cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating a Key Player in Acute Heart Failure: Interaction Surfaces and Structural Details of Interleukin-33

The newest member of the Interleukin-1 family of proteins is IL-33. IL-33 was recently discovered in 2005 and since then has been identified as a key participant in immune and inflammatory responses through association with the IL-1 receptor family member ST2. However, the structural homology between IL33 and other members of the interleukin family are low- presenting unique sequence identity, unique receptor interactions, and potentially unique signaling mechanisms associated with its activity. The current, limited understanding of IL-33 is that it functions primarily in extracellular signaling. Like other interleukin proteins (such as IL1β), Interleukin-33 has a distinct beta-trefoil fold with unique intermolecular waters that serve to stabilize the fold and facilitate proper signaling in addition to potentially aiding in the secretion across cell membranes. We believe that the presence of water plays a role in the transmission of information across the fold and that perturbation of this network may affect signaling potency. Previous work done on similar beta-trefoil motif proteins (IL-1β, IL1Ra) shows that hydrogen-bonding networks established by intra-molecular water are critical for the stability of the fold, but are also able to influence the signaling potency of the protein. Given interleukin-33’s role in heart protection, it is important to understand more fully the influence that structure has on its ability to signal effectively. The hydrogen-bonding network is critical in the thermodynamic stability of the protein fold and that this stability has an important role in the kinetics of signaling across the protein upon receptor binding.
Evaluation of Cuff-Induced Ischemia in the Lower Extremity by Magnetic Resonance Oximetry

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular function in the lower extremities by making direct time-course measurement of oxygen saturation in the femoral/popliteal arteries and vein...
Class III β-tubulin in human retinal pigment epithelial cells in culture and in epiretinal membranes

The class III β-tubulin isotype (βIII) is expressed exclusively by neurons within the normal human retina and is not present in normal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in situ or in 1 day-old primary cultures; however, βIII is present in RPE cells in 5-day primary cultures and in passaged RPE cells grown in monolayer cultures as determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. βIII-positivity in cultured RPE cells is not affected by cell density or hydroxyurea- or retinoic-acid-mediated growth inhibition, but only a few cells weakly express βIII in cyclohexamide-treated cultures and RPE cells maintained in serum-free medium fail to produce βIII. When monolayer-cultured RPE cells grown in normal, serum-containing medium, are transferred to irradiated bovine vitreous, βIII is undetectable in most cells. Cultured RPE cells coexpress βIII with keratin and cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (both RPE cell markers), but not with glial fibrillary acidic protein. Some cultured RPE cells also express neuron-specific (γ) enolase, which is neuron-associated but not neuron-specific, and occasional cells in confluent or super-confluent cultures contain the 200-kDa neurofilament protein. Retinal glia, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells do not express βIII under the same culture conditions. We have detected βIII in 45 of 56 epiretinal membranes, frequently in cells with a bipolar or dedifferentiated morphology, where its expression coincides with other RPE cell-associated antigens. Cells with morphological features resembling normal RPE cells in epiretinal membranes are usually negative for βIII, but RPE cells appearing to be in the early stages of dedifferentiation express the isotype weakly. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry localizes βIII to microtubules, ribosomes and cytoplasm. βIII may be a useful marker for recognizing the fraction of RPE cells in epiretinal membranes that are no longer identifiable by morphological criteria or other RPE cell markers. These findings demonstrate that mature human RPE cells have the capacity to express a neuron-associated gene in response to conditions that promote dedifferentiation.
Using first-passage time to link behaviour and habitat in foraging paths of a terrestrial predator, the racoon

An understanding of how animals alter their behaviour in relation to environmental conditions is a key element in the study of animal movement, foraging ecology and habitat use, and can provide valuable information for practical conservation and management applications. To exploit resources in heterogeneous landscapes optimally, foragers should intensively search in profitable patches while minimizing foraging activities in low-quality areas. We used first-passage time (FPT) analysis to identify and characterize area-restricted search (ARS) behaviour along the nightly movement paths of racoons. While FPT analysis has been successfully applied to a variety of pelagic species, our goal was to determine the ability of FPT to detect habitat characteristics associated with changes in searching behaviour for a terrestrial predator. Racoons, Procyon lotor , were tracked via radiotelemetry during their nightly movements. We found evidence of ARS behaviour in 55 of 58 paths, with racoons concentrating intensive searching bouts in areas with an average radius of 42.6 m (range 20–100 m). To test whether our detection of ARS represented an actual change in behaviour, we tracked five racoons in relation to an artificial food patch. We detected ARS behaviour during 9 of 10 occasions in which a tracked animal encountered the food patch. Racoons showed ARS behaviour in areas with abundant shallow water, and they moved quickly through openings and dry areas with sparse ground-level vegetation. Application of this method should prove useful for studies of habitat use and foraging ecology of terrestrial predators by providing links between animal movements and the environment.
SEX, SEX-ROLES, AND IRRATIONAL BELIEFS

Irrational beliefs have been related to a variety of psychological distresses, some of which are thought of more in relation to one sex than the other, i.e., depression, nonassertiveness, anger. Ho...
Complex chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB)

Abstract We report a new case of refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) having complex chromosomal abnormalities. The 5q− associated with RAEB and other preleukemic syndromes was present in 100% of the cells; however, 60% of the cells had a highly unusual derivative chromosome involving the short arm of chromosome 1 and the long arm of chromosome 5, i.e., t(1;5)(p36;q14). Although the patient presented with highly complex chromosomal abnormalities, his initial clinical presentation was that of typical refractory anemia with excess blasts. Shortly after diagnosis (7 months), the patient developed acute leukemia.
Molecular cloning and characterization of equine Toll-like receptor 9

Abstract Innate immunity relies on a series of germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), to detect conserved microbial components. TLR9 is typically expressed intracellularly in immune cells such as dendritic cells and recognizes unmethylated bacterial or viral cytosine-phosphate-guanine DNA (CpG-DNA). To investigate innate immune responses through TLR9 signaling pathway in horses, we cloned and characterized equine TLR9. Protein sequence analysis shows that equine TLR9 has a typically conserved cytosolic Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain, three leucine-rich repeat (LRR) motifs, with greater than 82% identity to human, monkey, bovine, canine, feline, porcine and ovine orthologs. Equine TLR9 mRNA expression was characterized for spleen, lymph node, and peripheral blood leukocyte samples. Flow cytometric analysis of equine TLR9 expression using a cross-reactive TLR9 mAb identified high constitutive expression of equine TLR9 in PMNs, CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes as well as other leukocytes; similar to human TLR9 expression. The conservation of equine TLR9 and high expression profile in leukocytes suggests that equine TLR9 is a frequent target for unmethylated CpG-DNA, an essential mechanism for the activation of innate immunity.
An innovative ATM switch using existing Four-Port technology

The demonstrated ATM switch shows the enormous bandwidth obtainable by the use of the Integrated Device Technology's Four-Port component. The IDT7052 Four-Port accomplishes the high bandwidth through IDTs high speed CMOS technology which creates a true simultaneously accessible multi-ported SRAM. Some ATM switch vendor products have incorporated the Four-Ported components, which accommodated their high bandwidth requirements.
Diagnostic implications of IDH1-R132H and OLIG2 expression patterns in rare and challenging glioblastoma variants

Recent work has demonstrated that nearly all diffuse gliomas display nuclear immunoreactivity for the bHLH transcription factor OLIG2, and the R132H mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) protein is expressed in the majority of diffuse gliomas other than primary glioblastoma. However, these antibodies have not been widely applied to rarer glioblastoma variants, which can be diagnostically challenging when the astrocytic features are subtle. We therefore surveyed the expression patterns of OLIG2 and IDH1 in 167 non-conventional glioblastomas, including 45 small cell glioblastomas, 45 gliosarcomas, 34 glioblastomas with primitive neuroectodermal tumor-like foci (PNET-like foci), 23 with an oligodendroglial component, 11 granular cell glioblastomas, and 9 giant cell glioblastomas. OLIG2 was strongly expressed in all glioblastomas with oligodendroglial component, 98% of small cell glioblastomas, and all granular cell glioblastomas, the latter being particularly helpful in ruling out macrophage-rich lesions. In 74% of glioblastomas with PNET-like foci, OLIG2 expression was retained in the PNET-like foci, providing a useful distinction from central nervous system PNETs. The glial component of gliosarcomas was OLIG2 positive in 93% of cases, but only 14% retained focal expression in the sarcomatous component; as such this marker would not reliably distinguish these from pure sarcoma in most cases. OLIG2 was expressed in 67% of giant cell glioblastomas. IDH1 was expressed in 55% of glioblastomas with oligodendroglial component, 15% of glioblastomas with PNET-like foci, 7% of gliosarcomas, and none of the small cell, granular cell, or giant cell glioblastomas. This provides further support for the notion that most glioblastomas with oligodendroglial component are secondary, while small cell glioblastomas, granular cell glioblastomas, and giant cell glioblastomas are primary variants. Therefore, in one of the most challenging differential diagnoses, IDH1 positivity could provide strong support for glioblastoma with oligodendroglial component, while essentially excluding small cell glioblastoma.
MO‐FF‐A3‐03: The Impact of Monitor Unit Constraints on Plan Quality of IMPT Planning Using Single‐Field Optimization

Purpose: To investigate the effect of monitor unit (MU) constraints on the dose distribution created by intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatment planning using single‐field optimization (SFO). Methods and Materials: Ninety‐four energies between 72.5 and 221.8 MeV are available for scanning‐beam IMPT delivery at our institution. The minimum and maximum MUs for delivering each pencil beam (spot) are 0.005 and 0.04, respectively. These MU constraints are not considered during optimization by the treatment planning system; spots are converted to deliverable MUs during post‐processing. Treatment plans for delivering uniform doses to rectangular volumes with and without MU constraints were generated for different target doses, spot spacings, spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) widths, and ranges in a homogenous phantom. Four prostate cancer patients were planned with and without MU constraints using different spot spacings. Rounding errors were analyzed using an in‐house software tool. Results: From the phantom study, we have found that both the number of spots that have rounding errors and the magnitude of the distortion of the dose distribution from the ideally optimized distribution increases as the field dose, spot spacing, and range decrease and as the SOBP width increases. From our study of patient plans, it is clear that as the spot spacing decreases the rounding error increases, and the dose coverage of the target volume becomes unacceptable for very small spot spacings. Conclusions: Constraints on deliverable MU for each spot could create a significant distortion from the ideally optimized dose distributions for IMPT fields using SFO. To eliminate this problem, the treatment planning system should incorporate the MU constraints in the optimization process and the delivery system should reliably delivery smaller minimum MUs.
Metathesis Activity and Stability of New Generation Ruthenium Polymerization Catalysts

A kinetic study of three ruthenium carbene catalysts, (H2IPr)(PCy3)(Cl)2RuCHPh, 3 (investigated extensively by Mol), (H2IMes)(Cl)2RuCH(o-iPrOC6H4), 4 (Hoveyda's catalyst), and (H2IPr)(Cl)2RuCH(o-iPrOC6H4), 5 (a new catalyst structure), was conducted under ADMET polymerization conditions. The kinetic behavior of these catalysts was compared to the classical first- and second-generation Grubbs' complexes at 30, 45, and 60 °C. Complex 3 exhibits the highest initial ADMET rate (80 DP s-1) of any phosphine complex to date and efficiently promotes metathesis even at temperatures as low as 0 °C. Complex 4 alone does not polymerize 1,9-decadiene in the bulk; however, addition of a polar solvent induces polymerization. Combining elements of catalysts 3 and 4 yielded the new complex 5. This complex results in higher polycondensation rates than previous Hoveyda-type structures and exhibits an increased stability over its parent phosphine complex. The new catalyst polymerizes 1,9-decadiene in the bulk to high polymer...
An abbreviated carotid intima-media thickness scanning protocol to facilitate clinical screening for subclinical atherosclerosis.

Background Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) testing can assist with cardiovascular risk prediction; however, the requirement for rigorous, time-consuming protocols has limited it use in clinical practice. Methods Bilateral images of the common carotid artery (CCA), bulb, and internal carotid artery segments were obtained using a comprehensive scanning protocol. Three abbreviated scanning protocols were evaluated for their ability to identify patients with increased CIMT (≥75th percentile). Results Of 261 subjects, 134 (51.3%) had increased left or right CCA CIMT (CCA protocol), 136 (52.1%) had carotid plaque (plaque protocol), and 190 (72.7%) had plaque or at least one increased CCA CIMT (combination protocol). The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curves for the CCA (0.738) and combination protocols (0.692) were higher than the plaque protocol (0.625, P Conclusions Compared with a comprehensive scanning protocol, plaque screening with measurement of far wall CCA CIMT identifies all patients with increased CIMT.
Role of band structure on the X-ray edge-shape in Na metal

Abstract Marked structure found in an APW study of both the density of states and transition matrix elements contributing to the emission/absorption spectra of Na emphasizes the need for including band structure effects in all X-ray edge analyses.
AFM of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Crystals Next to an Inorganic Surface

Crystallization of poly(vinyl alcohol) in the presence of an inorganic filler surface (sodium montmorillonite, MMT) was observed and compared to the crystallization of the neat polymer. For this purpose, several atomic force microscopy modes, providing spatial resolution between amorphous and crystalline polymer, are employed to observe filled and unfilled PVA films. The various AFM modes utilized are detailed, with the emphasis on how they can contrast stiff (crystalline) and softer (amorphous) domains on a polymer surface. The study revealed changes in the PVA crystal morphology, with bulk crystallites growing to sizes of more than 5 μm, whereas next to the inorganic surfaces grow to only 1−2 μm in size. Moreover, complementary X-ray diffraction and DSC investigations indicate a new crystal structure formed next to the MMT surfaces, at the expense of the bulklike crystal.
DEVELOPING AND TESTING AN ALKALINE-SIDE SOLVENT EXTRACTION PROCESS FOR TECHNETIUM SEPARATION FROM TANK WASTE

ABSTRACT Engineering development and testing of the SRTALK solvent extraction process are discussed in this paper. This process provides a way to carry out alkaline-side removal and recovery of technetium in the form of pertechnetate anion from nuclear waste tanks within the DOE complex. The SRTALK extractant consists of a crown ether, bis-4,4′(5′)[(tert-butyl)cyclohexano]-18-crown-6, in a modifier, tributyl phosphate, and a diluent, Isopar®L. The SRTALK flowsheet given here separates technetium from the waste and concentrates it by a factor of ten to minimize the load on the downstream evaporator for the technetium effluent. In this work; we initially generated and correlated the technetium extraction data, measured the dispersion number for various processing conditions, and determined hydraulic performance in a single-stage 2-cm centrifugal contactor. Then we used extraction-factor analysis, single-stage contactor tests, and stage-to-stage process calculations to develop a SRTALK flowsheet. Key feature...
Separation of Bromine Isotopes by Centrifugation

Consideration is given to the high centrifugal field gradients produced by a Beams-type ultracentrifuge as a means of obtaining partial separation of relatively heavy isotopes. Approximate theory is presented for a mixture of two isotopes subjected to "evaporative centrifugation." The theory is capable of predicting the change in abundance ratio for a given set of conditions. To test the feasibility of the method bromine isotopes in the form of ethyl bromide were centrifuged, the result tested spectroscopically. ${\mathrm{Br}}^{79}$ was enriched 11 percent relative to ${\mathrm{Br}}^{81}$. The agreement with the predicted enrichment was reasonably good.
Global performance evaluation of image features for visual servo control

The performance of a visual servo control system depends on the set of image features used in the control loop. Although some local performance measures have been used for evaluating the image features, their usage in the process of feature selection requires on-line computation that is difficult to realize in real-time, especially with a large number of candidate features. In this article, we introduce a global measure for evaluating the performance of image features for visual servo tasks. This measure can be computed off-line and it takes into account several desirable properties of the image features, including minimization of singularities in the image Jacobian, linearity of feature variation, and maximization of feature resolution. For a given kinematic and imaging model of a robot/camera setup, the measure can be used for a variety of visual servo tasks. A numerical approximation scheme is presented along with several computed examples to illustrate the utility of this measure.
SU‐FF‐J‐27: Target Localization Verification for Partial Breast Irradiation with An EPID in Cine Mode

Purpose: In partial breast irradiation (PBI), even if the target is well defined, and positioned precisely at the beginning of each treatment session, there are no assurances that it will remain so during irradiation. We propose tracking the PBI target using an electronic portal imaging device(EPID) in cine mode. Method and Materials: Phantom studies have been conducted using a breast phantom and diode detector. We quantified the dose enhancement to a point on the surface of the contra‐lateral breast when the EPID is left extended during treatment. Measurements of the dose enhancement were made for multiple field sizes, beam energies and EPID positions. Additional measurements were made of the dose enhancement to the contra‐lateral breast with the medial field included. To preliminarily assess the visibility of targets in the breast, images were taken with a wire fiducial in the field. Additional images were taken with the phantom set in a sinusoidal motion. Results: For a PBI field, the dose enhancement (DE) is 19% for 6 MV and 23% for 10 MV for Source‐to‐Detector Distance (SDD) = 130 cm, compared to 4% and 4.5%, respectively, for SDD = 155 cm. When the dose to the surface of the contra‐lateral breast from the medial field is included in the calculation, the dose enhancement is below 2% for both energies for SDD greater than 142 cm. For a WBI field, DE is below 2% for both energies for SDD greater than 147 cm. In the cineEPIDimages, visualization of the target can be improved with simple image processing techniques Conclusions: The cine EPID technique may be employed safely to monitor WBI and PBI treatments. This work was funded, in part, by a grant from Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
An analysis of the hydrazine—fluorine flame. The A2A′-X2A]″ emission spectrum of HNF and its relation to other HAB co

Abstract The chemiluminescent reaction N 2 H 4 + F 2 is shown to be dominated by visible emission from NH* (A 3 Π-X 3 Σ − ), HNF * (A 2 A′-X 2 A″) and vibrationally excited HF†(X 1 Σ + ). Possible mechanisms for formation of these species are discussed with reference to previous results from similar flame reactions. The A–X emission spectrum of HNF contains the heretofore unreported progression (0, 0, 0) → (0, υ 2 ″ , 0) to vibrational levels υ 2 ″ = 0–3 of the X 2 A″ state. Each vibrational transition shows well resolved K -type subbands characteristic of a near symmetric rotor. A partial rotational analysis gives band origins and effective rotational constants for the first four vibrational levels of the ground state. The measured ground state vibrational constants are ω 0 = 1441.1 ± 1.0 cm −1 with ω 0 χ 0 = 10.9 ± 0.5 cm −1 . The substantial differences in the A–X emission spectra of HNF and its isoelectronic analog HOO are discussed as they relate to bonding trends in HAB molecules. The concepts presented are extended to other HAB systems.
Monte Carlo and discrete ordinates calculations for 14 MeV neutrons streaming through a stainless steel duct: Comparisons with experiment☆

Abstract Measured and calculated neutron energy spectra from 14 MeV neutrons streaming through stainless steel ducts having length-to-diameter ratios of 14.8 and 38.2 are compared in this paper. The measured data were obtained using an NE213 liquid scintillator and the calculated data were obtained using the Monte Carlo code MCNP and the discrete ordinates code DOT 4.3. For both duct geometries, the spectra calculated using the MCNP code are in reasonable agreement with the measured data ranging from a few percent to a factor of 2, depending on the detector location and duct. The spectra calculated using the DOT code are in fair agreement (30%) for cases where the detector is on the duct axis, but are in poor agreement, up to an order of magnitude, when the detector is off axis.
Elimination of Plasmids from Several Bacterial Species by Novobiocin

Certain plasmids can be eliminated by exposure to growth-inhibiting concentrations of novobiocin. Novobiocin cured 8 of 14 plasmids (13 R-plasmids and an F' lac) among one or another of four different bacterial hosts.
Wavelet Domain Geophysical Inversion

We present a non-linear method for solving linear inverse problems by thresholding coefficients in the wavelet domain. Our method is based on the wavelet-vaguelette decomposition of Donoho (1992). Numerical results for a synthetic travel-time inversion problem show that the wavelet based method outperforms traditional least-squares methods of solution.
Small-angle neutron scattering by semicrystalline polyethylene

Abstract The angular dependence of the intensity of neutron scattering by deuterated polyethylene chains (PED) dispersed in the protonated host (PEH) in the semicrystalline state has been computed over the scattering range 0 A −1 , where μ = (4π/λ)sin(θ/2), for various morphologies that differ according to the mode of chain re-entry into the crystalline lamellae. The scattering functions vary strongly with the tendency for adjacent re-entry. The intensity in the range 0.04 A −1 is 30–40% greater for the regularly folded morphology than for the ‘switchboard’ model. Calculations for the latter approximate the experimental results of Schelten et al. Optimum agreement with their scattering intensities, and the chain dimensions and degree of crystallinity as well, is achieved by a statistical model in which the chain preferentially re-enters the crystalline layer with a probability of about 0.7. Re-entry, when it occurs, is not required to be adjacent to the preceding sequence.
Justice in Cultural Context: A Social-Psychological Perspective:

This article critically examines two major theoretical perspectives on justice in social psychology-equity and just world-particularly, the confusion between believing in justice versus believing that justice exists, and the neglected moral dimension of justice, the belief that God or transcendental law creates the universal imperative. Research on the implications for justice in life events confirms the hypothesis that justice is perceived when the valences of the person and the outcomes affecting that person are balanced, that this proposition holds in comparisons of US. and Indian samples, and that highly religious persons perceive more justice in life events than less or nonreligious persons.
The effect of exposure to lingual vibrotactile magnitude estimation on lingual vibrotactile magnitude production results

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether lingual vibrotactile magnitude production results were statistically equivalent between a group of 10 subjects (mean age = 21.1 years) who performed magnitude estimation followed by magnitude production and a group of 10 subjects (mean age = 19.9 years) who performed only magnitude production using the magnitude estimation numbers provided by the first group of subjects. Results showed statistical differences for magnitude production responses between the two groups. The data suggest that exposure to magnitude estimation procedure may have an influence on magnitude production results.
PIM-2 is an independent regulator of chondrocyte survival and autophagy in the epiphyseal growth plate.

The overall goal of the investigation was to examine the activity and role of the PIM serine/threonine protein kinases in the growth plate. We showed for the first time that PIM-2 was highly expressed in epiphyseal chondrocytes and that the kinase was required for critical activities linked to cell survival. These activities were independent of those mediated by Akt-1. It was noted that PIM-2 protected chondrocytes from rapamycin sensitized (TOR inhibited) cell death. Since inhibition of mTOR caused autophagy, we examined the autophagic response of PIM-2 silenced cells. We showed that PIM-2 promoted expression and organization of autophagic proteins LC3, and Beclin-1 and enhanced lysosomal acidification. At the same time, PIM-2 modulated the activity of a key regulator of apoptosis, BAD. Since BAD inhibition and Beclin-1 expression activated autophagy, it is likely that induction of the autophagic pathway would serve to inhibit apoptosis and preserve the life of the terminally differentiated chondrocyte. We conclude that PIM-2 regulates a new intermediate stage in the differentiation pathway, the induction of autophagy. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 246–251, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An evaluation of new methods of expressing aortic aneurysm size: relationship to rupture.

Abstract The diameter of aortic aneurysms were standardized to measures of patient size and normal aortic size in an effort to define indexes that might be more predictive of aneurysm rupture than raw aneurysm diameter alone. Normal aortic diameters were measured in 100 patients undergoing abdominal CT scans for other reasons, and an average infrarenal aortic diameter of 2.10 ± 0.05 cm was observed. Normal aortic diameter was dependent on both age and sex, ranging from 1.71 ± 0.06 cm in women below age 40 years to 2.85 ± 0.04 cm in men above age 70 years. Overall, 11 (5.1%) of the ruptures occurred in aneurysms less than 5 cm in diameter, and four (1.9%) occurred in aneurysms less than 4.0 cm in diameter. When the CT scans of 100 patients undergoing elective aneurysm resection were compared with those of 36 patients with ruptured aneurysms, no threshold diameter value accurately discriminated between the two groups. However, standardization of the aneurysm diameter to the transverse diameter of the third lumbar vertebral body as an index of patient body size produced an accurate predictor of rupture when a threshold ratio of 1.0 was used. No aneurysm ruptured below this ratio, but 29% of elective aneurysms were smaller than the vertebral body diameter. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the superiority of the aneurysm to vertebral body diameter ratio as a discriminator of ruptured aneurysms. It appears that aneurysm diameter alone is not sufficiently predictive of rupture to be used as the sole indication for elective resection. ( J Vasc Surg 1992;15:12–20.)
Brazilian informatics policy: The high costs of building a national industry

Abstract This paper summarizes some of the principal findings of a multiyear research effort examining Brazilian Informatics Policy, its rationale, its implementation, and its effects on users of information and telecommunications technologies. The “Brazilian model” of national informatics development is based on the “market reserve system"—a unique and highly protectionist policy which severely limits the importation of foreign information technology and systematically encourages more domestic value‐added by Brazilian‐owned manufacturers. This study measures expenditures on Brazilian‐made and foreign computer equipment, examines what type of applications are being used, and looks at the attitudes of managers of computer systems installations regarding the effects of the Brazilian policy on their day‐to‐day operations. Examination is also made of how the policy applied to protection of software produced a crisis in bilateral relations between the U. S. and Brazil. The study concludes that the Brazilian po...
Aeroacoustic model for weak shock waves based on Burgers equation

The adiabatic form of the Euler equations are cast in a form emphasizing its signal propagation properties and solved using an approximate eigenfunction analysis. Second-order rarefaction waves appear as direct eigenfunction solutions. The underlying scalar equation describing nonlinear shock wave evolution is rederived as a first-order Burgers equation. The characteristic sonic boom N waves are predicted using an implicit aeroacousticbased finite-difference algorithm with numerical damping designed to suppress spurious oscillations at shock-wave discontinuities. The evolution of these sonic-boom-type signals to the mid- and far field are computed directly with the numerical method.
Meta-Analyses of Sex Differences in Responses to Sexual Versus Emotional Infidelity: Men and Women Are More Similar than Different

From 54 articles, 172 effect sizes were meta-analyzed to determine whether men and women are differentially distressed by emotional versus sexual infidelity. Predictions were derived and tested fro...
Quantifying tumor heterogeneity in whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing data

Motivation: Most tumor samples are a heterogeneous mixture of cells, including admixture by normal (non-cancerous) cells and subpopulations of cancerous cells with different complements of somatic aberrations. This intra-tumor heterogeneity complicates the analysis of somatic aberrations in DNA sequencing data from tumor samples. Results: We describe an algorithm called THetA2 that infers the composition of a tumor sample—including not only tumor purity but also the number and content of tumor subpopulations—directly from both whole-genome (WGS) and whole-exome (WXS) high-throughput DNA sequencing data. This algorithm builds on our earlier Tumor Heterogeneity Analysis (THetA) algorithm in several important directions. These include improved ability to analyze highly rearranged genomes using a variety of data types: both WGS sequencing (including low ∼7× coverage) and WXS sequencing. We apply our improved THetA2 algorithm to WGS (including low-pass) and WXS sequence data from 18 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We find that the improved algorithm is substantially faster and identifies numerous tumor samples containing subclonal populations in the TCGA data, including in one highly rearranged sample for which other tumor purity estimation algorithms were unable to estimate tumor purity. Availability and implementation: An implementation of THetA2 is available at http://compbio.cs.brown.edu/software Contact: ude.nworb.sc@alyal or ude.nworb@leahparb Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Thoracoscopy in the management of posttraumatic persistent pneumothorax.

Abstract Background: Persistent posttraumatic pneumothorax (PPP) is an uncommon complication of traumatic injuries of the chest, usually managed with suction drainage and involving prolonged hospital stays. This study was conducted to assess the advantages of using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the management of patients with PPP. Study Design: Eleven patients with PPP underwent VATS for diagnosis and for definitive treatment. Results: Before VATS was done, all patients had undergone multiple attempts to resolve the PPP; the hospital stay before VATS was 10 days (range, 4–14 days). In 10 patients, the cause of the PPP was identified and a segmental stapled resection was performed, with complete success in resolving the air leak and obtaining pleural synthesis. In another patient, the source of the air leak was not identified and a thoracoscopically assisted chemical pleurodesis was performed, with immediate cessation of the air leak. All chest tubes were removed within 48 hours of the procedure; 9 patients were discharged within 72 hours of VATS. Preoperative computed tomography of the chest was useful in 2 patients, but bronchoscopy did not disclose any major airway injury. Conclusions: Videothoracoscopy is an accurate, safe, and reliable alternative to an open thoracotomy in the management of patients with PPP. In the patients in whom the procedure was completed, excellent results were obtained and the hospital stay was reduced. We believe that VATS should be used earlier and more frequently after failure of conservative management in such patients.
Immunization of Mice with DNA-Based Pfs25 Elicits Potent Malaria Transmission-Blocking Antibodies

Immunological intervention, in addition to vector control and malaria chemotherapy, will be needed to stop the resurgence of malaria, a disease with a devastating impact on the health of 300 to 500 million people annually. We have pursued a vaccination strategy, based on DNA immunization in mice with genes encoding two antigens present on the sexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum, Pfs25 and Pfg27, to induce biologically important antibodies that can block development of the parasite in the Anopheles mosquito and thus transmission of the disease. DNA encoding Pfs25 when administered by the intramuscular route, either alone or with DNA encoding Pfg27, had the most potent transmission-blocking effects, resulting in up to a 97% decrease in oocyst numbers in mosquito midguts and a 75% decrease in rate of infection. Immunization with DNA encoding a Pfg27-Pfs25 fusion protein was less effective and DNA encoding Pfg27 elicited antibodies in sera that had only modest effects on the infectivity of the parasite. These results show for the first time that DNA vaccination can result in potent transmission-blocking antibodies in mice and suggest that the Pfs25 gene should be included as part of a multicomponent DNA vaccine.
Effect of an auditory cue on chewing cycle kinematics.

Summary Objectives This study analysed the systematic and random effects of a rhythmic auditory cue on chewing cycle kinematics. Methods The chin movements of 25 subjects (19–35 years of age) with normal class I occlusion were recorded at 100 Hz (Optotrak® Northern Digital) during two natural gum chewing (2.5 g) sequences to determine the chewing rate of each subject. Another sequence was recorded with the subjects chewing at their natural rate following an audible cue. Multilevel modeling procedures were used to evaluate differences between natural chewing with and without an audible cue. Results Differences were found between experimental conditions for excursions, velocities and cycle shape. When chewing with the audible cue velocities were slower and there was less excursion of the chin marker, with the exception of initial lateral movements toward the balancing side. No differences in between-subject variability were found when chewing with or without an audible cue. Within-subject variability was 44% smaller for total cycle duration and 53% smaller for total 3D excursion when chewing with the auditory cue. Conclusions Chewing at one's normal rate while following an auditory cue produces more consistency in chewing cycle kinematics. This method may be applicable, with some limitations, to reduce within-subject variability in chewing cycle kinematics.
Blimp-1-Dependent Plasma Cell Differentiation Is Required for Efficient Maintenance of Murine Gammaherpesvirus Latency and Antiviral Antibody Responses

Recent evidence from the study of Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus supports a model in which terminal differentiation of B cells to plasma cells leads to virus reactivation. Here we address the role of Blimp-1, the master transcriptional regulator of plasma cell differentiation, in murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) latency and reactivation. Blimp-1 expression in infected cells was dispensable for acute virus replication in the lung following intranasal inoculation and in the spleen following intraperitoneal inoculation with MHV68. However, we observed a role for Blimp-1 in both the establishment of latency and reactivation from latency in vivo. Additionally, plasma cell-deficient mice also exhibited a significant defect in the establishment of latency in the spleen, as well as reactivation from latency, similar to mice that lacked Blimp-1 only in MHV68-infected cells. In the absence of plasma cells, MHV68 infection failed to elicit a strong germinal center response and fewer B cells in the germinal center were MHV68 infected. Notably, the absence of a functional Blimp-1 gene only in MHV68-infected cells led to a decrease in both B-cell and CD4(+) T-cell responses during the establishment of latency. Finally, Blimp-1 expression in infected cells played a critical role in the maintenance of both MHV68 latency in the spleen and antibody responses to MHV68. Together, these studies support a model wherein episodic Blimp-1-mediated plasma cell differentiation leads to MHV68 reactivation, which serves to both renew the latency reservoirs and stimulate long-lived plasma cells to secrete virus-specific antibody.
Effect of machined interfacet allograft spacers on cervical foraminal height and area.

Object Iatrogenic foraminal stenosis is a well-known complication in cervical spine surgery. Machined interfacet allograft spacers can provide a large surface area, which ensures solid support, and could potentially increase foraminal space. The authors tested the hypothesis that machined interfacet allograft spacers increase cervical foraminal height and area. Methods The C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7 facets of 4 fresh adult cadavers were exposed, and the cartilage was removed from each facet using customized rasps. Machined allograft spacers were tamped into the joints. The spines were scanned with the O-arm surgical imaging system before and after placement of the spacers. Two individuals independently measured foraminal height and area on obliquely angled sagittal images. Results Foraminal height and area were significantly greater following placement of the machined interfacet spacers at all levels. The Pearson correlation between the 2 radiographic reviewers was very strong (r = 0.971, p = 0.0001), as was th...
Ethnic Enclosure or Ethnic Competition: Ethnic Identification Among Hispanics in Texas

Recent theoretical debates have focused on the utility of two alternative perspectives on ethnic identification. However, empirical support for either is neither consistent nor conclusive and previ...
Designing the electric transport characteristics of ZnO micro/nanowire devices by coupling piezoelectric and photoexcitation effects.

The localized coupling between piezoelectric and photoexcitation effects of a ZnO micro/nanowire device has been studied for the first time with the goal of designing and controlling the electrical transport characteristics of the device. The piezoelectric effect tends to raise the height of the local Schottky barrier (SB) at the metal−ZnO contact, while photoexcitation using a light that has energy higher than the band gap of ZnO lowers the SB height. By tuning the relative contributions of the effects from piezoelectricity via strain and photoexcitation via light intensity, the local contact can be tuned step-by-step and/or transformed from Schottky to Ohmic or from Ohmic to Schottky. This study describes a new principle for controlling the coupling among mechanical, photonic, and electrical properties of ZnO nanowires, which could be potentially useful for fabricating piezo-phototronic devices.
A rich analytical environment for flow cytometry experimental results

Existing analysis tools for flow cytometry data offer specialised but limited functionality. This work presents advantages of combining the cytometer's data with sample-specific information. Data is loaded into a relational database, where the analyst can query based on sample characteristics such as species, gender, diet type or sample stain type.
Neuromuscular Responses to Platform Perturbations in Power-Versus Endurance-Trained Athletes:

The purpose was to assess differences in postural response characteristics between two groups of elite athletes having power or endurance training. Participants were all men and included power- (M age = 21 yr., SD = 3, n = 12) and endurance-trained (M age = 22, SD = 3, n = 12) athletes. Muscle response characteristics and center of pressure measures were recorded during recovery from Fast (10 cm at 80 cm/sec.) and Slow (10 cm at 20 cm/sec.) horizontal platform perturbations. In response to Fast perturbations, power-trained athletes responded with significantly shorter times to stabilize the center of pressure, shorter muscle-contraction onset times, and larger muscle response amplitudes than endurance-trained athletes. This suggests power-trained athletes are more effective than endurance-trained athletes in responding to balance threats such as slips and trips in daily life and that power training should be studied to improve balance control of balance-impaired populations.
Validity Studies of the Radioactive Microsphere Method for the Study of the Distribution of Cardiac Output, Organ Blood Flow, and Resistance in the Conscious Rhesus Monkey

Investigations have been carried out to determine the reliability and validity of a method for making repeated measurements of the distribution of cardiac output, organ blood flow, and resistance in the unanaesthetized restrained rhesus monkey free from the influences of recent surgery. The data presented indicate that this “labelled microsphere” method, despite some problems, is a sensitive and reliable way to study regional haemodynamic changes in the monkey.
ACTIVITY AND STABILITY OF α- AND β-AMYLASE AT TEMPERATURES FROM .4° TO -23°C

α- and β-Amylase activity were determined at 4°, -13°, -18° and -23°C in model systems and in a sweet potato puree system for different periods of time. In the model systems, commercially purified swine pancreatic ol-amylase and sweet potatoβ-amylase at 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 μg/0.5 ml concentrations were used to react with 0.5 ml of a 2% soluble potato starch substrate for 112 days. In the sweet potato puree system, samples prepared from cured and noncured roots were frozen and stored for 56 days. As an index of amylase activity, accumulated maltose was determined after different periods of storage. Also, the stability of the enzymes as affected by low temperatures was determined in the sweet potato puree. In the model systems, α- and β-amylase showed constant activity at 4°, -13°, -18° and -23°C for different periods of storage, up to 113 days. Amylase activity did increase with enzyme concentration. Both enzymes were active at -23°C. In the noncured sweet potato puree system, (α- and β-amylase were active at 4°C for up to 28 days, but were essentially inactive at -13°, -18° and -23°C. In the cured sweet potato puree system, α- and β-amylase were stable for up to 28 days at 4°C. Enzyme stability in samples from noncured roots was not affected for up to 14 days of storage at 4°C, but decreased considerably thereafter. α- and β-Amylase stability in all sweet potato puree samples stored for 56 days at -13°, -18° and -23°C was not affected.
Allonemobius shalontaki, a New Cryptic Species of Ground Cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Nemobiinae) from the Southwestern United States

A new species of ground cricket in the genus Allonemobius (Hebard) is described from the southwestern United States. Like many singing Orthoptera, this species is morphologically cryptic and most easily distinguished from related species by using molecular characters and male calling song traits. We describe Allonemobius shalontaki as a new species and present data suggesting its reproductive isolation from congeneric species. Allonemobius shalontaki exhibits a unique male calling song and possesses a distinct allozyme genotype. Additionally, we present an electrophoretic key to the genus and propose phylogenetic relationships among species.
Changing the Ambulatory Training Paradigm. Design and Implementation of an Outpatient Pulmonology Fellowship Curriculum

Rationale: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has mandated that pulmonary fellows practice evidence-based medicine “across multiple care settings.” Currently, most clinical fellowship training is inpatient based, suggesting that more robust fellowship training in outpatient pulmonology is needed. No standardized ambulatory pulmonary curriculum is currently available.Objectives: To design, implement and test the feasibility of a standardized, case-based outpatient curriculum implemented for pulmonary fellows at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.Methods: A list of 20 topics in ambulatory pulmonology was generated and was used to create a series of literature-based teaching scripts, which served as the foundation for twice-monthly small group teaching sessions. Before implementation, the fellows were asked to complete a survey regarding their impressions of their existing outpatient training and their competency in ambulatory patient care. Participants we...