cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insertion Depth for Optimized Positioning of Precurved Cochlear Implant Electrodes.

Hypothesis Generic guidelines for insertion depth of precurved electrodes are suboptimal for many individuals. Background Insertion depths that are too shallow result in decreased cochlear coverage, and ones that are too deep lift electrodes away from the modiolus and degrade the electro-neural interface. Guidelines for insertion depth are generically applied to all individuals using insertion depth markers on the array that can be referenced against anatomical landmarks. Methods To normalize our measurements, we determined the optimal position and insertion vector where a precurved array best fits the cochlea for each patient in an IRB-approved, N = 131 subject CT database. The distances from the most basal electrode on an optimally placed array to anatomical landmarks, including the round window (RW) and facial recess (FR), was measured for all patients. Results The standard deviations of the distance from the most basal electrode to the FR and RW are 0.65 mm and 0.26 mm, respectively. Owing to the high variability in FR distance, using the FR as a landmark to determine insertion depth results in >0.5 mm difference with ideal depth in 44% of cases. Alignment of either of the two most proximal RW markers with the RW would result in over-insertion failures for >80% of cases, whereas the use of the third, most medial marker would result in under-insertion in only 19% of cases. Conclusions Normalized measurements using the optimized insertion vector show low variance in distance from the basal electrode position to the RW, thereby suggesting it as a better landmark for determining insertion depth than the FR.
Preceptor criteria revisited

Background Preceptor selection criteria based on demographic data has been shown to yield inconsistent degrees of success in the role. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine if preceptors with different levels of innovativeness identified different benefits and challenges when implementing the preceptor role. Method A mixed-methods study was conducted using online surveys to determine each participants' individual level of innovativeness. Interviews were conducted with preceptors from each innovator category to identify benefits and challenges in implementing the preceptor role. Results Preceptors who scored lower in innovativeness identified challenges that were not discussed by preceptors who scored higher in innovativeness. Conversely, preceptors who scored higher in innovativeness identified benefits that were not common to preceptors with lower levels of innovativeness. Conclusion Opportunities for nurse educators and facility nurse leaders were presented to meet the diverse needs of the preceptor and provide for more consistent implementation of the preceptor role. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2020;51(9):425-432.].
357. Complications and Outcomes of Obese Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has greatly affected the US, where obesity is present in over 40% of the population Evidence suggests that obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing severe disease and complications The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection at Henry Ford Health System in metropolitan Detroit from March-May 2020 Demographics, comorbidities, severity of illness, complications, treatment and outcomes of obese (BMI > 30) and non-obese (BMI < 30) patients were compared Data were analyzed using SPSS Results: Summary of results comparing non-obese and obese patients is presented in tables 1 and 2 Median BMI (kg/m2) in each group was 26 and 36 5, respectively Age and black race differed significantly between the two groups (p< 0 001) Younger patients were more obese compared to older patients Diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were significantly more common in obese patients Obese patients were significantly more likely to receive antibiotics in the ED (p=0 015), require vasopressors for shock (p=0 004), and undergo renal replacement therapy (p=0 005) Although 37% of obese patients were intubated, obesity was not a significant risk factor for mechanical ventilation (MV) 30-day readmission and mortality were significantly higher in non-obese patients In the regression analysis, age over 60, tachypnea at admission, acute kidney injury, and diabetes were significantly associated with need for MV, but not BMI Conclusion: In our cohort, a high frequency of obesity is noted among black and younger patients Obese patients were more likely to require intensive treatments, including renal replacement therapy and vasopressors but not mechanical ventilation Complications and outcomes in COVID-19 should be further evaluated by BMI categories
Therapeutic Potential of Olaparib in Combination With Pembrolizumab in a Young Patient With a Maternally Inherited BRCA2 Germline Variant: A Research Report

Clinical Practice Points • Familial history of lung cancer is concerning in the clinical setting and often, germline testing is warranted. • Individuals with germline alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 have increased susceptibility to hereditary cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. • We present a clinical case of a young female patient with a notable germline mutation in BRCA2 gene (BRCA2 S497*), concomitantly diagnosed with widespread non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The patient is currently treated with Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, and Olaparib, a poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, with positive treatment response. • Olaparib has been shown to have potent anti-tumor activity in patients with BRCA-mutated breast cancer and in ovarian cancer. Although there is evidence of Olaparib's effectiveness on lung cancer in the preclinical setting, ongoing investigation is underway to evaluate efficacy and safety of Olaparib alone or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy as a promising therapeutic strategy in patients with NSCLC.
Disentangling Observed Causal Effects from Latent Confounders using Method of Moments.

Discovering the complete set of causal relations among a group of variables is a challenging unsupervised learning problem. Often, this challenge is compounded by the fact that there are latent or hidden confounders. When only observational data is available, the problem is ill-posed, i.e. the causal relationships are non-identifiable unless strong modeling assumptions are made. When interventions are available, we provide guarantees on identifiability and learnability under mild assumptions. We assume a linear structural equation model (SEM) with independent latent factors and directed acyclic graph (DAG) relationships among the observables. Since the latent variable inference is based on independent component analysis (ICA), we call this model SEM-ICA. We use the method of moments principle to establish model identifiability. We develop efficient algorithms based on coupled tensor decomposition with linear constraints to obtain scalable and guaranteed solutions. Thus, we provide a principled approach to tackling the joint problem of causal discovery and latent variable inference.
“Empowering, Humbling, and of Course Arousing”: A Qualitative Analysis of Experiences with Power in Sexual Relationships

Past quantitative research has used a narrative-writing method of conceptual priming to examine the perceptual and behavioral effects of feeling powerful or powerless. The current qualitative study examined the content of those narratives. Guided by perspectives on power from communication studies and psychology, this study utilized the constant comparative method to analyze young people’s experiences with felt power. Participants responded to a brief writing prompt to recall and describe a situation in which they felt powerful (i.e., they controlled others) or powerless (i.e., others controlled them) according to random assignment. Although participants could write about any social situation of their choosing within the confines of power or powerlessness, many participants (n = 121) wrote about romantic or sexual relationships. Among these participants, themes of control, regret, and self-protection emerged in powerful narratives, whereas themes of guilt, fear of not being believed, and growth emerged in powerless narratives. Findings suggested that power and sexuality interact in a variety of social contexts, some of which extant theories of power do not predict. Future research should attempt to account for these relationships to build more comprehensive theories of power related specifically to sexual interactions.
Patent Litigation Post-SAS: Nuanced Implications of Binary IPR Institution

This Note examines the patent litigation landscape after the Supreme Court's decision in SAS Institute Inc. v. Iancu. To explore the consequences of the decision, the Note analyzes 200 Inter Partes Review decisions, district court orders on motions to stay pending IPR, and potential social and institutional ramifications of the decision. Based on this analysis, the Note also suggests pragmatic ways for practitioners to approach litigation strategy in the altered landscape.
Correlation Tensor Decomposition and Its Application in Spatial Imaging Data

Multi-dimensional tensor data has gained increasing attention in recent years, especially in biomedical imaging analyses. However, most existing tensor models are only based on the mean information...
Trailer angle estimation using radar point clouds

Abstract Algorithms for trailer control and backup need to keep track of the trailer angle, therefore, the angle needs to be determined. This work shows that the angle can be estimated using 2D point clouds collected from two automotive radars installed in the taillight fixtures of a trailer-coupled truck. The detection threshold of each radar is reduced to allow more detections of the trailer. A tracking procedure is introduced to find the trailer detections as the trailer rotates; the tracked set of detections are then compared with one or more reference sets to estimate the angle. Estimated angles are further refined with a Kalman filter to obtain smooth estimates of the angle. The algorithm is tested on 15 datasets; each dataset is obtained in an experiment in which the trailer is rotated up to about 40 ∘ in both radar directions. The estimates from all the datasets result in a global root mean squared error of about 0 . 9 ∘ for up to 10 ∘ absolute trailer rotation; about 1 . 3 ∘ for up to 20 ∘ absolute rotation; about 1 . 5 ∘ for up to 30 ∘ absolute rotation; and about 1 . 9 ∘ for all trailer angles considered. The algorithm executes in about 3 ms on a typical personal computer.
Stimulation of the antigen receptor complex leads to transcriptional activation of the c-myc gene in normal human T cells.

The expression of the cellular proto-oncogene c-myc has been implicated in growth regulation of both normal and neoplastic cells (for review see Eisenman and Thompson 1986). Quiescent lymphocytes have been shown to express low levels of both c-myc mRNA and protein (Smeland et al. 1987). Stimulation of lymphocytes with mitogens results in the rapid accumulation of c-myc mRNA to levels 10–20 times above background within 2 hours following stimulation (Kelly et al. 1983). Thereafter, c-myc mRNA and protein continue to be expressed throughout the proliferative response of mitogen-activated cells (Hann et al. 1985, Thompson et al. 1985, Rabbitts et al. 1985). The ability of mitogen-activated cells to enter S phase of the cell cycle can be blocked by anti-sense myc oligonucleotides (Heikkila et al. 1987). Constitutive expression of c-myc in murine 3T3 cells has been shown to lead to partial growth factor independence of cell proliferation (Armelin et al. 1984). Finally, agents such as γ-interferon which arrest cell proliferation in vitro are associated with downregulation of c-myc gene expression (Einat et al. 1985). Taken together, these results suggest that the c-myc proto-oncogene may encode a regulatory nuclear protein required for the proliferation of lymphoid cells.
The relative risk of overall graft loss and acute rejection among African American renal transplant recipients is attenuated with advancing age.

Schold JD, Srinivas TR, Braun WE, Shoskes DA, Nurko S, Poggio ED. The relative risk of overall graft loss and acute rejection among African American renal transplant recipients is attenuated with advancing age. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 721–730. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Graft loss rates are elevated among African American (AA) kidney transplant recipients. This may be attributable to immunological responses, socioeconomic disparities, comorbid conditions and access to care, but it is unclear whether risks are uniform in the AA population. Methods: We utilized multivariable models with the national SRTR database for adult recipients transplanted from 2000 to 2009 (n = 112 120) to investigate whether risks of graft loss, death and acute rejection between AAs and Caucasians vary with age. Results: Relative to Caucasians, AA recipients had significantly higher risk of overall graft loss among patients aged 18–49 (AHR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.30–1.43) but comparable risk among patients aged >65 (AHR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.96–1.13). Among recipients aged 18–34, AAs had higher risk of acute rejection (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.12–1.57) but similar likelihood among recipients aged >65 (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.75–1.17). Differences between race groups, as well as the relatively higher risks among younger AAs, were most pronounced following one yr post-transplantation and diminished with presence of other risk factors. Conclusions: Elevated risks of overall graft loss and acute rejection are present among younger but not older AA kidney transplant recipients. These findings may have important implications for treatment decisions, follow-up protocols and designation of “high-risk” patients.
Techniques for Improving Opportunistic Sensor Networking Performance

A number of recently proposed mobile sensor network architectures rely on uncontrolled, or weakly-controlled mobility to achieve sensing coverage over time at low cost, an opportunistic sensor networking approach. However, this reliance on mobility also introduces a number of challenges. In this paper, we discuss the challenges inherent in this networking paradigm, and describe two composable techniques, sensor sharing and substitution, to make the system more robust in terms of data fidelity and delay. We present a numerical analysis of these techniques, separately and in combination, based on a simple Markov model of an opportunistic sensor network.
Families, Schools, and Summer Learning

Abstract In this study we used spring‐to‐fall reading achievement data to measure summer gains and losses for a sample of over 300 early elementary school students from high‐poverty schools. We combined evidence from a randomized experiment of an academically intensive community‐based summer school program with parent telephone survey data regarding the characteristics of the family and the nature of the children’s summer activities. Our results suggested that parental expectations, learning activities in the home, and parental effort more generally did not explain much variation in summer achievement. Parental effort to promote regular attendance in summer school, though, did avert summer learning losses. Thus, we suggest that current theories of how family resources can promote summer learning be expanded to include parents’ use of summer school and other community‐based institutions that support their children’s healthy development.
Clinical Characteristics of New-onset Epilepsy in Patients with Down Syndrome and Dementia (P7.037)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment response in patients with Down syndrome (DS), dementia, and new-onset epilepsy. BACKGROUND: The incidence of epilepsy and Alzheimer-type dementia are increased in DS patients. Although dementia is a known risk factor for developing seizures as well, having DS with dementia and developing epilepsy is to this date poorly characterized . In addition, treatment response and medication tolerability have not been rigorously studied. DESIGN/METHODS: With IRB approval, 8 patients with a diagnosis of DS, dementia, and new onset epilepsy were identified and their electronic records were reviewed for demographics, seizure characteristics, cognitive status, and psychiatric comorbidities. RESULTS: Seven out of 8 patients carried a diagnosis of dementia before their first unprovoked seizure. Seizure onset followed the dementia diagnosis (3mos-8yrs, median 1yr). One patient had epileptic myoclonus as the first seizure semiology. In total, 4 patients had myoclonus during the course of their epilepsy. Five patients presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and 2 with focal seizures. Patients with focal and generalized seizures responded positively to treatment. Epileptic myoclonus was more difficult to control. Levetiracetam was the most commonly used initial medication. Medications were switched secondary to poor tolerability (3pts) and inadequate seizure control (2pts). Based on clinical assessment and caregiver reports, DS dementia patients had a rapid progression to significant cognitive deficits and end-stage dementia. Four patients passed away or transferred to hospice care during the follow-up (median from seizure onset 35mos). CONCLUSIONS: New onset epilepsy seems to occur early in the course of dementia in DS patients. It is unclear if epilepsy has a role in dementia progression. Treatment response was generally good except for epileptic myoclonus. Future studies are needed to study patients with DS and dementia, with and without epilepsy and investigate the interplay between Alzheimer’s dementia pathology. Disclosure: Dr. Gholipour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sarkis has nothing to disclose. Dr. El-Chemali has nothing to disclose.
Effect of disruptions on plasma-facing components

Erosion of plasma-facing components during disruptions is a limiting factor in the design of large tokamaks like ITER. During a disruption, much of the stored thermal energy of the plasma will be dumped onto divertor plates, resulting in local heat fluxes, which may exceed 100 GW/m/sup 2/ over a period of about 0.1-1.0 msec. Melted and/or vaporized material is produced which is redistributed in the divertor region. Simulation of disruption damage is summarized from code results and from experimental exposure of materials to high heat-flux plasmas in plasma guns. In the US several codes have been used to predict both melt/vaporization and heat transfer on surfaces as well as energy and momentum transport in the vapor/plasma shield produced at the surface.
Review of Non-Numerical Uses of Computers

The field of non-numerical uses of computers has become so vast that today it is only feasible to give a partial list of the most useful and interesting applications, e.g.
Ultrastructural analysis of the pathogenesis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae endometrial infection

We have studied gonococcal infection in human endometrium organ culture and in human primary endometrial epithelial cells using various microscopic techniques including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, bright field light microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Here we describe the interactions between Neisseria gonorrhoeae and human endometrial luminal epithelial cells at the ultrastructural levels. N. gonorrhoeae attached to cilia but were not observed associated with the plasma membrane of ciliated epithelial cells or internalized into ciliated epithelial cells. N. gonorrhoeae could be found in intracellular vacuoles in secretory epithelial cells. N. gonorrhoeae have diverse interactions with endometrial epithelium. These include intimate association and colocalization with asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) and CEACAM, lamellipodia and ruffle formation and colocalization with CR3, and microvillus engagement. These studies indicate that N. gonorrhoeae utilize multiple mechanisms to associate with endometrial epithelial cells and can associate with both ciliated and secretory cells. This diversity is consistent with a role of the endometrium as a transition zone between frequently asymptomatic cervical gonorrhoea and symptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease.
State feedback synthesis for on-line optimization in the presence of measurable disturbances

In this paper, state feedback laws are developed for online optimization of batch reactors in the presence of measurable disturbances. Pontryagin's minimum principle is used to derive the first order necessary conditions of optimality. Then the optimal state feedback laws are derived by eliminating the adjoint variables from the first order necessary conditions. System Lie brackets are defined to express the developed state feedback laws in a compact form. It is found that depending on the degree of singularity of manipulated input the state feedback laws are either static or dynamic. Finally, the efficacy of the online methodology is illustrated through a series reaction occurring in a semi-batch reactor where the objective is to maximize a product by manipulating batch temperature in presence of disturbance in the flow rate of the reactant.
Power dissipation in optical clock distribution network for high performance ICs

Conventional metal interconnects based clock distribution will suffer from both timing uncertainty and power dissipation problems in the future. We present the power dissipation in an optical interconnect based global clock and compare it with metal wires. The key power dissipation source for optical interconnects is the receiver. We have identified the important parameters effecting its power and quantified the power trends with these parameters. Upon studying the power scaling at future technology nodes, we have found that despite higher bandwidth requirements (higher clock frequency), it can reduce power, provided reasonably high optical power is available. We also find that optical interconnect based global clock dissipates less power compared to metal based interconnects.
Effect of airfoil and composite layer thicknesses on an aerostructural blade optimization for wind turbines

The purpose of this research is to enhance the performance of wind turbine blades by exploring the effect of adding airfoil and material layer thicknesses to the optimization design process. This is accomplished by performing an aerostructural blade optimization to minimize mass over annual energy production and thereby reduce the cost of energy. Changing airfoil thickness allows the airfoil shape to evolve as part of the optimization. The airfoil thicknesses are allowed to vary within two airfoil families, the TU-Delft and NACA 64-series, that are used in the NREL 5-MW reference turbine. Both experimental wind tunnel and computational data are used to estimate the blade's aerodynamic performance. Material layer thicknesses in the composite lamina spar cap and trailing edge panels are separated and added to the optimization. Results show a reduction of 0.8% in the full optimization as compared to the reference turbine due to an increase in energy production (+0.6%) and decrease in blade mass (−2.7%).
OBSERVATION OF LEVEL CROSSING IN H, n = 2

We have observed the crossing of the atomic hydrogen levels ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{B}(2{S}_{\frac{1}{2}}, {m}_{J}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}, {m}_{I}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2})$ and ${e}_{B}(2{P}_{\frac{1}{2}}, {m}_{J}=+\frac{1}{2}, {m}_{I}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2})$ near 605 G. A new atomic-beam method is used. H atoms are excited to the metastable $2S$ state by electron bombardment. The $2S({m}_{J}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2})$ state is quenched in the bombardment region. The $2S({m}_{J}=+\frac{1}{2})$ beam passes through a zero-field region where $\frac{1}{3}$ of it is converted to the single hyperfine level ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{B}$. The ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{B}$ atoms enter a uniform magnetic field parallel to the beam. With no externally applied electric field, 92% of them reach the detector. When we apply an electrostatic field of about 0.7 V/cm perpendicular to the beam, the ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{B}$ atoms are strongly quenched near the ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{B}\ensuremath{-}{e}_{B}$ crossing point. Observed quenching agrees with the Bethe-Lamb theory of the $2S$ lifetime in external fields. We measure magnetic field by the nuclear magnetic resonance frequency of protons in water. Natural asymmetry and minor experimental corrections reduce the observed center of the ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{B}\ensuremath{-}{e}_{B}$ quenching resonance by 1 part in ${10}^{4}$. The corrected ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{B}\ensuremath{-}{e}_{B}$ crossing occurs at 2577.57\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25 kc/sec, proton nmr in water. From this, we calculate the Lamb shift $\mathcal{S}$ in H, $n=2$. With a diamagnetic shielding correction, and the accurately known $2S$ hyperfine interval, we get $\mathcal{S}=1058.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10$ Mc/sec. This disagrees with $\mathcal{S}=1057.77\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10$ Mc/sec from the Lamb experiments.
An exploratory study of the decision processes of fast versus slow fashion consumers

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to explore the differences between fast fashion and slow fashion consumers in regards to their consumer decision process stages (i.e. purchase/consumption, post‐consumption evaluation, and divestment).Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data were collected via focus groups and personal interviews. Participants were recruited through flyers that were posted at various locations, including a college campus, select retail stores, and www.craigslist.com The sample consisted of 38 participants, 22 fast fashion and 16 slow fashion. All participants were female, 18 years of age or older, with a mean age of 21.2 years.Findings – Three groups of themes emerged. The purchase/consumption themes were buyers’ remorse avoidance, utilitarianism, hedonism, and style/self‐image congruence. The post‐consumption evaluation themes included instant satisfaction vs continued satisfaction and consumer expectation confirmation. Finally, the divestment themes consisted of divestment fre...
The Motion Analysis of Loose Material on the Horizontally Circle Vibrating Drier

This article sets up the equations of material in the horizontally circle vibrating drier. According to basic theories of hydrodynamic and vibration, which gets the operating period and time expression of the material on the single hole panel of drier. According to equations, model erected on the computer simulate operating time of the material in the random position of the drier. The imitating data can match practical ones very well.
Density of the Moon and Nucleation of Planets

THERE have been many attempts to explain the low density of the Moon and the absence, or very small size, of a heavy core; the hypotheses have been reviewed and their difficulties discussed by Urey1. There is, however, a simple possibility that has not been exploited so far. It arises from the circumstance that iron is plastic-ductile even at low temperatures, provided that it does not contain far more carbon than has been found in meteorites. If it is assumed that the planets have agglomerated from solid particles condensed from a gas atmosphere around the Sun, metallic particles would be expected to stick together when they collide because they can absorb kinetic energy, up to a limit, by plastic deformation. They can therefore unite by “cold welding” or by hot welding. Silicates, on the other hand, are brittle and break up in a collision except within a narrow temperature range near the melting point. The agglomeration of the planets should then start with metallic particles. An additional factor may be that the heavy metals are the first components to condense from a gas cloud2.
The exchange of phospholipids between plasma lipoproteins and rapidly dividing human cells grown in tissue culture.

1. 1. We studied the synthesis and extracellular release of phospholipids by human prostatic epithelial cells (strain MA 160) grown m culture. 2. 2. Labeled lecithin, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine were released from the cells into their growth medium. This release was significantly greater in the presence of either low or high density lipoproteins than with medium containing albumin. 3. 3. The results indicate that when the growth medium contained lipoproteins two processes, mass transfer of phospholipids from the cells to the medium and exchange ofphospholipids in the cells' plasma membranes with those of the surrounding lipoproteins, occur concurrently. 4. 4. Lecithin and sphingomyelin both exchange in vitro between a purified plasma membrane fraction from squirrel monkey liver and unlabeled low or high density lipoproteins from the same species. The addition of a soluble protein fraction from liver stimulates lecithin exchange by about 1-fold.
Functional Consequences of Hypertrophic and Dilated Cardiomyopathy-causing Mutations in α-Tropomyosin *

To study the functional consequences of various cardiomyopathic mutations in human cardiac α-tropomyosin (Tm), a method of depletion/reconstitution of native Tm and troponin (Tn) complex (Tm-Tn) in cardiac myofibril preparations has been developed. The endogenous Tm-Tn complex was selectively removed from myofibrils and replaced with recombinant wild-type or mutant proteins. Successful depletion and reconstitution steps were verified by SDS-gel electrophoresis and by the loss and regain of Ca2+-dependent regulation of ATPase activity. Five Tm mutations were chosen for this study: the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) mutations E62Q, E180G, and L185R and the dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) mutations E40K and E54K. Through the use of this new depletion/reconstitution method, the functional consequences of these mutations were determined utilizing myofibrillar ATPase measurements. The results of our studies showed that 1) depletion of >80% of Tm-Tn from myofibrils resulted in a complete loss of the Ca2+-regulated ATPase activity and a significant loss in the maximal ATPase activity, 2) reconstitution of exogenous wild-type Tm-Tn resulted in complete regain in the calcium regulation and in the maximal ATPase activity, and 3) all HCM-associated Tm mutations increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of ATPase activity and all had decreased abilities to inhibit ATPase activity. In contrast, the DCM-associated mutations both decreased the Ca2+ sensitivity of ATPase activity and had no effect on the inhibition of ATPase activity. These findings have demonstrated that the mutations which cause HCM and DCM disrupt discrete mechanisms, which may culminate in the distinct cardiomyopathic phenotypes.
Canine awake head-out plethysmography (HOP): characterization of external resistive loading and spontaneous laryngeal paralysis.

Abstract We applied a novel head-out plethysmographic (HOP) method to study awake canine responses to external resistive loading and natural laryngeal paralysis. Measurements of inspiratory and expiratory specific airway resistance (sRaw insp , sRaw exp ) were obtained before and after uni- and bidirectional loading (R add = 5 cmH 2 O/L/s) in large-breed dogs (n = 9). Mean sRaw insp after inspiratory, and sRaw exp after expiratory loading were 31.4 and 33.3 cmH 2 O s, respectively. Bidirectional loads induced a significantly greater rise in both sRaw insp and sRaw exp (55.1 and 61.3 cmH 2 O s) compared to unidirectional loading ( P aw of dogs was 4.81 cmH 2 O/L/s. Expiratory loading resulted in a significant 8.8% increase in functional-residual-capacity (FRC), compared to FRC baseline (76.7 ml/kg). Dogs (n = 5) with laryngeal paralysis demonstrated a significant increase in sR aw and R aw compared to controls without changes in FRC. In conclusion, HOP precisely characterized sR aw in response to external resistive loading. Hence, we could accurately quantify airway obstruction in awake dogs with laryngeal paralysis.
Regulation of melanin synthesis in mammalian cells, as studied by somatic hybridization. I. Evidence for negative control.

Somatic hybrids between pigmented Syrian hamster cells and unpigmented mouse cells were isolated and propagated in vitro. These hybrids are unpigmented and lack dopa oxidase (and tyrosinase) activity, which is correlated with the pigmentation of the Syrian hamster cells. In contrast, the presence of three other enzymes (LDH, MDH, and thymidine kinase) also specified by the hamster genome but unrelated to pigment synthesis is observed in the hybrid cells. This suggests that the repression of dopa oxidase in these cells is a specific effect on the enzyme associated with the differentiated state of pigment cells. It is concluded that the genetic control of differentiation in this case involves a diffusible regulator substance which functions negatively.
Futility of high-precision SO(10) calculations.

In grand unified models, there are a large number of scalar bosons with masses of the order of the unification scale. Since the masses could be an order of magnitude or so above or below the vectorboson masses, they will affect the beta functions and thus low-energy predictions; the lack of knowledge of the masses translates into an uncertainty in these predictions. Although the effect is very small for a single scalar field, SO(10) models have hundreds of such fields, leading to very large uncertainties. We analyze this effect in SO(10) models with intermediate scales, and show that all such models have an additional uncertainty which can be as large as 4 orders of magnitude in the proton lifetime and as large as a factor of 0.02 in ${{sin}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}}_{w}$. In models with 210-dimensional representations, the weak mixing angle is uncertain by as much as 0.06. As a result, we argue that precise calculations in SO(10) models with intermediate scales may not be possible.
A University-Wide Responsibility: Civic Engagement and the Presidential Election

Classroom simulations are an effective way to teach university students lessons of governmental processes and civic responsibility, but they can only reach the students in that particular class. For universities that want to address civic education across the campus, how can they take the concept of a classroom simulation, yet implement it at a campus-wide level? This paper addresses the successful implementation of a campus-wide mock presidential election in the fall semester of 2007, and includes a discussion of how civic education can be the responsibility of faculty from disparate disciplines.
SU‐GG‐T‐490: Estimation of Boost Dose Required to Compensate for High FDG Uptake in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Although high FDG regions are recognized as a possible target for boost dose escalation, there is no clear basis for selecting the boost dose. Based on available published data, we make an estimate of the range of extra dose required to equalize local control between FDG‐avid and non‐avid tumors.Method and Materials: A literature review was performed for radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in which RT‐only outcomes were compared for high and low FDG uptake groups. Among nine relevant trials, only three provided adequate data for analysis. Either local control or disease free survival were used to estimate Tumor Control Probability (TCP). A logistic TCP model was used. Values of TD50 were found for each group with three different γ50 values (γ50=1, 2 or 4), with 2 thought to most likely represent clinical reality. The dose required for the high SUVmax group to achieve the same level of TCP can be directly calculated from the ratio for any TCP level, since the slope was assumed to be the same for both groups. The ratio of TD50's for high SUVmax group and low SUVmax group (TD50,high/TD50,low) was calculated. Results: Estimated TD50,high/TD50,low ratios were found to be in the range of 1.11∼2.06, with decreasing values as the presumed value of γ50 increased up to 4. With γ50=2, the derived ratios of (TD50,high/TD50,low) were 1.22, 1,23, and 1.44. Conclusion: The boost dose mostly likely required to compensate for radioresistant FDG‐avid tumors is estimated to be 84–98 Gy, assuming a non‐boost dose of 70 Gy, although values between 77 Gy and 140 Gy cannot be ruled out. These estimates provide a rational starting point for clinical trials to test the usefulness of IMRT boots FDG‐avid tumors. Supported by a grant from TomoTherapy, Inc.
Use of androgen deprivation therapy for metastatic prostate cancer in older men

Purpose—Uncertainty exists about the ideal timing for initiation of androgen deprivation therapy for men with metastatic prostate cancer. We assessed factors associated with early or delayed androgen deprivation therapy among men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer and assessed the relationship between this therapy and overall survival. Patients and methods—We studied a population-based cohort of American men aged ≥66 years diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer during 1992–2002 and followed through 2003. We assessed receipt of androgen deprivation therapy early (within 4 months of diagnosis), delayed (after 4 months), or not at all, used multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with treatment, and used Cox proportional hazards models to assess whether treatment was associated with survival. Results—Overall, 69.5% of men received early hormonal therapy and 7.3% delayed. Adjusted rates of early therapy were lower for black vs. white men (58.3% vs. 71.0%) and adjusted rates of delayed use were higher for black vs. white men (12.7% vs. 6.2%). Receipt of androgen deprivation therapy was associated with improved survival (adjusted HR=.69 95% CI .66–.73). The benefit for early treatment did not differ from delayed treatment (P=.58) Conclusions—A large minority of men with metastatic prostate cancer, particularly black men, receive delayed or no hormonal therapy. Receipt of early or delayed hormonal therapy was associated with similarly prolonged survival. After controlling for patient and tumor characteristics, survival did not differ by race, and receipt of hormonal therapy did not contribute to racial differences in survival.
Getting the most out of a small computer

When a lengthy procurement results in a computer too small for the growing needs of the organization, a restrictive set of controls is necessary to "stretch" the available resource until a new procurement cycle can remedy the shortfall. This article discusses the development of such controls, their effect on computer usage and their positive as well as negative impact on the organization.
Signal transduction and transforming properties of the TEL–TRKC fusions associated with t(12;15)(p13;q25) in congenital fibrosarcoma and acute myelogenous leukemia

The TEL–TRKC fusion is expressed as a consequence of t(12;15)(p13;q25), and is associated with two human cancers: congenital fibrosarcoma and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). We report that the T/T(F) and T/T(L) fusion variants associated with congenital fibrosarcoma and AML, respectively, are constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated, and confer factor-independent growth to the murine hematopoietic cell line Ba/F3. Retroviral transduction of T/T(L) causes a rapidly fatal myeloproliferative disease in a murine bone marrow transplant (BMT) model, whereas T/T(F) causes a long-latency, pre-B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. TEL–TRKC variants are potent activators of the MAP kinase pathway, but neither variant activates Stat5 or other Stat family members. T/T(L), but not T/T(F), induces tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ), phosphoinositol-3 kinase and SHC. However, mutation analysis demonstrates that PLCγ tyrosine phos phorylation by T/T(L) is dispensable for induction of the myeloproliferative phenotype by T/T(L). Collectively, these data demonstrate that the TEL–TRKC fusion variants are oncoproteins that activate the MAP kinase pathway, and do not require activation of either PLCγ or Stat5 for efficient induction of a myeloproliferative phenotype in the murine BMT model.
Out Front with Stephen Abram: A Guide for Information Leaders

Tap into the insights of one of the world's leading library visionaries. Stephen Abram has the knack for seeing and expressing the obvious long before most people become aware of the issue. Although he's one of the most prolific writers and speakers in the industry, this is the first time his writings are being collected in one volume. Addressing the many audiences within the library profession - public, school, and special libraries, vendors, corporate librarians, and technology specialists - Abram offers a clear-sighted overview of the complexities of the information landscape in the 21st century. To organize the multitude of his writings and audiences, articles are collected under four key themes of Advocacy, Technology, Communities and Generations, and The Future. Complete with extensive bibliography of Abram's works and recommended reading list, this paradigm-shifting volume gives perspective on the future of the library profession, challenges preconceptions, and helps librarians stay ahead of the learning curve.
Minority Voices and Citizen Attitudes about Government Responsiveness in the American States: Do Social and Institutional Context Matter?

Previous research has shown that institutional factors, particularly ‘direct democracy’, along with racial context, shape policy outcomes in the fifty American states. But less is understood about the impact of such factors on attitudes towards government of racial and ethnic minorities. The passage of ballot initiatives targeting minority interests might be expected to have a negative effect on these groups. This study considers the impact of institutional and social context on attitudes about government responsiveness (external efficacy), drawing on pooled NES survey data from 1988–98 merged with state level data. Consistent with previous research, which was based on a single year, there is strong evidence that citizens in states with frequent exposure to direct democracy are more likely to perceive that government is responsive to their needs. At the same time, direct democracy did not have the hypothesized detrimental impact on racial and ethnic group attitudes towards government in general. State racial context also did not have a measurable impact on individual-level attitudes. Regardless of state environmental contexts, however, racial and ethnic minorities (with the exception of Latinos) reported less confidence in government than whites. The findings have broader implications, particularly given the growing racial and ethnic diversity and the ongoing politics of democratic inclusion in America.
The dependence of electrical transport pathways in Malpighian tubules on ATP

SUMMARY The relationship between the intracellular ATP concentration [ATP]i and the electrical properties of principal cells was investigated in Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Under control conditions, [ATP]i was 0.91 mmol l-1, the input resistance of the principal cell (Rpc) was 334.1 kΩ, and the basolateral membrane was marked by a large K+-conductance and a membrane voltage (Vbl) of -75.8 mV. Peritubular cyanide (CN, 0.3 mmol l-1) reduced [ATP]i to 0.08 mmol l-1 in less than 2 min; however, Vbl dropped to -8 mV and Rpc increased to 3150.8 kΩ in 8 min, while the K+-conductance of the basolateral membrane disappeared. Upon washout of CN, Vbl and Rpc returned to control values within 2 min, and the basolateral membrane recovered its K+-conductance. The recovery of normal [ATP]i took 15 min. Dose-dependence and EC50 values for the CN-inhibition of Vbl and the increase in Rpc were strikingly similar (184.0 μmol l-1 and 164.4 μmol l-1). Similar effects of metabolic inhibition were observed with dinitrophenol (DNP), but the EC50 values were 50.3 μmol l-1 and 71.7 μmol l-1 for the effects on Vbl and Rpc, respectively. Barium, a blocker of K+-channels, significantly hyperpolarized Vbl to -89.1 mV and increased Rpc to 769.4 kΩ under control conditions, but had no effects during metabolic inhibition. These results illustrate a temporal relationship between [ATP]i and electrogenic and conductive transport pathways in principal cells that is consistent with the role of ATP as an integrator of transport steps at apical and basolateral membranes of the cell. When [ATP]i drops to levels that are 10% of control, the V-type H+-ATPase is inhibited, preventing the extrusion of K+ to the tubule lumen. At the same time, basolateral membrane K+-channels close, preventing the entry of K+ from the hemolymph. Intracellular K+ homeostasis is thus protected during metabolic inhibition, allowing the cell to re-establish K+ transport when ATP is synthesized again.
Membership Benefits or Selection Effects? Why Former Communist Party Members Do Better in Post-Soviet Russia☆

Abstract The Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) served as an important social stratification mechanism. With the collapse of the Soviet state and the transition from state socialism in Russia, the institutional basis for former CPSU members' advantages disappeared. Thus, if former members still enjoy higher earnings than nonmembers, their advantages must stem from their superior human capital, social capital, or the unmeasured attributes that helped them join the Party in the first place. Using the Russian component of the multinational survey, “Social Stratification in Eastern Europe after 1989: General Population Survey,” I model the effects of Party membership on the personal incomes of Russian adults in summer 1993, 1.5 years after the Soviet collapse. OLS regressions indicate that former Party members enjoy an income advantage after the collapse of Communism, net of other variables. Endogenous switching regressions reveal that this advantage stems entirely from selection into the Party on the basis of unobserved variables. Net of the selection effect, there is no residual return to Party membership. The findings imply that institutional change in formerly Communist systems does not fully account for who gets ahead: some individuals can adapt to changed institutional contexts so as to preserve their advantages.
A method of constant stimuli for examining heartbeat detection: Comparison with the Brener-Kluvitse and Whitehead methods

A method of constant stimuli (MCS) for measuring heartbeat detection was examined by comparing performance on this method with the Brener and Kluvitse (BK) method and a variant of the Whitehead (WH') method. All methods required subjects to judge the simultaneity of heartbeat sensations and tones, and each yielded measures of judgment precision and of the temporal location of heartbeat sensations relative to the electrocardiogram R-wave. Both measures were found to be significantly correlated across tasks. A greater proportion of subjects met criteria for classification as heartbeat detectors on the MCS (54%) and BK (50%) tasks than on the WH' task (33%). In the MCS and BK tasks, subjects judged tones presented 100-300 ms after the R-wave to be most simultaneous with heartbeat sensations. Intratask correlations showed that only the MCS procedure yielded stable measurements of both judgment precision and temporal location. The MCS procedure possesses commendable psychometric properties and provides a simpler means than the BK procedure of examining heartbeat detection.