cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parity is associated with axillary nodal involvement in operable breast cancer

Introduction. Although multiparous women have a decreased incidence of breast cancer, several series have observed that multiparous women have a higher risk of axillary nodal metastases and diminished survival. Methods. To study this hypothesis in greater detail, this study analyzed data from 223 consecutive women with clinically operable (T1-3, N0-1, M0) breast cancer, all of whom had undergone axillary node dissection (AND) by one surgeon (83 mastectomy/AND, 140 lumpectomy/AND). The number of pregnancies and other hormonally related factors were recorded. Results were compared to pathologic data (node status, tumor size, estrogen and progesterone receptors). Results. Seventy-eight patients (35.0%) had positive axillary nodes. Increasing parity was associated with an increased likelihood of positive nodes (Odds ratio 1.22 (95% CI: 1.04–1.42), p = 0.012) as was increasing tumor size (Odds ratio 1.31 (1.07–1.59), p = 0.007). The effect of parity was independent of tumor size, age, or hormone receptors. Conclusions. In this series, which includes only operatively staged patients, increasing parity is associated with nodal positivity. This effect is of a magnitude similar to that of increasing tumor size, and confirms observations from other studies. Information regarding parity may be useful for prognostic purposes, as well as providing insights into basic breast cancer biology.
Catheter ablation of postinfarction ventricular tachycardia: Ten-year trends in utilization, in-hospital complications, and in-hospital mortality in the United States

Background There is a paucity of data regarding the complications and in-hospital mortality after catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with ischemic heart disease. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the temporal trends in utilization, in-hospital mortality, and complications of catheter ablation of postinfarction VT in the United States. Methods We used the 2002–2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify all patients ≥18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of VT ( International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 427.1) and who also had a secondary diagnosis of prior history of myocardial infarction (ICD-9-CM 412). Patients with supraventricular arrhythmias were excluded. Patients who underwent catheter ablation were identified using ICD-9-CM procedure code 37.34. Temporal trends in catheter ablation, in-hospital complications, and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Results Of 81,539 patients with postinfarct VT, 4653 (5.7%) underwent catheter ablation. Utilization of catheter ablation increased significantly from 2.8% in 2002 to 10.8% in 2011 ( P trend P trend = .101; adjusted odds ratio [per year] 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.98–1.06) or in-hospital mortality (1.3% to 1.8%, P trend = .266; adjusted odds ratio [per year] 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.92–1.15). Conclusion The utilization rate of catheter ablation as therapy for postinfarct VT has steadily increased over the past decade. However, procedural complication rates and in-hospital mortality have not changed significantly during this period.
Intraoral blue (Jadassohn-Tieche) nevus.

Abstract Blue nevus of the oral mucosa is a distinctly uncommon clinical entity. Careful review of the literature yielded thirty-one previously reported cases. The present article reports the occurrence of a blue nevus of the hard palate in a 58-year-old man. It is of interest since it is the smallest (1 by 1 mm.) intraoral blue nevus to be reported. A clinicopathologic study of the previous thirty-one cases and of our case suggests that this lesion has no age or sex predilection. The most common site of occurrence was the hard palate. There appears to be no tendency toward recurrence. A brief review of the historical background, clinical features, theories of possible origin, and differential diagnosis is presented. Excisional biopsy of localized areas of oral pigmentation, together with histopathologic study, is indicated to rule out melanoma.
Reply to the letter by Ben F. Bulten et al. regarding “Interobserver Variability of Heart-to-Mediastinum Ratio in I-123 MIBG Sympathetic Imaging”

We appreciate the favorable remarks by Dr. Bulten et al. regarding our article and proposed approaches for drawing region of interest (ROI) when computing heart-tomediastinal ratio (H/M ratio) in MIBG cardiac sympathetic imaging [1, 2]. The authors applied two of our proposed approaches (the “whole heart ROI” and the “small anterior wall ROI”) in 30 pediatric patients at their own institution, and verified that the use of both ROI definition methods in children provided an almost perfect interobserver agreement concerning H/M ratio. In addition, they found very high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for both methods, although the “whole heart ROI” approach was better, and the within-patient ICC ratio was 0.865. We concur with the suggestion that before selecting an approach for determining H/M ratio in MIBG sympathetic imaging, it is important to consider the patient population studied. In pediatric patients, for example, in view of their relatively small heart size, the “whole heart ROI” is the preferred method. On the other hand, in adult patients with heart failure and dilated left ventricular cavity, the “whole heart ROI” method may underestimate the H/M ratio due to the relatively high negative contribution of the myocardial cavity [1]. In the future, standardization of ROI placement methods should be an integral component of procedure guidelines for both adult and pediatric populations. Thank you, Wengen Chen, MD, PhD, Qi Cao, MD, PhD, and Vasken Dilsizian, MD
Modeling p-channel SiGe MOSFETs by taking into account the band-structure and the size quantization effects self-consistently

The purpose of this work is to develop new approach to modeling p-channel devices using a 2D Monte Carlo transport kernel that is coupled self-consistently to a 2D Poisson equation solver and to a six-band k.p band-structure module. The need for full band solvers for hole transport is especially true in case of surface channel strained Si and buried channel strained SiGe p-MOSFETs investigated here. We have paid special attention on properly implementing and investigating the role of interface-roughness on the operation of these device structures.
Chromatographic stability of glucose-silica.

Glucose-silica was prepared and packed into five 100 x 4.6 mm I.D. columns. These columns were tested initially with selected protein mixtures. Each of the columns was stored in one combination of buffer (100 mM sodium sulfate, 20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8), temperature (4 or 20 degrees C), methanol and sodium azide. After a year, we found that storing glucose-silica columns in the buffer containing sodium azide or methanol at 4 degrees C was necessary to prolong stability in storage. However, glucose-silica also exhibited some dynamic instability.
A new class of mutations altering the response of the ribosome to streptomycin

Mutants were isolated from high-level streptomycin dependent strains of Escherichia coli B, which do not spontaneously revert to antibiotic independence. In these mutants the requirement for streptomycin was much reduced, but not abolished. The relieving of the antibiotic dependence was caused by qui (for quasi-independent) mutations. These were analogous to the ramA (rpsD) mutations which relieve the streptomycin requirement of other classes of streptomycin dependent mutants, but strains harboring qui mutations exhibited novel streptomycin phenotypes in conjunction with all rpsL (strA) alleles. RamA mutations increase ribosomal misreading; qui mutations either did not significantly alter misreading, or else reduced it.
Retinoid signaling regulates primitive (yolk sac) hematopoiesis.

It is known from nutritional studies that vitamin A is an important factor for normal hematopoiesis, though it has been difficult to define its precise role. The vitamin A–deficient (VAD) quail embryo provides an effective ligand “knockout” model for investigating the function of retinoids during development. The VAD embryo develops with a significant reduction in erythroid cells, which has not been noted previously. Activation of the primitive erythroid program and early expression of the erythroid marker GATA-1 occurs, though GATA-1 levels eventually decline, consistent with the erythropoietic and hemoglobin deficits. However, from its early stages, the GATA-2 gene fails to be expressed normally in VAD embryos. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)–signaling pathway regulates GATA-2, and BMP4 expression becomes reduced in the caudal embryonic region of VAD embryos. Adding BMP4 to cultured VAD-derived explants rescues the production of erythroid cells, whereas normal embryos cultured in the presence of the BMP antagonist noggin are defective in primitive hematopoiesis. We find that cell clusters of primitive blood islands undergo an inappropriate program of apoptosis in the VAD embryo, which can explain the deficit in differentiated primitive blood cells. We propose that vitamin A–derived retinoids are required for normal yolk sac hematopoiesis and that an embryonic retinoid–BMP–GATA-2 signaling pathway controls progenitor cell survival relevant to primitive hematopoiesis.
Review: Custom-made foot orthoses are effective for some types of foot pain

Source Citation Hawke F, Burns J, Radford JA, du Toit V. Custom-made foot orthoses for the treatment of foot pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD006801. 18646168
Hedgehog Signaling: An Arrestin Connection?

Arrestins are best known for terminating signaling by G protein coupled receptors. New binding, localization and genetic studies suggest that Arrestins may also participate in the transduction of Hedgehog signals by the seven transmembrane domain protein, Smoothened.
From High School to College

To what extent does the ease or difficulty experienced in high school subjects influence college freshmen in making their vocational plans? The answer is suggested in this study which provides significant data on the vocational significance of the academic adjustment of the high school student.
LONG-TERM IONIC INCREASES FROM A CENTRAL APPALACHIAN FORESTED WATERSHED

The electrical conductivity of stream water draining from an unmanaged and undisturbed control watershed has been increasing rather steadily, about 0.03 mS m-1 yr-1, since 1971. During this period, NO–3 and Ca2+ concentrations increased and were shown to mathematically account for the ionic contribution to conductivity; therefore, they are believed to be primarily responsible for the increase. However, the percentage of conductivity explained by the two ions was different over time. The percentage of conductivity attributable to NO–3 increased in a pattern very similar to concentration. In contrast, the percentage of conductivity attributable to Ca2+ decreased slightly over time. The Ca2+ is believed to be pairing with the NO–3 as the NO–3 ions leach through the soil. While nitrification in mature stands can be strongly inhibited, limited nitrification , especially in forest gaps, and high anthropogenic inputs of NO–3 probably were primary sources of the leached NO–3. Preferential adsorption of SO 2-4, rather than NO–3, on soil colloids is given as an explanation for the lack of retention of NO–3 in the soil system and subsequent leaching to the stream.
Direct Interaction between Mammalian DNA Polymerase β and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

Abstract Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays an essential role in nucleic acid metabolism as a component of the DNA replication and DNA repair machinery. As such, PCNA interacts with many proteins that have a sequence motif termed the PCNAinteracting motif (PIM) and also with proteins lacking a PIM. Three regions in human and rat DNA polymerases β (β-pol) that resemble the consensus PIM were identified, and we show here that β-polymerase and PCNA can form a complex both in vitro and in vivo. Immunoprecipitation experiments, yeast two-hybrid analysis, and overlay binding assays were used to examine the interaction between the two proteins. Competition experiments with synthetic PIM-containing peptides suggested the importance of a PIM in the interaction, and studies of a β-polymerase PIM mutant, H222A/F223A, demonstrated that this alteration blocked the interaction with PCNA. The results indicate that at least one of the PIM-like sequences in β-polymerase appears to be a functional PIM and was required in the interaction between β-polymerase and PCNA.
Chromatin extrusion and DNA transfer during microsporogenesis

1. Tapetal extrusion does not occur as a regular process under normal conditions. Autoradiographic experiments of other workers using P32 were repeated with H3-cytidine as a label for nucleic acid pyrimidines. There is no evidence for transfer of DNA from the tapetum to the microsporocytes during the early first prophase stages of meiosis. The typical chromatin globules associated with the microsporocytes are extruded from them. 2. The frequency of extruding microsporocytes in intact anthers of Lilium longiflorum rises rapidly following leptotene to a maximum at the end of zygotene, then drops abruptly during pachytene. The number of such cells is extremely variable between different locules of the same anther and the lateral distribution in the locule is often non-random. 3. Extrusion in intact anthers of L. longiflorum does not result in degeneration. The frequency of pycnotic cells is very low during first prophase and varies in parallel with the frequency of extruding cells, rather than increasing as the latter decreases. There is no evidence that the total number of microsporocytes changes. In Allium cepa, degenerating locules contain extruding microsporocytes. However, these are clearly distinguishable from those in normal locules, and do not occur together with cells which can be interpreted as transitional types. They do not replace the extruding cells in normal locules at post-zygotene stages. 4. Wounding regularly increases the frequency of extrusion at the same stages during which it occurs in intact anthers. If the material is fixed immediately after injury the effect is localized, and the extruding microsporocytes are morphologically and cytochemically the same as those in intact anthers. Otherwise the cells rapidly degenerate. 5. Different fixatives can be separated according to their effects on extrusion in intact anthers of A. cepa. Extruding cells are present after fixation with acid-alcohol, formaldehyde, or osmium, but those typical to normal locules do not occur after formaldehyde or osmium. Acid alcohol fixation can probably increase the frequency of extrusion in intact anthers of L. longiflorum, but experiments will have to be refined before this can be demonstrated adequately. 6. Alternative explanations for extrusion are discussed in relation to the present findings. The results may be explained in two ways: either extruding cells occur normally and recover, or they appear strictly as artifacts of handling and fixation. The latter explanation is preferred. Particular types of handling injury have been shown to reproduce some characteristics of extrusion noted in the literature. Fixation effects are considered to at least partially account for extrusion in intact anthers.
Identifying predictive values and correlations with caries using cutoff points (various pH levels) in the Cariostat caries activity test.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Using a caries activity test to predict caries risk in early childhood. Nishimura M, Oda T, Kariya N, Matsumura S, Shimono T. J Am Dent Assoc 2008;139(1):63-71. Reviewer Norman Tinanoff, DDS, MS Purpose/Question This study examined the pH cutoff points of the Cariostat in a population of 18-month-olds to 3.5-year-olds. Source of Funding None Type of Study/Design Cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence
Effect of interactions between impurities on the occurrence of localized magnetic impurity states

Abstract The model of two Anderson-type impurities is used to study the effect of interactions between impurities on the occurrence of localized magnetic states within an approximation due to Roth. Numerical results are presented for the infinite U limit.
A Far-Ultraviolet Spectrum of the Puppis A Supernova Remnant Using the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope

We report the first successful far-ultraviolet spectroscopic observation of a filament in the Puppis A supernova remnant. We observed a position on the eastern side of the remnant near the brightest X-ray region using the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope during the Astro-2 space shuttle mission in 1995 March. The spectrum covers the 820-1840 A spectral range with ~3 A resolution and shows numerous lines of C, N, O, Ne, He, and possibly Si. Comparison of this spectrum to solar abundance shock models indicates a shock velocity of approximately 160-180 km s-1. A slight overabundance of N is possible for this position, consistent with a shocked interstellar medium picture for the observed filament. This is at odds with the much larger overabundance of N indicated by optical data from other regions of the outer shell in Puppis A. Comparison with optical CCD images obtained at Las Campanas Observatory and with Einstein HRI data indicates that the region observed corresponds to a very recent encounter between the blast wave and an interstellar cloud. The interaction of the shock wave with this cloud is responsible for the bright X-ray emission in this region.
Activation of α1-adrenoceptors increases [3H]inositol metabolism in rat vas deferens and caudal artery

Abstract Rings of rat vas deferens and caudal artery were incubated with [ 3 H]inositol in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing 10 mM lithium chloride, and the production of water-soluble [ 3 H]inositol phosphates was monitored. Norepinephrine increased [ 3 H]inositol phosphate accumulation 7-fold in rings from vas deferens and 3-fold in rings from caudal artery. Epinephrine, phenylephrine and methoxamine were as effective as norepinephrine, suggesting that these drugs are full agonists in causing this response. Prazosin, phentolamine and yohimbine completelu blocked the stimulation by norepinephrine in both tissues with potencies typical of blockade of α 1 -adrenoceptors. Despite a substantial receptor reserve for α 1 -adrenoceptor mediated contractile responses, clonidine, p-amino-clonidine, phenyl-propanolamine and ephedrine can only cause a partial contractile response in rat vas deferens. However, all of these partial agonists were either as effective or more effective in increasing [ 3 H]inositol phosphate accumulation in rat vas deferens as they were in activating a contractile response. These data suggest that α 1 -adrenoceptors increase phosphatidylinositol turnover in rat vas deferens and caudal artery, and that there may be a receptor reserve for α 1 -adrenoceptor mediated increases in [ 3 H]inositol phosphate accumulation in these smooth muscles.
Clipping of a cerebral aneurysm in a patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome: case report.

Background and importance his is the first case report of clipping a cerebral aneurysm in a patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS). LDS is a newly described autosomal dominant connective tissue disease with systemic vascular involvement. Unique to this syndrome is the development of aneurysms at a young age with the propensity of dissection or rupture at a stage that is earlier than when surgical intervention is typically indicated. We describe the nuances in intraoperative and postoperative management. Clinical presentation A 31-year-old woman who recently received a diagnosis of with LDS type II presented to neurosurgical attention for management of an unruptured right ophthalmic artery aneurysm. The patient underwent a right pterional craniotomy for clipping of the aneurysm, with lumbar drain placement before the procedure. Papaverine had to be used several times to counteract vasospasm of the vessels during arachnoid dissection. Because of vascular reactivity, temporary clipping was not used, and the aneurysm was clipped successfully. Conclusion LDS is a newly described disorder that warrants awareness in the neurosurgical community because of its association with intracerebral aneurysms as well as craniosynostosis (19%), scoliosis (20%), cervical spine instability (7%), hydrocephalus, and Arnold-Chiari malformation. When clipping aneurysms in these patients, the surgeon should be aware of the potential for severe vascular reactivity during dissection and avoid temporary clipping when possible. Avoidance of lumbar drainage intraoperatively reduces the risk of intracranial hypotension after removal.
Dislocation enhanced selective dissolution: an examination of mechanical aspects using deformation-mechanism maps

Abstract Analysis of dislocation configuration energetics reveals that free dislocations are responsible for the greatest strain energy per unit volume. Further interpretation suggests that pile-ups of free dislocations, called the dislocation enhanced selective dissolution (DESD) microstructure, have the greatest potential for selective dissolution. These mechanical arguments are identical for phase transformations activated by dislocation strain. The DESD microstructure is characteristic of low dislocation mobility and need not produce macroscopic evidence of strain. Therefore a DESD field is proposed for relatively low homologous temperature and shear stress on a deformation mechanism map. An exploration of the effects of solution-transfer deformation in a polymineralic assemblage via dislocation mechanism maps suggests that DESD has the potential to produce more anisotropic textures than pressure solution.
Effects of perennial semi-arid bunchgrass spatial patterns on performance of the invasive annual cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.)

Plant spatial patterns critically influence community dynamics, including plant interactions, resource distribution, and community invasibility. Research suggests that resistance of western US plant communities to further invasion by the exotic annual grass Bromus tectorum may be linked to the positions of, and spacing between, perennial plants. In particular, gaps between aggregated clusters of perennial plants may facilitate B. tectorum invasion by providing safe sites for seed germination and establishment. We tested the effects of random, regular, and aggregated bunchgrass patterns, manipulated at both community (plot) and neighborhood scales, on B. tectorum biomass and spikelet production after experimental seed addition. We found strong evidence of treatment effects on both biomass and spikelets, which varied between treatments by approximately 2.5-fold. Mean biomass and spikelet counts were lowest in plots in which bunchgrasses were aggregated at both community and neighborhood scales, likely due to the increased competition. Although not statistically distinguishable from most other treatments, B. tectorum biomass and spikelet counts were highest in plots with bunchgrass patterns that were random at the community scale and aggregated at the neighborhood scale. These plots were characterized by relatively large gaps between bunchgrass clusters, suggesting that B. tectorum may exploit gaps between aggregated perennial plants. Our results support the emerging hypothesis that community resistance to B. tectorum invasion could be increased through manipulation of perennial vegetation to reduce basal gap size and connectivity.
A data model for design knowledge

Abstract A likely system architecture for future information integration within the building industry will be an integrated backend database. The effective representation of design knowledge is one key element in this strategy. Another is support formodular evolution and change of the database structure as a design evolves. The Engineering Data Model (EDM) provides a strong foundation for defining the semantics of building design information and for suppoting extensibility. Here, we give an overview of the EDM research. We present our view of modularity and the integration of knowledge in a computerized design environment.
MHD Channel Electrical Boundary-Layer Theory and Applications

Analytical methods are developed for calculating the potential and currents near boundary singularities caused by electrode edges or abrupt drops in conductivity or in the induction field. A three-dimensional control volume (finite-difference) model which applies the analysis for solving the magnetohydrodynamic electrical problem in oblique coordinates has been developed. The model accounts for the near-wall singular behavior accurately and can be used with relatively sparse grids to study channels with diagonal sidewall conductors. Analyses based on the model indicate that, for practical generator design where the electrode pitc is on the order of from 1 to 5 cm and the wall temperature less than 2100 K, the performance of diagonal conducting wall channels is always superior to that of channels with insulating sidewalls, although the performance of insulating sidewall channel is better at higher wall temperatures. Sidewall electrode extensions up to a wraparound of about 20% of the channel height are shown to cause an increase in power output. The power output of diagonally connected channels remains approximately the same for more than 20% wraparound, whereas the power output of Faraday channels drops off with further extensions of the sidewall conductors.
Carotid artery calcification in the black population: a retrospective study on panoramic radiographs.

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcification on panoramic radiographs in the Black population. METHODS Panoramic radiographs of 700 adult male and female Black dental outpatients from the Medical Center of Louisiana Charity Hospital were examined for any unusual radiopacity adjacent to or just below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4. RESULTS Three (0.43%) of the 700 patients, with ages ranging from 46 - 77-years-old, had one or more unusual radiopacities in the region of interest. All three were female. CONCLUSION It is uncommon to find radiopacities adjacent to or just below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4 in the general Black population.
Substructuring and modal synthesis for damped systems

Abstract A new approach to complex mode synthesis for damped systems is presented. The technique involves using two successive transformations of the equations written in first order, state space form. The transformations are applied to each subsystem, with consecutive use being made of free interface undamped modes in the existing physical co-ordinates followed by fixed interface damped modes in the generalized co-ordinates. The system eigenvalues are obtained by the QR method in the EISPACK matrix programs. An advantage of the technique is that it can be applied to systems or subsystems possessing rigid body motion. The new method compares very well in accuracy and applicability with other existing methods.
Evaluation of a Job-Finding Club for TANF Recipients: Psychosocial Impacts

Objective: The impacts of a job-finding club for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients required to work were investigated. Dependent measures included welfare recipients’ self-esteem, assertive job-hunting behavior, and perceived barriers to employment. Method: Pretest and posttest data were collected from four 2-week job-finding clubs sponsored by a welfare agency in a suburban county in Georgia. Results: Twenty-five of 40 participants (62.5%) found work during the job-finding club. For those who did not find work, no significant differences were found between pre- and posttest scores on any dependent measure. Conclusion: The only evident difference between the two groups was that unsuccessful job seekers were more than twice as likely (as successful job seekers) to perceive transportation (54% compared to 24%) as their biggest barrier to employment. Policy implications of these results include orienting job clubs to specifically address clients’ perceived barriers to employment.
Crunching large graphs with commodity processors

Crunching large graphs is the basis of many emerging applications, such as social network analysis and bioinformatics. Graph analytics algorithms exhibit little locality and therefore present significant performance challenges. Hardware multithreading systems (e.g., Cray XMT) show that with enough concurrency, we can tolerate long latencies. Unfortunately, this solution is not available with commodity parts. Our goal is to develop a latency-tolerant system built out of commodity parts and mostly in software. The proposed system includes a runtime that supports a large number of lightweight contexts, full-bit synchronization and a memory manager that provides a high-latency but high-bandwidth global shared memory. This paper lays out the vision for our system and justifies its feasibility with a performance analysis of the run-time for latency tolerance.
Dynamic analysis and control of a Stewart platform manipulator

The Stewart platform is a six-axis parallel robot manipulator with a force-to-weight ratio and positioning accuracy far exceeding that of a conventional serial-link arm. Its stiffness and accuracy approach that of a machine tool yet its workspace dexterity approaches that of a conventional manipulator. In this article, we study the dynamic equations of the Stewart platform manipulator. Our derivation is closed to that of Nguyen and Pooran because the dynamics are not explicitly given but are in a step-bystep algorithm. However, we give some insight into the structure and properties of these equations: We obtain compact expressions of some coefficients. These expressions should be interesting from a control point of view. A stiffness control scheme is designed for milling application. Some path-planning notions are discussed that take into account singularity positions and the required task. The objective is to make the milling station into a semiautonomous robotic tool needing some operator interaction but having some intelligence of its own. It should interface naturally with part delivery and other higher-level tasks. 0 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A method and browser for cross-referenced video summaries

We present an automatic tool for compact representation and cross-referencing of long video sequences, which is based on a novel visual abstraction of semantic content. Our highly compact hierarchical representation results from the non-temporal clustering of scene segments into a new conceptual form grounded in the recognition of real-world backgrounds. We represent shots and scenes using mosaics and employ a novel method for the comparison of scenes based on these representative mosaics. We then cluster scenes together into a higher level of abstraction-the physical setting. We demonstrate our work using situation comedies (sitcoms), where each half-hour episode is well structured by rules governing background use. Consequently, browsing, indexing and comparison across videos by physical setting is very fast. Further, we show that physical settings lead to a higher-level contextual identification of the main plots in each video. We demonstrate these contributions with a browsing tool whose top-level single page displays the settings of several episodes. This page expands to display windows for each episode, and each episode menu summary is further expanded into scenes and shots, all by mouse-clicking on appropriate plots and settings according to user interests.
Imaging of nitric oxide in nitrergic neuromuscular neurotransmission in the gut.

Background: Numerous functional studies have shown that nitrergic neurotransmission plays a central role in peristalsis and sphincter relaxation throughout the gut and impaired nitrergic neurotransmission has been implicated in clinical disorders of all parts of the gut. However, the role of nitric oxide (NO) as a neurotransmitter continues to be controversial because: 1) the cellular site of production during neurotransmission is not well established; 2) NO may interacts with other inhibitory neurotransmitter candidates, making it difficult to understand its precise role. Methodology/Principal Findings: Imaging NO can help resolve many of the controversies regarding the role of NO in nitrergic neurotransmission. Imaging of NO and its cellular site of production is now possible. NO forms quantifiable fluorescent compound with diaminofluorescein (DAF) and allows imaging of NO with good specificity and sensitivity in living cells. In this report we describe visualization and regulation of NO and calcium (Ca 2+ ) in the myenteric nerve varicosities during neurotransmission using multiphoton microscopy. Our results in mice gastric muscle strips provide visual proof that NO is produced de novo in the nitrergic nerve varicosities upon nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nerve stimulation. These studies show that NO is a neurotransmitter rather than a mediator. Changes in NO production in response to various pharmacological treatments correlated well with changes in slow inhibitory junction potential of smooth muscles. Conclusions/Significance: Dual imaging and electrophysiologic studies provide visual proof that during nitrergic neurotransmission NO is produced in the nerve terminals. Such studies may help define whether NO production or its signaling pathway is responsible for impaired nitrergic neurotransmission in pathological states.
Novel neuroprotective tripeptides and dipeptides

It has long been recognized that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and certain TRH analogues are neuroprotective in a variety of animal models of CNS trauma. In addition to these neuroprotective actions, TRH and most TRH analogues have other physiological actions that may not be desirable for treatment of acute injury, such as analeptic, autonomic, and endocrine effects. We have developed a series of dual-substituted TRH analogues that have strong neuroprotective actions, but are largely devoid of these other physiological actions. In addition, we have developed a family of cyclized dipeptides (diketopiperazines), structurally somewhat related to a metabolic product of TRH, that appear even more effective as neuroprotective agents in vitro and in vivo, and may have nootropic properties. Here, we review these novel tripeptide and dipeptide compounds.
The effects of elevated temperature on the photosynthetic efficiency of zooxanthellae in hospite from four different species of reef coral: a novel approach

Bleaching of reef corals is a phenomenon linked to temperature stress which involves loss of the symbiotic algae of the coral, which are known as zooxanthellae, and/or loss of algal pigments. The photosynthetic efficiency of zooxanthellae within the corals Montastrea annularis, Agaricia lamarki, Agaricia agaricites and Siderastrea radians was examined by pulse-amplitude modulation fluorometry (PAM) during exposure to elevated temperatures (3-36 degrees C). Zooxanthellae within M. annularis and A. lamarki were found to be more sensitive to elevated temperature, virtually complete disruption of photosynthesis being noted during exposure to temperatures of 32 and 34 degrees C. The photosynthetic efficiency of zooxanthellae within S. radians and A. agaricites decreased to a lesser extent. Differences in the loss of algal cells on an aerial basis and in the cellular chlorophyll concentration were also found between these species. By combining the noninvasive PAM technique with whole-cell fluorescence of freshly isolated zooxanthellae, we have identified fundamental differences in the physiology of the symbionts within different species of coral. Zooxanthellae within M. annularis appear to be more susceptible to heat-induced damage at or near the reaction centre of Photosystem II, while zooxanthellae living in S. radians remain capable of dissipating excess excitation energy through non-photochemical pathways, thereby protecting the photosystem from damage during heat exposure.
Linkage of the grey coat colour locus to microsatellites on horse chromosome 25

The progressive loss of colour in the hair of grey horses is controlled by a dominantly inherited allele at the Grey locus (GG). In this study, two paternal Quarter Horse (QH) families segregating for the GG allele were genotyped with a set of 101 microsatellite markers spanning the 31 autosomes and the X chromosome. This genome scan demonstrated linkage of Grey to COR018 (RF=0.02, LOD=12.04) on horse chromosome 25 (ECA25). Further chromosome-specific analysis of seven total QH families confirmed the linkage of Grey to a group of ECA25 markers and the map order of NVHEQ43-(0.24)-UCDEQ405-(0.09)-COR080-(0.05)-GREY-(0.14)-UCDEQ464 was produced. Although G was found to be linked to TXN and COR018 in the chromosome-specific analysis, the data were not sufficiently informative to place either marker on our ECA25 map with significant LODs. Our results excluded the equine tyrosinase related protein 1 (TYRP1) and melanocyte protein 17 (Pmel17) genes as possible candidates for the grey phenotype in horses.
BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE CELL CYCLE: A REVIEW

This review describes the metabolic steps that occur in mammalian cells and that are related to the onset of DNA synthesis and mitosis. Two types of cells are considered separately: those continuously dividing and those that are quiescent but can be stimulated to enter DNA synthesis by appropriate stimuli. Despite the scarcity of data, a review of the literature suggests that the genome itself controls its own replication, and that this control is mediated through the synthesis of specific RNA and protein molecules. A similar mechanism is operating in the control of mitosis.
Psychosocial impact of predictive testing for Huntington disease on support persons

Although a support person is required by many centers during the predictive testing protocol for Huntington disease (HD), little is known about the psychosocial impact of predictive testing on persons serving in this role. Eighteen adults who were support persons during predictive HD testing in one HD testing center completed a semi-structured interview to describe their experiences. Participants also completed the Impact of Events Scale (IES) to assess perceptions of emotional distress regarding predictive testing and the State Anxiety Scale of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety regarding the interview. State anxiety scores were similar to normative values for working adults. Although support persons for individuals with a positive gene test scored higher on all measures of the IES than those who were support persons for persons with negative gene mutation results, these differences were not statistically significant. Support persons identified aspects of the protocol that did not fit their needs, perceived the testing process as extending into subsequent caregiving responsibilities when the test was positive, and were uninformed regarding specific caregiving issues for family members with the gene mutation. The impact of the testing experience appeared to be most intense for those support persons who were at-risk offspring of probands. Findings suggest that individual assessment of support person needs may allow more focused counseling of support persons during predictive genetic HD testing. Collaboration with health care providers may facilitate symptom management following testing. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:353–359, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Coevolution of Morphology and Virulence in Candida Species

Many of the major human fungal pathogens are known to undergo morphological changes, which in certain cases are associated with virulence. Although there has been an intense research focus on morphology in fungi, very little is known about how morphology evolved in conjunction with a variety of other virulence properties. However, several recent important discoveries, primarily in Candida species, are beginning to shed light on this important area and answer many longstanding questions. In this minireview, we first provide a description of the major fungal morphologies, as well as the roles of morphology and morphology-associated gene expression in virulence. Next, focusing largely on Candida species, we examine the evolutionary relationships among specific morphological forms. Finally, drawing on recent findings, we begin to address the question of how specific morphological changes came to be associated with virulence of Candida species during evolution.
Employment Status and Intimate Partner Violence Among Mexican Women

Exploring risk factors and profiles of intimate partner violence in other countries provides information about whether existing theories of this phenomenon hold consistent in different cultural settings. This study will present results of a regression analysis involving domestic violence among Mexican women (n = 83,159). Significant predictors of domestic violence among Mexican women included age, number of children in the household, income, education, self-esteem, family history of abuse, and controlling behavior of the husband. Women's employment status was not a significant predictor when all variables were included in the model; however, when controlling behavior of the husband was withdrawn from the model, women's employment status was a significant predictor of domestic violence toward women. Results from this research indicate that spousal controlling behavior may serve as a mediator of the predictive relationship between women's employment status and domestic violence among Mexican women. Findings provide support for continued exploration of the factors that mediate experiences of domestic violence among women worldwide.
Red Media, Blue Media: Evidence of Ideological Selectivity in Media Use

We show that the demand for news varies with the perceived affinity of the news organization to the consumer’s political preferences. In an experimental setting, conservatives and Republicans preferred to read news reports attributed to Fox News and to avoid news from CNN and NPR. Democrats and liberals exhibited exactly the opposite syndrome—dividing their attention equally between CNN and NPR, but avoiding Fox News. This pattern of selective exposure based on partisan affinity held not only for news coverage of controversial issues but also for relatively ‘‘soft’’ subjects such as crime and travel. The tendency to select news based on anticipated agreement was also strengthened among more politically engaged partisans. Overall, these results suggest that the further proliferation of new media and enhanced media choices may contribute to the further polarization of the news audience.
Efficient charge recovery method for driving piezoelectric actuators with quasi-square waves

In this paper, an efficient charge recovery method for driving piezoelectric actuators with low frequency square waves in low-power applications such as mobile microrobots is investigated. Efficiency issues related to periodic mechanical work of the actuators and the relationship among the driving electronics efficiency, the piezoelectric coupling factor, and the actuator energy transmission coefficient are discussed. The proposed charge recovery method exploiting the energy transfer between an inductor and a general capacitive load is compared with existing techniques that lead to inherent inefficiencies. A charge recovery method is then applied to piezoelectric actuators, especially to bimorph ones. Unitary efficiency can be obtained theoretically for purely capacitive loads while intrinsic losses such as hysteresis necessarily lower the efficiency. In order to show the validity of the method, a prototype driving electronics consisting of an extended H-bridge is constructed and tested by experiments and simulations. Preliminary results show that 75% of charge (i.e., more than 56% of energy) can be recovered for bending actuators such as bimorphs without any component optimization at low fields.
A genetically modulated, intrinsic cingulate circuit supports human nicotine addiction

Whole-genome searches have identified nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α5-α3-β4 subunit gene variants that are associated with smoking. How genes support this addictive and high-risk behavior through their expression in the brain remains poorly understood. Here we show that a key α5 gene variant Asp398Asn is associated with a dorsal anterior cingulate–ventral striatum/extended amygdala circuit, such that the “risk allele” decreases the intrinsic resting functional connectivity strength in this circuit. Importantly, this effect is observed independently in nonsmokers and smokers, although the circuit strength distinguishes smokers from nonsmokers, predicts addiction severity in smokers, and is not secondary to smoking per se, thus representing a trait-like circuitry biomarker. This same circuit is further impaired in people with mental illnesses, who have the highest rate of smoking. Identifying where and how brain circuits link genes to smoking provides practical neural circuitry targets for new treatment development.
Identification of sand sources and transport pathways at the Kelso Dunes, California, using thermal infrared remote sensing

The Kelso dune field is located in the eastern Mojave Desert, California, at the terminus of a sand-transport pathway, which has its primary source at the Mojave River Wash 50 km to the west. Initial examination of 1984 airborne thermal infrared multispectral scanner (TIMS) data showed significant spectral variations that indicate potential mineralogic heterogeneities within the active dunes. This result prompted the collection of a suite of 48 sand samples in 1990, and the acquiring of new TIMS data in 1995. This new data set was used to test a newly developed linear spectral retrieval algorithm in conjunction with a spectral library of end-member minerals. Results of this analysis produced images of end-member minerals that showed marked variations within the dunes. In addition, standard petrographic techniques revealed that the dunes contain mineralogic variations and were much less quartz rich (∼42%) than previously reported (∼70%–90%). Point-count results agreed with the spectral data to within an average of 5.3% for TIMS-derived and 3.1% for laboratory-derived mineralogic abundances. High concentrations of several of the end-member minerals on the surrounding alluvial fans indicate a potential nearby source for these minerals. Most evident is the presence of potassium feldspar from the fan that emanates from the Providence Mountains east of the dunes. This previously unidentified potential sand input is not visible with other remote sensing techniques and was confirmed with additional field sampling. Much of the quartz and some plagioclase feldspar, however, appear to have been transported from the Mojave River Wash source as previously reported. This study also validates the potential of using thermal remote sensing from future satellite-based instruments to globally monitor desert fringe areas susceptible to the changing conditions of sand encroachment.
Decomposition of Toeplitz Matrices via Convex Optimization

We point out that autocovariance functions of moving average processes of any given order m can be characterized via a linear matrix inequality (LMI). This LMI-condition can be used to decompose any Toeplitz autococovariance matrix into a sum of a singular Toeplitz covariance plus the autocovariance matrix of a moving average process of order m and of maximal variance. The decomposition is unique and subsumes the Pisarenko harmonic decomposition that corresponds to m=0. It can be used to account for mutual couplings between elements in linear antenna arrays or identify colored noise consistent with the covariance data. The same LMI-condition leads to an efficient computation of the least order of a MA-spectrum that agrees with covariance moments