHK and 3.3um PAH Imaging of the Starburst Ring in the Type I Seyfert Galaxy NGC 7469

Imaging of NGC 7469 in the J, H, & K bands shows that the starburst ‘ring’ is a tight inner spiral with arms that extend 4″ NW and SE from the nucleus, as well as distinct infrared hotspots associated with the radio continuum sources. Imaging in the 3.28 µm dust emission feature shows extended PAH emission that is roughly aligned with published 12.5 µm continuum emission (PA75°), consistent with small dust grains heated by vigorous star formation in the inner spiral.
fMRI in the public eye

The wide dissemination and expanding applications of functional MRI have not escaped the attention of the media or discussion in the wider public arena. From the bench to the bedside, this technology has introduced substantial ethical challenges. Are the boundaries of what it can and cannot achieve being communicated to the public? Are its limitations understood? And given the complexities that are inherent to neuroscience, are current avenues for communication adequate?
Plasmid-only rescue of influenza A virus vaccine candidates

The potential threat of another influenza virus pandemic stimulates discussion on how to prepare for such an event. The most reasonable prophylactic approach appears to be the use of effective vaccines. Since influenza and other negative-stranded RNA viruses are amenable to genetic manipulation using transfection by plasmids, it is possible to outline new reverse genetics-based approaches for vaccination against influenza viruses. We suggest three approaches. First, we use a plasmid-only rescue system that allows the rapid generation of high-yield recombinant vaccine strains. Second, we propose developing second-generation live influenza virus vaccines by constructing an attenuated master strain with deletions in the NS1 protein, which acts as an interferon antagonist. Third, we suggest the use of Newcastle disease virus recombinants expressing influenza virus haemagglutinin proteins of pandemic (epizootic) strains as novel vaccine vectors for use in animals and possibly humans.
Not Just a Boy's Club

Abstract The extant literature suggests that habitual criminality among women is rare and that female career criminals are ostensibly nonexistent. Using the criminal records of 500 male and female adult recidivists, this study applies the concept of career criminality to women and describes how this application has specific gendered elements. Like their male peers, women are chronic, versatile offenders engaged in violent, property, and public-order offending. Women are disproportionately engaged in forgery, fraud, and prostitution whereas men are disproportionately engaged in rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. No gender differences existed for a variety of additional offenses and criminal justice system statuses. However, significant gender differences exist for social demographic characteristics, such as age and timing of onset, and criminal career parameter indicators, such as span of criminal career. These data and analyses indicate that the career criminal classification has important implication...
Prevalence of specific variant carotid geometric patterns and incidence of cardiovascular events in older persons: The cardiovascular health study (CHS E-131)

Abstract Objectives We hypothesized that variant geometric patterns of the common carotid artery (CCA) predict the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), after accounting for CCA intima-medial thickness (IMT). Background Common carotid artery intima-media thickness has been associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Methods Noninvasive measurements of IMT were made with high-resolution ultrasonography in 5,640 subjects 65 years of age or older participating in the Cardiovascular Health Study. New coronary and/or cerebrovascular events served as outcome variables over a median 10.2-year follow-up. To characterize different carotid structural geometric patterns (CGP), vascular mass (VM) was combined with the wall-to-lumen ratio (W/L). Normal values for W/L and VM were defined as age-adjusted, gender-specific 75th percentiles of the 1,899 normotensive subjects free of CVD at baseline. Four CGPs were defined: CGP1 = normal W/L ratio and VM; CGP2 = arterial remodeling (i.e., increased W/L ratio with normal VM); CGP3 = arterial hypertrophy (i.e., increased W/L ratio with increased VM); and CGP4 = arterial hypertrophy with dilation (i.e., normal W/L ratio and increased VM). Results Coronary or cerebrovascular events (adjusted for age, gender, traditional risk factors, and IMT) were associated with CGP in subjects free of CVD at baseline. Specifically, the hazard ratio (Cox proportional-hazards analyses) for CGP3 (arterial hypertrophy) was 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 1.53), and for CGP4 (arterial hypertrophy with dilation) was 1.43 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.75) compared with CGP1 (normal). Conclusions Arterial hypertrophy defined by variant CGP patterns is associated with the development of new CVD, independent of age, traditional risk factors, and CCA IMT.
Sequences of immunoglobulin λ1 genes in a λ1 defective mouse strain

The λ1 light chain accounts for about 80% of λ immunoglobulin chains in BALB/c mice, the remainder being λ2 and λ3 (refs 1, 2). Several inbred strains of mice, most notably the SJL strain, have greatly reduced λ1 expression compared with other strains. Genetic analysis of SJL mice indicates there is a cis-acting defect linked to the λ1 structural gene3. Although this defect reduces both the number of spleen cells expressing surface λ1 and the serum level of λ1, the λ1 antibodies that are produced appear normal3. A possible explanation for such a defect would be an alteration of the recognition sequences involved in the rearrangement of the variable (V) and constant (C) region genes for λ1. However, the defect could reside in other structural elements involving transcription, RNA processing, protein chain folding or light and heavy chain association. Furthermore, a more general regulatory defect must be considered, as SJL mice also appear somewhat depressed in the synthesis of λ2 chains1,3,4. As a first approach to the analysis of the genetic defect in SJL mice, we have now analysed the structural genes involved in the formation of λ1 chains and have found one change leading to an amino acid replacement in the exon of Cλ1. Whether this alteration is of functional significance remains to be elucidated; however, analysis of the DNA of several mouse strains confirms on the molecular level that the SJL defect is closely linked to the λ locus.
Nutrition Intervention: Lessons from Clinical Trials

This chapter discusses dietary interventions in clinical trials. It provides examples of important components of clinical trials, including study design, recruitment, and intervention designs. Methods used to ensure fidelity to prescribed dietary interventions are presented. Specific descriptions of long-term, randomized clinical trials with dietary interventions with a motivational interviewing example are described.
Structure and behavior of organic analytical reagents : Stability of chelates of 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-benzimidazole and analogous reagents1

Abstract Stabilities of chelates of 2-( o -hydroxyphenyl)-pyridine, 2-( o -hydroxyphenyl)-quinoline, 1-( o -hydroxyphenyl)- iso quinoline, 2-( o -hydroxyphenyl)-benzimidazole, and 2-( o -hydroxyphenyl)-imidazoline were determined by the Calvin-Bjerrum potentiometric titration technique. The results have been interpreted in terms of steric considerations.
Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong disorder characterized by alteration in the metabolism of glucose and other energy-yielding fuels due to an absolute or relative insufficiency of insulin. This lack of insulin plays a primary role in the metabolic derangements linked to diabetes, including hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia in turn, plays a key role in the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes.
Neuroendocrine Function After Hypothalamic Depletion of Glucocorticoid Receptors in Male and Female Mice

Glucocorticoids act rapidly at the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to inhibit stress-excitatory neurons and limit excessive glucocorticoid secretion. The signaling mechanism underlying rapid feedback inhibition remains to be determined. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the canonical glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) is required for appropriate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. Local PVN GR knockdown (KD) was achieved by breeding homozygous floxed GR mice with Sim1-cre recombinase transgenic mice. This genetic approach created mice with a KD of GR primarily confined to hypothalamic cell groups, including the PVN, sparing GR expression in other HPA axis limbic regulatory regions, and the pituitary. There were no differences in circadian nadir and peak corticosterone concentrations between male PVN GR KD mice and male littermate controls. However, reduction of PVN GR increased ACTH and corticosterone responses to acute, but not chronic stress, indicating that PVN GR i...
DNA Methylation and Diet in Cancer

The studies reviewed here investigate the association between folate status and DNA methylation in cancer tissues. We evaluated tissue vitamin levels and global DNA methylation, a biomarker of neoplasia, in normal lung and lung cancer tissues. Lung squamous cell carcinoma tissues exhibited global DNA hypomethylation, with decreased folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations, and increased vitamin C concentrations, relative to matched uninvolved control tissues. Breast cancer tissues also had globally hypomethylated DNA and decreased vitamin B-12 and vitamin C levels, but folate concentrations were elevated in breast cancer tissues. Global DNA methylation status in buccal mucosal cells may reflect global methylation status in lung tissues, because there was a significant association between global DNA methylation in buccal mucosal cells and malignant tissues of the lung, but not between methylation in peripheral leukocytes and lung tissues. We found that global DNA hypomethylation, as assessed by a radiolabeled 5-methylcytosine technique, was associated with susceptibility for development of lung cancer, which is involved in the progression of the disease. DNA methylation was also associated with the development of squamous cell carcinomas in whites but not in blacks. Overall, these studies suggest that global DNA methylation patterns may vary depending on the type of cancer, that tissue vitamin levels are associated with global DNA methylation status and that ethnicity should be considered in studies of DNA methylation.
A distinctive rhythmic EEG discharge of adults

Abstract An unusual transient electroencephalographic pattern consisting of repetitive sharp-contoured wave forms in the range of 4–7 c/ sec was seen in recordings from 65 patients who were between 42 and 80 years of age. This pattern was usually predominant over the parietal and temporal regions. No clinical alteration was associated with the pattern. Although the pattern resembled a subclinical EEG seizure discharge, it did not correlate with clinical seizures. The pattern occurred in patients with diverse clinical complaints, and although its mechanism of origin remains uncertain, it appears to represent a benign EEG phenomenon that has little diagnostic significance.
Using the Concept Attainment Strategy to Enhance Reading Comprehension.

The Concept Attainment Strategy is an instructional technique proposed by Jerome Bruner that targets the “big idea” or concept underlining concrete or abstract examples. This strategy focuses on the developing comprehension of words and ideas associated with a concept rather than on its name or what the concept is called. Specifically it develops children's thinking and reasoning as they examine concepts from narrative and expository texts. Students are given the specific steps or structure to scaffold their thinking. Viewing examples compared to nonexamples of a concept enables students to inductively increase their understanding of the many facets of the concept. This allows learners to generalize to other similar examples and to differentiate the concept from other nonsimilar examples before the concept is named. Finally, applications are made to real-life situations.
The interaction of food motivation and experience in the ontogeny of chemoreception in crayfish snakes

Precocial offspring are often required to recognize and acquire food without assistance. In addition, they must be able to respond to changes in prey availability. We studied two species of crayfish snake (Regina septemvittata and R. grahamii) to compare the effect of the availability of their preferred prey, freshly moulted crayfish, on the ontogeny of chemosensory response towards different prey types (fish, odonate larvae, intermoult crayfish and freshly moulted crayfish). A split litter design was used; within each species, litters were divided into three groups for testing at different ages (7, 14 and 21 days) and then within each age group, individuals were assigned to treatment groups that were fed or not fed prior to testing. The results of this study confirm that R. grahamii and R. septemvittata are born with chemosensory prey preferences that reflect their specialized diets. However, the ontogeny of these preferences is modified by food availability and available energy levels. Significantly, the pattern of development that emerged in the groups deprived of food differed between species. Regina septemvittata neonates had limited yolk and fat reserves and rapidly increased their interest in alternative prey types, whereas R. grahamii neonates, with significantly more reserves, did not increase their responses to alternative prey. These differences may reflect alternative survival strategies of newborn snakes that have different amounts of energy reserves at birth.
ATP stimulated cyclic AMP formation in bovine chromaffin cells is enhanced by neuropeptide Y

ATP increases cAMP formation in bovine chromaffin cells, EC(50) = 7.1 x 10(-6) M. NPY, EC(50) = 4.1 x 10(-8) M, increases the efficacy of ATP (1.5-2 fold). Inclusion of the selective Y1 receptor antagonist 1229U91 produced a decrease in NPY potency (EC(50) = 2.7 x 10(-7) M). PTX pretreatment did not abolish either the effect of ATP nor the enhancement by NPY. NPY could also enhance the ability of angiotensin and bradykinin to increase cAMP formation. The selective phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, and the selective protein kinase C inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimide I and RO-31-8425, were effective inhibitors of the enhancing effect of NPY.
Bacteriophage T4 gene 59 helicase assembly protein binds replication fork DNA. The 1.45 A resolution crystal structure reveals a novel alpha-helical two-domain fold.

Abstract The bacteriophage T4 gene 59 helicase assembly protein is required for recombination-dependent DNA replication, which is the predominant mode of DNA replication in the late stage of T4 infection. T4 gene 59 helicase assembly protein accelerates the loading of the T4 gene 41 helicase during DNA synthesis by the T4 replication system in vitro . T4 gene 59 helicase assembly protein binds to both T4 gene 41 helicase and T4 gene 32 single-stranded DNA binding protein, and to single and double-stranded DNA. We show here that T4 gene 59 helicase assembly protein binds most tightly to fork DNA substrates, with either single or almost entirely double-stranded arms. Our studies suggest that the helicase assembly protein is responsible for loading T4 gene 41 helicase specifically at replication forks, and that its binding sites for each arm must hold more than six, but not more than 12 nucleotides. The 1.45 A resolution crystal structure of the full-length 217-residue monomeric T4 gene 59 helicase assembly protein reveals a novel α-helical bundle fold with two domains of similar size. Surface residues are predominantly basic (pI 9.37) with clusters of acidic residues but exposed hydrophobic residues suggest sites for potential contact with DNA and with other protein molecules. The N-terminal domain has structural similarity to the double-stranded DNA binding domain of rat HMG1A. We propose a speculative model of how the T4 gene 59 helicase assembly protein might bind to fork DNA based on the similarity to HMG1, the location of the basic and hydrophobic regions, and the site size of the fork arms needed for tight fork DNA binding. The fork-binding model suggests putative binding sites for the T4 gene 32 single-stranded DNA binding protein and for the hexameric T4 gene 41 helicase assembly.
Caution Advised: Medicare's Physician-Payment Data Release

The physician-payment data recently released by Medicare have some key limitations that may compromise their accuracy. Moreover, they are not reflective of a clinician's entire practice, are not risk-adjusted, and include no assessment of the quality of care provided.
The Klein-Gordon-Maxwell nonlinear system of equations

Abstract The study of the dynamics of the KGM nonlinear system is obscured by the gauge degree of freedom. By transforming to the unitary gauge, the gauge degree of freedom is eliminated. Solitary wave packets, if they exist, in the resulting system are shown to move according to Newton's law with the Lorenz force in the non-relativistic limit. It is also shown that spherically symmetric solitary waves do not exist.
Strategies for Improving Melanoma Education and Screening for Men Age > 50 Years Findings from the American Academy of Dermatology National Skin Cancer Screening Program

BACKGROUND Recently, the Institute of Medicine (2000) and the Third United States Preventive Services Task Force (2001) called for studies to help clinicians identify patients, especially elderly patients, who are at high risk for melanoma. In the current study, the authors sought to identify factors associated with a high yield in skin cancer screening and to explore strategies for improving mass screenings for melanoma. METHODS The authors analyzed the data base of the 242,374 skin cancer screenings conducted on more than 206,000 Americans who attended the American Academy of Dermatology National Skin Cancer Screening Programs during the period 1992–1994. RESULTS Ninety-six percent of 3476 screenees with a presumptive diagnosis of melanoma or possible melanoma were contacted, and follow-up records were obtained for 73% of screenees. Of these, 363 screenees had histologically proven melanoma. Middle-aged and older men (age ≥ 50 years) comprised only 25% of screenees but comprised 44% of those with a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma. The overall yield of melanoma (the number of confirmed diagnoses per the number of screenees) was 1.5 per 1000 screenings (363 diagnoses of 242,374 screenees) compared with a yield of 2.6 per 1000 screenings among men age ≥ 50 years. The yield was improved further for men age ≥ 50 years who reported either a changing mole (4.6 per 1000 screenings) or skin types I and II (3.8 per 1000 screenings). The predictive value of a screening diagnosis of melanoma was more than twice as high for men age ≥ 50 years with either a changing mole or skin types I and II compared with all other participants. CONCLUSIONS The yield of mass screening for melanoma would be improved by outreach to middle-aged and older men, with particular focus on men with changing moles or with skin types I and II. Primary care physicians should be attuned to the risk factors among all of their patients but should be alerted in particular to the heightened risk of melanoma for men age ≥ 50 years. Formal assessment of the impact of targeted screening on mortality warrants further study. Cancer 2002;95:1554–61. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10855
S-1 Multiprocessor System

This paper describes the S-1 multiprocessor system. It is composed of 16 supercomputer class uniprocessors with local caches, an extremely large, medium latency shared memory, and a low latency synchronization bus for passing short messages. The system is applicable to a wide variety of applications, including large-scale physical simulation, real-time command and control, and program development in a time-sharing environment. The hardware organization, its implications, and software supporting the efficient utilization of the multiprocessor are discussed.
Gonadal development and mode of sexuality in a coral-reef damselfish, Dascyllus trimaculatus

The process of early gonadal development and the mode of sexuality were examined in the three-spot damselfish Dascyllus trimaculatus. All gonads developed an ovarian lumen and primary-growth-stage oocytes after an initially undifferentiated state. From this ovarian state or from more developed ovaries, some gonads redifferentiated into testes. None of 130 individuals examined had a gonad containing degenerating vitellogenic oocytes and proliferating spermatogenic tissue. Nineteen individuals, however, had a gonad containing degenerating cortical–alveolus stage oocytes and proliferating spermatogenic tissue. The size of these individuals overlapped with the female size range in which most females were still in the middle of the maturation process or the smallest female size class in which most females had vitellogenic oocytes. This suggests that the transition toward maleness in these individuals is likely to have occurred after oocytes in their gonads attained cortical–alveolus stage, but before their final maturation and spawning as females, and that the protogynous pattern of gonadal development in D. trimaculatus is non-functional. The observed protogynous pattern seems to have been present in the common ancestor of the genus and have been retained in this descendant species.
The Benefits of Detecting and Treating Mild Hypertension: What We Know, and What We Need to Learn

In this issue, Sundstrom and colleagues assess evidence on the effects of blood pressure reduction on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stage 1 hypertension and Piper and associates evaluate...
Criteria for pion condensation thresholds in neutron star matter

Abstract The criteria for the appearance of pion condensation in neutron star matter are developed in terms of the pion Green's function in the normal state.
Evaluation of airborne video data for land-cover classification accuracy assessment in an isolated Brazilian forest

Abstract This research was designed to evaluate the operational utility of airborne bispectral video data for reconnaissance assessment of land-cover variability and to document the viability of the video data for classification accuracy assessment. There are distinct logistical advantages utilizing airborne video data in isolated and environmentally sensitive regions where there is limited preexisting aerial photography and poor infrastructure and where ground accessibility is difficult and expensive. In a study of land-cover characteristic in Mato Grosso, Brazil, video data provided important insights into the variability and transitions in land-cover that could be used to identify targets for field work and training areas for subsequent satellite image (Landsat TM) classifications. Comparisons of Landsat TM classification accuracy assessments derived from the airborne video and standard color photography revealed that comparable results can be achieved at a high statistical level of significance (0.01). These results demonstrated that the video data can provide information for accuracy assessments equivalent to more standard photographic point-sample data acquisition missions with the added benefit of easily acquiringfar more data. Results of the supervised Landsat TM classification coupled with a topographic model produced an overall accuracy of 68% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.60, based upon a priori classes identified through evaluation of the airborne data and a site visit.
Spectroscopy Of Hydrogen-bonded Formanilide Clusters In A Supersonic Jet: Solvation Of A Model Trans Amide

The gas-phase structures of trans-formanilide (FA) clusters containing varying numbers of water and ammonia molecules have been investigated by resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy in a supe...
Two-Loop Relations for Heavy-Quark Parameters in the Shape-Function Scheme

Abstract Moments of the renormalized B -meson shape function provide a natural way to define short-distance, running heavy-quark parameters such as the b -quark mass and kinetic energy. These parameters are particularly well suited for studies of inclusive decay distributions. The definitions of m b and μ π 2 in this “shape-function scheme” are derived to two-loop order. Using previous determinations of heavy-quark parameters in other schemes, we find m b ( μ f ) = ( 4.63 ± 0.08 ) GeV and μ π 2 ( μ f ) = ( 0.15 ± 0.07 ) GeV 2 at a reference scale μ f = 1.5 GeV .
Ultraviolet spectroscopy as a tool in therapeutic protein development

Ubiquitous ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, despite the availability of more sophisticated techniques, remains an indispensable tool that can give an initial insight into the concentration and aggregation state of protein samples. The high degree of reproducibility afforded by diode-array spectrophotometers, combined with their powerful vendor-supplied algorithms, presents an opportunity for improving the accuracy and throughput for their use in pharmaceutical development. In this review, factors important to optimal utilization of the technique, as applied to the development of monoclonal antibodies, are discussed, and specific methodologies are described. In particular, techniques to probe the intrinsic structural properties of proteins, and their behavior under a wide variety of conditions, through the application of second-derivative spectroscopy combined with advanced computational treatments are presented. The information contained in this review is specifically directed to practitioners of the technique in contemporary research and development settings.
Initiation of capnography in a rural EMS system.

Objective. Capnography is an effective means of monitoring cardiopulmonary resuscitation and managing endotracheal intubation. Numerous studies have validated its use in urban settings, but none have described its integration into a rural EMS system. The authors describe the process of integrating capnography training and use in Jackson County, West Virginia. Methods. Two CO2SMOS capnography/ pulse oximeters were placed on the lead ambulances in Jackson County, West Virginia. Training in the operation and application of the equipment was provided, and providers used the monitors for a period of six months. A questionnaire was administered to assess their understanding of the equipment and its utility in prehospital care. Results were compiled and summarized. Results. Ninety percent of the EMS providers subjectively felt that they understood capnography and its clinical application. They answered questions designed to test their understanding with 65% accuracy. Conclusion. In this model, capnography was su...
Application of XPS to study electrocatalysts for fuel cells

Analysis of the surface is paramount to understanding the reactivity, selectivity, and catalytic ability of substances. In particular, this understanding is required to make an efficient use of the catalytic surfaces in fuel cells. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) allows determination of changes in the electronic structure for different surface preparation and composition based, mainly, on shifts of the binding energies of core-level electrons. It is also an ideal method that allows identification of the surface or near surface species in relation to fuel cell catalysis. However, the fundamental theoretical concepts, which are used to analyze and interpret XPS spectra are sometimes not correctly understood or correctly applied. In this review, we not only report on XPS operational parameters in use for fuel cell electrocatalysis, but, more significantly, we review and provide rigorous definitions of fundamental concepts used to understand XPS spectra, including the separation of initial and final state effects and the relaxation of valence electrons to screen core-holes. An additional direction of our review is to show the relationships between XPS binding energy shifts and XPS satellite structure with chemical bonding and chemical interactions. However, our primary concern is to provide reviews of representative cases of the application of XPS to solving fuel cell and electrocatalysis-related problems, highlighting progress in this laboratory. We begin with descriptions of essential issues in fuel cell science and with a review of key concepts of XPS. Then, we briefly report on the XPS instrumentation, after which, studies of fundamental importance to electrochemical processes are reviewed. This review includes an overview of complex organic and biological systems in relation to fuel cell electrocatalysis (probed via XPS). We conclude with a discussion of modern developments in XPS methodology.
Practical applications of OCIS, a clinical information system for oncology.

The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center has developed OCIS , a computer based data system to aid medical personnel in making clinical decisions. All patients seen in the Center are entered into the system. Data is collected, analyzed and presented in formats designed to show the relationship between related clinical and laboratory data. Graphic plots are used to facilitate the detection of long and short term trends in the changing clinical status of individual patients. The system also provides major support for clinical research. An example of the use of this system is presented using data from patients with multiple myeloma.
Improved protonation, collision-induced decomposition efficiency and structural assessment for 'red tide' brevetoxins employing nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry.

Brevetoxins are a group of natural neurotoxins found in blooms of red tide algae. Previous electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS) studies show that all brevetoxins have high affinities for sodium ions, and they form abundant sodium adduct ions, [M + Na]+, in ES-MS, even when trace contamination is the only source of sodium ions. Attempts to obtain informative product ions from the collision-induced decomposition (CID) of [M + Na]+ brevetoxin precursor ions resulted only in uninformative sodium ion signals, even under elevated collision energies. In this study, a nano-ES-MS approach was developed wherein ammonium fluoride was used to form cationic [M + NH4]+ adducts of brevetoxin-2 and brevetoxin-3; a significant increase in the abundance of protonated brevetoxin molecules [M + H]+ also resulted, whereas the abundance of sodium adducts of brevetoxins [M + Na]+ was observed to decrease. Under CID, both [M + NH4]+ and [M + H]+ gave similar, abundant product ions and thus underwent the same types of fragmentation. This indicated that ammonium ions initially attached to brevetoxins forming [M + NH4]+ easily lose neutral ammonia in a first step in the gas phase, leaving protonated brevetoxin [M + H]+ to readily undergo further fragmentation under CID. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Order-disorder transformations in the Heusler alloy Cd2AgAu

A sequence of order-disorder phase transformations was studied in the alloy Cd-Ag-Au at or near the Heusler alloy stoichiometry Cd2AgAu. Total energy calculations based on an LMTO-ASA Hamiltonian were performed for a series of bcc compounds, from which equilibrium formation enthalpies were computed. A set of effective cluster interactions were fit to these results and then used as input to ternary cluster variation method calculations. The predictions for the B2 to Heusler alloy transition agreed well with experiment, as did the low-temperature portion of an isoplethal section of the ternary phase diagram. Predictions of sublattice occupations indicated a preference of Ag for the Cd sublattice in the phase with B2 symmetry.
Risk factors for perioperative adverse events in children with myotonic dystrophy.

Summary Background: This study was conducted to identify patient-related, surgical, and anesthetic factors that would help predict adverse events and allow for better planning of perioperative care in children with myotonic dystrophy. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review from a large tertiary pediatric hospital. Data were collected on demographics, disease severity, surgical procedure, and anesthetic technique. Perioperative adverse events were recorded. Results: Records on 27 patients having 78 anesthetics over a 17.5-year period were reviewed. The overall frequency of postoperative respiratory complications was 10%. Significant risk factors were high muscular impairment rating scale (MIRS) grade (P = 0.007), at least 2300 cytosine, thymine, guanine (CTG) repeats on the protein kinase gene of chromosome 19q (P = 0.009), a longer duration of surgery (RR = 14.0 for surgery lasting at least 1 h; P = 0.002), perioperative morphine use (RR = 7.7, 95% CI 2.2–12.8; P = 0.005), intubation (P = 0.02), and the use of muscle relaxant without reversal (RR = 15.5, P = 0.0002). Using a multivariate risk model, only MIRS grade and the use of muscle relaxant without reversal were shown to be significant independent risk factors (RR = 24.9, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The MIRS is a statistically significant and clinically useful tool for predicting high perioperative risk. Patients with a high MIRS grade should therefore be considered for postoperative intensive care. The use of muscle relaxant without reversal was also shown to be a significant risk factor. Patients who require morphine infusions postoperatively might also be most safely managed in a high dependency unit.
Wave propagation and uniqueness theorems for elastic materials with internal state variables

Abstract In this paper we consider the general, one-dimensional theory of thermoelastic materials with internal state variables and show that such materials have the wave propagation property, i.e. all smooth structured waves propagate with bounded velocity. We further show that this boundedness property ensures the uniqueness of solutions of unbounded domains.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on campus: a new challenge to college health.

As new drugs to control bacterial pathogens are developed, the organisms evolve to survive. Staphylococcus aureus, a common organism, has steadily developed resistance to antibiotics. For more than 40 years, resistant S. aureus presented a formidable problem to hospitalized patients; in the past decade, however, it has begun to appear outside the clinical setting—often in young people without significant medical conditions. Early diagnosis, appropriate control measures, and proper antibiotic choice can limit the spread and severity of infection.
Accelerated Pavement Testing and Gradation-Based Performance Evaluation Method

Particle size distribution is a critical property that greatly influences an asphalt mixture's resistance to permanent deformation and cracking as well as a mixture's workability, permeability, and durability. The Superpave® mix design method attempts to address some of these issues by requiring that an aggregate gradation pass within control points. The control points concern: (a) the top size of the aggregate, (b) the relative proportion of coarse and fine aggregate, and (c) the dust proportion. Little additional guidance is given about suitable aggregate gradations. Some blends may pass the required Superpave criteria but perform poorly. A new theoretical approach for evaluation and specification of aggregate gradations was recently developed in Florida. The approach provides a framework to ensure that the resulting mixtures will have sufficient aggregate interlock to resist permanent deformation. Therefore, this method might be used at the mix design phase to assess the field performance of an asphalt...
The effect of diet on the bearing mucosa during adjustment to new complete dentures: A pilot study

Abstract Purpose. This pilot study investigated the reliability of the conventional prosthodontic wisdom that a modified diet ameliorates soreness during the adjustment to new complete dentures. Tissue ulceration of the bearing mucosa served as the indicator of patient soreness as a function of diet. Material and methods. Fourteen men were randomly assigned to two equal treatment groups. One group consumed a consistency-gradated diet and the other (control) ate as they wished. New complete dentures were fabricated for both groups by the same provider, technician, materials, and method; the study was double-blinded. Tissue ulceration was assessed and totaled for the 10 days after denture placement, constituting a soreness score. Results. Data analysis identified a significant difference in soreness scores between dietary groups ( p p Conclusions. The results of this study indicated that a consistency-gradated diet had a significant effect in diminishing tissue ulceration during the immediate postplacement period for this group of men. Potentially, these findings could contribute to enhanced quality of care and to the more efficient allocation of provider-based resources. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:479-85.)