cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A State of Uncertainty: An Analysis of Recent State Legislative Proposals to Regulate Preventive Services in the United States

This policy brief examines preventive services state legislation trends in the United States during uncertainty regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires certain coverage of 4 evidence-based preventive services categories without additional patient costs under §2713. We used a legal mapping approach to search for and analyze state legislation related to preventive services proposed or enacted over a 25-month period of ACA uncertainty. We screened 1231 bills and coded the 76 screened-in bills. Next, we determined their characteristics and examined trends. Bills originated in 28 states, and 69.7% were not enacted. Only 3.9% contained requirements contingent on ACA modifications. About 56.6% referenced services covered by §2713, but usually not entire §2713 categories. Bills also mentioned preventive services in general (53.9%) and services outside §2713's scope (21.1%). About 55.3% applied to private insurance, and 75.0% only to one patient group. Bills generally promoted access, and 51.3% specifically prohibited cost-sharing. But 26.3% of the bills limited access to preventive services. State-level legislation targets preventive services, usually expanding, but sometimes limiting, access. Most bills single out specific services without fully incorporating evidence-based recommendations. State legislation may therefore promote access to preventive services but can favor certain services, deviate from experts' recommendations, and increase nationwide variability. State legislation can function as an important lever for access to preventive services across patient groups. This may be especially important during uncertainty about federal policy. However, the design of state-level proposals is critical for maximizing access to preventive services.
Comparative Genomics of the Saccharomyces complex

The Saccharomyces complex is a well-studied group of yeasts of considerable academic and industrial importance. Many species within the complex have no genome sequence publicly available and have yet to be formally compared at the genomic level with related species. We have recently sequenced the genomes of 40 species from 11 clades within the Saccharomyces complex. Considerable genomic diversity was observed in this dataset, including varying predicted genome size (9-22Mbp), coding proportion (42-76%) and gene number (4,194-11,001). We evaluated the completeness of our gene sets and draft genome assemblies using the BUSCO tool, with a few species found to have a large number of duplicated and missing genes. These same species also had larger than average genome sizes and numbers of genes, which could indicate a duplication or hybridisation event. The total GC content was also found to vary significantly across the dataset, from Hanseniaspora uvarum (31.3%) to Lachancea thermotolerans (46%). GC content in the coding regions versus the whole genome was also observed, which could indicate differences in evolutionary pressures between species according to their environmental niches. Here, we highlight some of the key differences found within this fascinating dataset, investigating the origins of some of the more extreme results and touching upon the opportunities and challenges they present in investigating the evolution of these yeasts.
Correlation and wear-time compliance of the wrist-worn SQORD Activity Monitor compared to the Actigraph 3TGX in measuring free-living physical activity in low SES elementary youth

Background and Purpose: Activity trackers have grown increasingly popular, yet research grade accelerometers, like Actigraph, are still very expensive and must be worn on the waist. This study correlated the low-cost wrist-worn SQORD band to the Actigraph accelerometer to assess physical activity (PA) in youth from a low-income area. Methods: Forty-one participants (22:19 male:female; mean age= 10.7 years) in an after-school program participated. Participants wore a waist-worn Actigraph accelerometer and a wrist-worn SQORD for seven days. Abdominal, upper and lower body strength and endurance, and aerobic capacity were assessed through FITNESSGRAM tests. Bivariate correlations were used to analyze the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) via the Actigraph and SQORD and to examine relationships between physical fitness and MVPA. Results: At 8- and 10-hour wear-time, compliance with wearing the devices was higher with the SQORD than the Actigraph. A correlation was found between MVPA via SQORD and Actigraph (r=0.651). Neither the SQORD or Actigraph was associated with any fitness measures (r = -0.061; – 0.817). Conclusion: The SQORD appears to be successful in tracking MVPA in youth and was worn more than the Actigraph. Wrist-worn, consumer-grade devices may be a cost-effective alternative to traditional accelerometers for physical education programs and research in low-income populations.
Non-specific chronic low back pain and physical activity: A comparison of postural control and hip muscle isometric strength: A cross-sectional study.

Most research on sedentary lifestyle has focused on pain and disability, while neuromuscular outcomes (postural control and strength) have received less attention. The objective of the study was to determine whether low level of physical activity is negatively associated with measures of lower body muscular strength and postural control in individuals with and without non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).Twenty-four subjects with NSCLBP (28.8 ± 5.9 years) and 24 age, gender, and body mass index matched healthy controls participated in the study. Subjects were sub-classified into 4 subgroups based on their physical activity level: Non-active NSCLBP; Active NSCLBP; Non-active healthy control; and Active healthy control. Each subgroup consisted of 12 subjects. Peak force of hip muscles strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Postural control was assessed using computerized posturography and the Y Balance Test.There was no significant group by physical activity interaction for strength and static and dynamic postural control, except for static control during left single leg stance with eyes closed (P = .029). However, there was a significant difference in strength and postural control by physical activity (P < .05). Postural control and peak force of hip muscles strength were significantly associated with physical activity (r ranged from 0.50 to 0.66, P < .001 and r ranged from 0.40 to 0.59, P < .05, respectively).Postural control and hip strength were independently related to physical activity behavior. A sedentary behavior may be an important risk factor for impaired postural control and hip muscles strength, and that physical fitness is vital to neuromuscular outcomes.
Friedrich Nietzsche: The Hammer Goes to Monticello

Many American political theorists, political leaders, historians, and regular citizens view Thomas Jefferson as an embodiment of American political idealism, love for humanity, and faith in reason. Friedrich Nietzsche would find much to object to in Jefferson’s political thought. In this chapter, Nietzsche’s understanding of reason, morality, equality, Christianity, and democracy will be described and applied to an explanation and analysis of the same elements in Jefferson’s political thought. By borrowing Nietzsche’s philosophical hammer to “sound out” Jefferson’s mind, it will be argued that Jefferson’s oft-celebrated democracy of reason is tinged with misanthropy and world hatred. In other words, his vision is a manifestation of the ascetic ideal and thus is ultimately nihilistic. Because many see Jefferson as a paradigmatic figure in the American Founding, even as an incarnation of the American spirit, the chapter has broad implications for interpreting a fundamental dimension of the American political tradition. Through the particular example of Jefferson, the chapter also offers a sense of Nietzsche’s broader rejection of Enlightenment rationalism and objective reasoning as such.
Implementing Restorative Justice in an Urban Elementary School: A Principal’s Commitment and Experiences Eliminating Exclusionary Discipline:

Principals play a critical role in creating safe, inclusive, and equitable schools. Unfortunately, many schools maintain a legacy of exclusionary discipline and racial bias. In such contexts, princ...
Backlash against naming and shaming: The politics of status and emotion:

The most prominent approach to promoting human rights features the naming and shaming of perpetrators of abuses and those who abet them, including the tactic of ranking non-compliant states relativ...
Approach to the Extended States Conjecture

We develop a rather explicit approach concerning the extended states conjecture for the discrete random Schrodinger operator, or more generally for the so-called Anderson-type Hamiltonian. Our work is based on deep mathematical results by Jaksic–Last (Duke Math. J. 133(1):185–204, 2006). Concretely, we suggest two new directions of research: We provide a formula which may lead the way to a rigorous proof of the conjecture, and an implementation of the proposed approach which yields numerical evidence in favor of the conjecture being true for the discrete random Schrodinger operator in dimension two. Not being based on scaling theory, this method eliminates problems due to boundary conditions, common to previous numerical methods in the field. At the same time, as with any numerical experiment, one cannot exclude finite-size effects with complete certainty. We numerically track the “bulk distribution” (here: the distribution of where we most likely find an electron) of a wave packet initially located at the origin, after iterative application of the discrete random Schrodinger operator.
Sensory Neurons, Neuroimmunity, and Pain Modulation by Sex Hormones

The inclusion of women in preclinical pain studies has become more commonplace in the last decade as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released its "Sex as a Biological Variable" mandate. Presumably, basic researchers have not had a comprehensive understanding about neuroimmune interactions in half of the population and how hormones play a role in this. To date, we have learned that sex hormones contribute to sexual differentiation of the nervous system and sex differences in behavior throughout the lifespan; however, the cycling of sex hormones does not always explain these differences. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of sex differences and how hormones and immune interactions influence sensory neuron activity to contribute to physiology and pain. Neuroimmune mechanisms may be mediated by different cell types in each sex, as the actions of immune cells are sexually dimorphic. Unfortunately, the majority of studies assessing neuronal contributions to immune function have been limited to males, so it is unclear if the mechanisms are similar in females. Finally, pathways that control cellular metabolism, like nuclear receptors, have been shown to play a regulatory role both in pain and inflammation. Overall, communication between the neuroimmune and endocrine systems modulate pain signaling in a sex-dependent manner, but more research is needed to reveal nuances of these mechanisms.
Single Fraction Radiation for Myeloid Sarcoma Is as Effective as Multi-Fraction Regimens for Tumor Regression and Control.

Abstract Introduction/Background Myeloid sarcoma is a rare extramedullary manifestation of immature myeloid/monocyte cells. Radiotherapy (RT) yields good local control, but data on different fractionation schemes are limited. The goal of this retrospective study was to share our institutional experience and assess volumetric regression with differential fractionation. Materials and Methods We evaluated patients treated for myeloid sarcoma between 2000 and 2019 and categorized them into Group A (treated with RT) and Group B (no RT). We assessed local control using cumulative incidence function analysis. Post-treatment imaging sequences were analyzed for volumetric calculations. Results Forty-four patients with 80 lesions were assessed. Twenty-three patients with 52 lesions received RT (Group A), and 6 lesions received a single fraction of RT. There were 2 instances of local progression in Group A and 8 in Group B, with a cumulative incidence function estimate of local progression in Group A of 2.4% at 1 year and 6.9% at 2 years, significantly reduced compared to 29.7% and 35.5% in Group B, respectively (hazard ratio 0.13 [95% confidence interval 0.030.63], P = .011). No lesion treated with a single fraction of RT developed local progression. Volumetric analysis for 19 chronologically followed lesions (including 3 treated with a single fraction) revealed no difference in regression between single or multi-fraction treatment. Conclusion RT for myeloid sarcoma yields excellent local control and may be as effective in a single fraction as more protracted courses, though this requires validation. For a diagnosis associated with poor survival, a single palliative fraction may be optimal with potential for higher utilization.
Trophic transfer, bioaccumulation and transcriptomic effects of permethrin in inland silversides, Menidia beryllina, under future climate scenarios.

Abstract Global climate change (GCC) significantly affects aquatic ecosystems. Continual use of pyrethroid insecticides results in contamination of these ecosystems and concurrent GCC raises the potential for synergistic effects. Resistance to pyrethroids has been documented in Hyalella azteca, a common epibenthic amphipod and model organism. Resistant H. azteca can bioconcentrate elevated amounts of pyrethroids and represent a threat to consumers via trophic transfer. In the present study, a predator of H. azteca, the inland silverside (Menidia beryllina), was used to examine the impacts of GCC on pyrethroid bioaccumulation via trophic transfer from resistant prey organisms. M. beryllina were fed 14C-permethrin dosed pyrethroid-resistant H. azteca for 14 days at three salinities (6, 13 and 20 practical salinity units (PSU)) and two temperatures (18 and 23 °C). Fish were analyzed for total body residues, percent parent compound and percent metabolites. Gene expression in liver and brain tissue were evaluated to assess whether dietary bioaccumulation of permethrin would impact detoxification processes, metabolism, and general stress responses. M. beryllina bioaccumulated significant amounts of permethrin across all treatments, ranging from 39 to 557 ng g−1 lipid. No statistically significant effect of temperature was found on total bioaccumulation. Salinity had a significant effect on total bioaccumulation, owing to greater bioaccumulation at 6 PSU compared to 13 and 20 PSU, which may be due to alterations to xenobiotic elimination. Permethrin bioaccumulation and the interaction with temperature and salinity elicited significant transcriptional responses in genes relating to detoxification, growth, development, and immune response. Given the increased prevalence of pesticide-resistant aquatic invertebrates, GCC-induced alterations to temperature and salinity, and the predicted increase in pesticide usage, these findings suggest trophic transfer may play an important role in pesticide bioaccumulation and effects in predatory fish.
Partitioning of Fe2O3 in peridotite partial melting experiments over a range of oxygen fugacities elucidates ferric iron systematics in mid-ocean ridge basalts and ferric iron content of the upper mantle

Basalts and peridotites from mid-ocean ridges record fO2 near the quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer (QFM), but peridotite partial melting experiments have mostly been performed in graphite capsules (~ QFM-3), precluding evaluation of ferric iron’s behavior during basalt generation. We performed experiments at 1.5 GPa, 1350–1400 °C, and fO2 from about QFM-3 to QFM+3 to investigate the anhydrous partitioning behavior of Fe2O3 between silicate melts and coexisting peridotite mineral phases. We find spinel/melt partitioning of Fe2O3 ( $${D}_{\mathrm{Fe}2\mathrm{O}3}^{\mathrm{spl}/\mathrm{melt}}$$ ) increases as spinel Fe2O3 concentrations increase, independent of increases in fO2, and decreases with temperature, which is consistent with new and previous experiments at 0.1 MPa. We find $${D}_{\mathrm{Fe}2\mathrm{O}3}^{\mathrm{opx}/\mathrm{melt}}$$ = 0.63 ± 0.10 and $${D}_{\mathrm{Fe}2\mathrm{O}3}^{\mathrm{cpx}/\mathrm{melt}}$$ = 0.78 ± 0.30. MORB Fe2O3 and Na2O concentrations are consistent with a modeled MORB source with Fe2O3 = 0.48 ± 0.03 wt% (Fe3+/ΣFe = 0.053 ± 0.003) at potential temperatures (TP) from 1320 to 1440 °C. The temperature-dependence of the $${D}_{\mathrm{Fe}2\mathrm{O}3}^{\mathrm{spl}/\mathrm{melt}}$$ function alone allows ~ 40% of the variation in MORB compositions. If we allow $${D}_{\mathrm{Fe}2\mathrm{O}3}^{\mathrm{opx}/\mathrm{melt}}$$ and $${D}_{\mathrm{Fe}2\mathrm{O}3}^{\mathrm{opx}/\mathrm{melt}}$$ to also vary with temperature by tying them to spinel Fe2O3 through intermineral partitioning, then all the MORB data are within error of the model. Our model Fe2O3 concentration for the MORB source would require that the convecting mantle be more oxidized at a given depth than recorded by continental mantle xenoliths. Our result is supported by thermodynamic models of mantle with Fe3+/ΣFe = 0.03 that predict fO2 of ~ QFM-1 near the garnet-spinel transition, which is inconsistent with fO2 of MORB. Our results support previous suggestions that redox melting may occur between 200 and 250 km depth.
Mechanism of Interaction between Immune Complexes and Receptors for Antibody on Macrophages

Follicular localization of antigen depends on the presence of antibody (1–3). It has been suggested (1) that one of the cells involved in trapping of antigen-antibody complexes is the dendritic macrophage. This cell is similar to the circulating monocyte and macrophage, and it is possible that, like them, it possesses separate surface receptors for antibody and for modified complement (4–6), Either or both of these receptors may be necessary for antigen localization.
Demonstration of mRNA editing and localization of guide RNA genes in kinetoplast-mitochondria of the plant trypanosomatid Phytomonas serpens.

Abstract Maxicircle molecules of kDNA in several isolates of Phytomonas were detected by hybridization with the 12S rRNA gene probe from Leishmania tarentolae. The estimated size of maxicircles is isolate-specific and varies from 27 to 36 kb. Fully edited and polyadenylated mRNA for kinetoplast-encoded ribosomal protein S12 (RPS12) was found in the steady-state kinetoplast RNA isolated from Phytomonas serpens strain 1G. Two minicircles (1.45 kb) from this strain were also sequenced. Each minicircle contains two 120 bp conserved regions positioned 180° apart, a region enriched with G and T bases and a variable region. One minicircle encodes a gRNA for the first block of editing of RPS12 mRNA, and the other encodes a gRNA with unknown function. A gRNA gene for the second block of RPS12 was found on a minicircle sequenced previously. On each minicircle, a gRNA gene is located in the variable region in a similar position and orientation with respect to the conserved regions.
Examining the Underlying Purposes of Municipal and Statewide Smoking Bans

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated: but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.I
DNA Copy Number Analysis in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Using Gene Expression Microarrays

We report a method, Expression-Microarray Copy Number Analysis (ECNA) for the detection of copy number changes using Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 arrays, starting with as little as 5 ng input genomic DNA. An analytical approach was developed using DNA isolated from cell lines containing various X-chromosome numbers, and validated with DNA from cell lines with defined deletions and amplifications in other chromosomal locations. We applied this method to examine the copy number changes in DNA from 5 frozen gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). We detected known copy number aberrations consistent with previously published results using conventional or BAC-array CGH, as well as novel changes in GIST tumors. These changes were concordant with results from Affymetrix 100K human SNP mapping arrays. Gene expression data for these GIST samples had previously been generated on U133A arrays, allowing us to explore correlations between chromosomal copy number and RNA expression levels. One of the novel aberrations identified in the GIST samples, a previously unreported gain on 1q21.1 containing the PEX11B gene, was confirmed in this study by FISH and was also shown to have significant differences in expression pattern when compared to a control sample. In summary, we have demonstrated the use of gene expression microarrays for the detection of genomic copy number aberrations in tumor samples. This method may be used to study copy number changes in other species for which RNA expression arrays are available, e.g. other mammals, plants, etc., and for which SNPs have not yet been mapped.
Reply: Liver transplantation costs in the era of a health care crisis

In his letter, he addressed the need for healthcare cost curtailment across medical specialties. Hestated that analyzing the real cost in terms of the paidamount would have been more helpful for guiding spe-ciﬁc interventions for cost containment in this popula-tion. Although we agree that actual payments would beinteresting, we were limited to the available data. Unlikekidney transplantation, there is no national registry ofpayments following liver transplants. Thus, access to anational, private payer database offered a unique andvaluable opportunity for comparing relative costs andthefactorsthatinﬂuencetransplantpaymentsacrossmany providers. There is ample evidence that chargedata are highly correlated with actual costs and can beused to accurately describe relative differences in healthcare expenditures following liver transplantation as afunction of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score.Liver transplantation remains the only life-saving ther-apy for patients with end-stage liver failure and must beconsidered in the context of other, expensive life-savingtreatments such as implantable cardiac assist devicesand multi-agent chemotherapy, both of which are associ-ated with signiﬁcantly less survival beneﬁt. In addition,the cost of liver transplantat ion is only partially withinthe control of providers. The cost of liver transplantationis directly linked to the interplay of the recipient’s diseaseseverity, the local allograft supply, and the donor qual-ity.
A content analysis of weight stigmatization in popular television programming for adolescents.

Objective This study provides updated information regarding the prevalence and characteristics of weight stigma in popular adolescent television programming, using a sample of favorite shows named by diverse adolescents. Method Participants in a large, population-based study of Minnesota adolescents (N = 2,793, mean age = 14.4) listed their top three favorite television shows. A coding instrument was developed to analyze randomly selected episodes from the most popular 10 programs. Weight-stigmatizing incidents were compared across television show characteristics and characters' gender and weight status. Results Half (50%) of the 30 episodes analyzed contained at least one weight-stigmatizing incident. Both youth- and adult-targeted shows contained weight-stigmatizing comments, but the percent of these comments was much higher for youth-targeted (55.6%) than general audience-targeted shows (8.3%). Male characters were more likely than females to engage in (72.7% vs. 27.3%), and be the targets of, weight stigma (63.6% vs. 36.4%), and there was no difference in the amount of weight stigmatizing directed at average weight females compared to overweight females. Targets of these instances showed a negative response in only about one-third of cases, but audience laughter followed 40.9% of cases. Discussion The portrayal of weight stigmatization on popular television shows—including targeting women of average weight—sends signals to adolescents about the wide acceptability of this behavior and the expected response, which may be harmful. Prevention of weight stigmatization should take a multi-faceted approach and include the media. Future research should explore the impact that weight-related stigma in television content has on viewers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, (Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:759–766)
Surface-based finite element method for large-scale 3D circuit modeling

This paper presents a novel surface-based finite element method for full-wave modeling of large-scale 3D physical circuits. In contrast to traditional finite element methods that involve 3D volumetric unknowns, this method reduces the unknowns one needs to solve to those on 2D surface elements of interest only. It preserves the advantages of the finite element method in circuit application such as the flexibility in modeling irregular geometry, the capability in handling arbitrary inhomogeneity, and the handling of sparse matrices. Meanwhile, it eliminates the disadvantages long associated with traditional finite element methods such as large memory requirement and high CPU cost resulted from 3D volumetric discretization. Experimental and numerical results are given to demonstrate its accuracy and computational efficiency.
Bacterial Calcium Transport: Energy-Dependent Calcium Uptake by Membrane Vesicles from Bacillus megaterium

Membrane vesicles capable of energy-dependent calcium uptake have been prepared from Bacillus megaterium cells in log-phase growth or when undergoing sporulation. The uptake is dependent on the calcium concentration and appears saturable in vesicles from cells in log-phase growth. Both ascorbate and phenazine methosulfate are needed as a source of electrons for the energy-dependent increase in calcium uptake. Addition of 8 mM sodium cyanide inhibited the energy-dependent uptake. If this calcium uptake mechanism is a component of the sporulation-specific calcium accumulation process, the latter's functional expression would appear to be inhibited during log-phase growth.
Foundations of Activity of Daily Living Trajectories of Older Americans.

Objectives The disablement process can be viewed conceptually as a progression from disease to impairment to functional limitation and finally disability (frequently operationalized as activity limitation). This article assesses the extent to which early phases of the process are associated with individual-level disability trajectories by age. Method We use data from seven waves of the Health and Retirement Study, 1998 to 2010, to investigate for individuals aged 65-84 years how baseline sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported disease, pain, and functional limitation (physical, cognitive, or sensory) are related to the dynamics of limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs). Our modeling approach jointly estimates multiperiod trajectories of ADL limitation and mortality and yields estimates of the number of, shapes of, and factors associated with the most common trajectories. Results Individual probability of ADL limitation can best be described by three common trajectories. In comparison with disease, pain, and functional limitation, sociodemographic characteristics have weak associations with trajectory group membership. Notably, neither sex nor education is strongly associated with group membership in multivariate models. Discussion The analysis confirms the importance of the early phases of the disablement process and their relationships with subsequent trajectories of activity limitation.
Exploring fundamental causes of safety challenges faced by Hispanic construction workers in the US using photovoice

The US construction industry has long been responsible for a high injury and fatality rate. Within this dangerous industry, Hispanic workers are 45% more likely to be injured or killed than their non-Hispanic counterparts. Previous researchers have examined reasons for these disproportionate injury rates but past literature is spurious, fragmented, and incomplete. To address these limitations an in-depth study was launched to explore the perceived challenges that impact the safety of Hispanic construction workers. The primary data collection method was Photovoice, a photograph-based interview process that allows each participant to be the generator of their own data. The results of Photovoice interviews with 17 Hispanic workers in Colorado indicate that, compared with non-Hispanic workers, Hispanic workers perceive that they are: (1) susceptible to an internal pressure to complete work quickly and neglect safety based on their experiences in their home country; (2) assigned more dangerous tasks because of racism and discrimination; (3) more willing to accept dangerous work for fear of losing their jobs and ability to support extended family; (4) less likely to provide feedback to their supervisors and co-workers for fear of negative personal reactions; (5) more likely to be distracted by family issues while at work because of their strong and broad family ties; (6) more likely to ignore criticism because of machismo; (7) more likely to underreport injuries for fear of losing their jobs; and (8) less likely to ask for safety assistance when it is needed because of pride.
An optically linked electric and magnetic field sensor for poynting vector measurements in the near field of radiating sources

An improved, single-element antenna sensing technique is described which can simultaneously measure the electric (E) field, magnetic (H) field, and time-dependent Poynting vector of electromagnetic (EM) fields. Two rf voltages are produced which, along with relative phase and frequency informaiton, are transmitted to a remotely located analyzer by a pair of matched fiber optic downlinks.
Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis by capillary and microchip electrophoresis: a fast, simple method for detection of common mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2.

As a result of intensive studies on hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, two breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified. In each gene, a small number of specific mutations have been found at relatively high frequency in certain ethnic populations. The mutations, 185delAG and 5382insC in BRCA1 and 6174delT in BRCA2, have been identified as common mutations in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, with a combined frequency of 2.0 to 2.5%. Women who have one of the above three common mutations are at a high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Consequently, accurate and cost-effective detection of these three mutations may have important implications for risk assessment in susceptible women and men. In this report, we describe a fast and simple capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based method using a polymer network for screening the three common mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Fluorescent dye-labeled primers (6-FAM-tagged) were used to amplify three DNA fragments of 258, 296, and 201 bp for detection of the 185delAG, 5382insC, and 6174delT mutations, respectively. After the PCR products were denatured, a single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) profile could be obtained for each mutation in less than 10 min by CE in a polymer network. We demonstrate the potential provided by translating this assay to the microchip format where the SSCP analysis is complete in 120 s, representing only a fraction of the reduction in analysis time that can be achieved with microchip technology. The speed and simplicity of the SSCP methodology for detection of these mutations make it attractive for use in the clinical diagnostic laboratory.
Dimensional reduction of spacrtime induced by nonlinear scalar dynamics and noncompact extra dimensions

We discuss general aspects of dimensional reduction induced by nonlinear scalar dynamics, including the small fluctuation expansion of the action. The case of compact positively curved scalar manifolds described by symmetric spaces G/H is shown to be free of tachyonic instabilities; the spectrum consists of a graviton, a massless scalar and towers of massive spin-two, spin-one, and spin-zero fields. These towers are worked out explicitly for the case of a two-sphere. The case of noncompact negatively curved scalar manifolds inducing a noncompact nonhomogeneous space for the extra dimensions is studied in the particular example of SU(1,1)/U(1). The massless spectrum consists of a graviton and a scalar and suitable boundary conditions are seen to give a discrete spectrum, actual conservation of formally conserved quantities, and no problems of interpretation. We discuss positive energy.
Time scores and factor analysis

The assumption of specific operation times leads to equations similar to those which are the basis for a factor analysis but in which the time scores replace item scores. An analysis of time scores is shown to lead to results equivalent, in a first approximation, to those obtained from an analysis of item scores. It is suggested that by modifying the factor technique it may be possible to use additional information to check with the results from an analysis.
Sodium ion channel mutations in glioblastoma patients correlate with shorter survival

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and invasive astrocytic tumor associated with dismal prognosis. Treatment for GBM patients has advanced, but the median survival remains a meager 15 months. In a recent study, 20,000 genes from 21 GBM patients were sequenced that identified frequent mutations in ion channel genes. The goal of this study was to determine whether ion channel mutations have a role in disease progression and whether molecular targeting of ion channels is a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM patients. Therefore, we compared GBM patient survival on the basis of presence or absence of mutations in calcium, potassium and sodium ion transport genes. Cardiac glycosides, known sodium channel inhibitors, were then tested for their ability to inhibit GBM cell proliferation. Nearly 90% of patients showed at least one mutation in ion transport genes. GBM patients with mutations in sodium channels showed a significantly shorter survival compared to patients with no sodium channel mutations, whereas a similar comparison based on mutational status of calcium or potassium ion channel mutations showed no survival differences. Experimentally, targeting GBM cells with cardiac glycosides such as digoxin and ouabain demonstrated preferential cytotoxicity against U-87 and D54 GBM cells compared to non-tumor astrocytes (NTAs). These pilot studies of GBM patients with sodium channel mutations indicate an association with a more aggressive disease and significantly shorter survival. Moreover, inhibition of GBM cells by ion channel inhibitors such as cardiac glycosides suggest a therapeutic strategy with relatively safe drugs for targeting GBM ion channel mutations. Key Words: glioblastoma multiforme, ion channels, mutations, small molecule inhibitors, cardiac glycosides.
Mancaves and masculinity

How do mancaves, male spaces in or around the house, contribute to construction of masculinity? Our research challenges the perspective that male spaces emerge in opposition to the feminine conception of home. Findings from interviews with American suburban men reveal that male spaces represent therapeutic venues that help men in alleviating identity pressures created by work as well as domestic life and aid revitalization of men’s identities as fathers and husbands. Circumscribed by egalitarian ideology and the family ideal, male spaces also foster paternal and fraternal bonds instrumental for creating masculinity at home.
In vivo repair of bacteriophage t5 DNA: an assay for viral growth control.

Abstract We have examined the properties of in vivo repair of the single-strand interruptions contained in the DNA of bacteriophage T5. During the processes required for the complete injection of the T5 genome, we have observed two species of DNA, 3 × 10 6 and 25 × 10 6 daltons, that are not present in the DNA of the virion. We propose that these new species may represent partially repaired intermediates that arise as a consequence of an ordered orientation of DNA injection. Cells infected with T5 require 1 m M Ca 2+ to repair the interruptions in T5 DNA. If cells are infected at 0.1 m M Ca 2+ , repair of the T5 DNA does not occur until the molarity of Ca 2+ is adjusted to 1 m M . These observations, together with previous results suggest that 1 m M Ca 2+ may be required during T5 infection to permit the complete accessibility of the viral genome to cytoplasmic enzymes. The maximum rate of repair of T5 DNA requires the synthesis of T5 class II proteins. Hence T5-infected cells, like T4 and T7, may contain a phage-encoded DNA ligase. We also demonstrate that a class II T5 protein acts together with the class I viral h gene product and with a gene product of the ColIb plasmid to arrest the T5 transcriptional program.
19F- and fluorescently labeled micelles as nanoscopic assemblies for chemotherapeutic delivery.

Micelles from amphiphilic star-block copolymers, having a hydrophobic hyperbranched core and amphiphilic fluoropolymer arms, were constructed as drug delivery agent assemblies. A series of polymer ...
Ultraviolet spectrum of CF3OH: Upper limits to the absorption cross sections

The ultraviolet spectra of gaseous and liquid samples of the species CF3OH have been investigated in the laboratory. Upper limits to the absorption cross sections in the 190–300 nm wavelength range were determined. The species CF3OH is produced in the stratosphere by hydrogen abstraction reactions involving the CF3O radical; the upper limits to the ultraviolet absorption cross sections established in this work imply that photolysis of CF3OH in the stratosphere is too slow to regenerate CF3O radicals at rates significant for ozone depletion.
A phantom study of tumor localization using biomimetic electrostatic imaging

It has been established that tumor cells can be distinguished from surrounding healthy tissue by electrical impedance. However, existing impedance measuring apparatus require direct contact or excision. In this work, we suggest the application of Biomimetic Electrostatic Imaging (BEI) to the task of impedance-based cellular-scale cancer screening and conduct a phantom study with a hyperconductive target to explore efficacy. It was shown that current BEI hardware could detect the phantom target at ranges exceeding seven-times the excitation length. Future study is needed to prove the result holds with miniaturization.
High-precision method for measuring the photothermal properties of transparent media with digital holography (Invited Paper)

Quantitative phase microscopy by digital holography provides direct access to the phase profile of a transparent subject with high precision. This is useful for observing phenomena that modulate phase, but are otherwise difficult or impossible to detect. In this letter, a carefully constructed digital holographic apparatus is used to measure optically induced thermal lensing with an optical path difference precision of less than 1 nm. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the radial symmetry of a thermal lens, such data are processed to determine the absorption coefficient of transparent media with precisions as low as 1 \times 10^{-5} cm^{-1} using low power (30 mW) continuous wave (CW) excitation.
Complications Secondary to the Bard Retrievable Filter: A Case Report

Recent trials have demonstrated the efficacy of short-term insertion of inferior vena cava filters in the treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism certain populations, especially those with a reversible contraindication to anticoagulation. This has widened the use of retrievable filters in the hope of avoiding the long-term complications of permanent filters. However, no trials have demonstrated complications for each individual retrievable filter; and therefore, the decision for insertion of caval filter should be thoroughly studied and the benefit clearly determined. We discuss our experience with complications that we have encountered during retrieval of the Bard recovery filter in two patients.
Fiber delivered two-color picosecond source for coherent Raman scattering imaging

We demonstrate two-color, fiber delivered picosecond source for coherent Raman scattering (CRS) imaging. The wavelength tunable picosecond pump is generated through nonlinear spectral compression of a prechirped femtosecond pulse from a mode-locked femtosecond Titanium:Sapphire (Ti:S) laser. The 1064 nm Stokes pulse is generated by an allfiber time-lens source that is synchronized to the Ti:S laser. The pump and Stokes are combined in an optical fiber coupler, which serves not only as the delivery fiber for the two-color picosecond source but also as the nonlinear medium for spectral compression of the femtosecond Ti:S pulse. The temporal overlap of the two pulses is electronically adjusted without any mechanical optical delay line, greatly facilitating the temporal alignment of the excitation beams for CRS. CARS imaging of mouse skin at CH2 stretching frequency (2845 cm-1) are performed to demonstrate the practicality of this source. The combination of the all-fiber time-lens source and the nonlinear spectral compression of a femtosecond source in an optical fiber has the potential to make CRS imaging practical to any researcher with a wavelength tunable femtosecond source.
The zinc finger transcription factors Osr1 and Osr2 control synovial joint formation.

Synovial joints enable smooth articulations between different skeletal elements and are essential for the motility of vertebrates. Despite decades of extensive studies of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of limb and skeletal development, the molecular mechanisms governing synovial joint formation are still poorly understood. In particular, whereas several signaling pathways have been shown to play critical roles in joint maintenance, the mechanism controlling joint initiation is unknown. Here we report that Osr1 and Osr2, the mammalian homologs of the odd-skipped family of zinc finger transcription factors that are required for leg joint formation in Drosophila, are both strongly expressed in the developing synovial joint cells in mice. Whereas Osr1−/− mutant mice died at midgestation and Osr2−/− mutant mice had only subtle defects in synovial joint development, tissue-specific inactivation of Osr1 in the developing limb mesenchyme in Osr2−/− mutant mice caused fusion of multiple joints. We found that Osr1 and Osr2 function is required for maintenance of expression of signaling molecules critical for joint formation, including Gdf5, Wnt4 and Wnt9b. In addition, joint cells in the double mutants failed to upregulate expression of the articular cartilage marker gene Prg4. These data indicate that Osr1 and Osr2 function redundantly to control synovial joint formation.
X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy studies of MoO2 as catalyst for the partial oxidation of isooctane

Abstract X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoemission (XPS) as well as ultraviolet photoemission (UPS) spectroscopy experiments on MoO 2 powders were carried out to examine the bulk, the core level energies, and the electronic structure of MoO 2 samples that were employed as catalysts for the partial oxidation of isooctane. Five fresh 0.5-g MoO 2 samples were exposed for 0, 0.5, 9, 20, and 43 h to identical reforming environments and their spent samples were analyzed using the techniques mentioned above. Our results indicate the rapid appearance of an intermediate Mo phase with a binding energy of 228.5 eV and whose concentration progressively increases with time. The oxidation state for this new phase was graphically estimated to approximately +2.6 and assigned to the compound Mo 2 O 3 , which forms on the catalyst surface as a result of its exposure to the reforming environment. The electronic structure probed by UPS reveals two bands, one at 1.62 eV and another at 0.55 eV below the Fermi level, that decrease with the increasing time on stream. These results correlate very well with the drop in the catalytic performance of MoO 2 for the partial oxidation of isooctane and with the decline in the concentration of dioxide (Mo 4+ ) detected not only on the catalyst surface, but also in the bulk structure, as confirmed by our XRD analysis.
Custom topology rotary clock router with tree subnetworks

Increasing demands on computing power have spurred the development of faster, higher-density Integrated Circuits (ICs), compounding power and complexity concerns in design budgets. The clock distribution network is a significant contributor to such power and complexity concerns. Resonant rotary clocking is a relatively new technology that realizes several benefits over current clocking methods, including power, frequency, and variation tolerance, yet lacks the automation tools to promote increased use. Towards this end, an automated rotary clock routing methodology is presented that generates custom topology rotary ring routes with tree subnetworks. In addition to the benefits of adiabatic clocking, the presented custom topology router permits 38.6p shorter wirelengths on average for register tapping, compared to traditional prescribed skew, binary tree routing.
Directional sensitivity of tuberous electroreceptors: polarity preferences and frequency tuning.

This paper examines the directionality of tuberous electroreceptor responses and relates them to a polarity bias seen for passive electrolocation by electric fish (Hypopomus). We recorded from Burst Duration Coders (BDCs) while stimulating with 1 kHz single period sine waves with electric fields oriented horizontally in different directions. Electroreceptors have figure-8 directional sensitivity profiles with two, usually unequal lobes of sensitivity separated by 180°. For most units the larger lobe points inward, while for a few, the lobes are symmetrical or the larger lobe points outward. The differences correlate with differences in frequency tuning of the receptors. We can alter, and even reverse, the directional asymmetry of a single unit by changing the frequency of the stimulus. Two general response profiles result, with two corresponding classes of tuning curves. The degree of asymmetry varies with position on the body surface. The asymmetries and the effects of stimulus frequency and of tuning can be modeled with a linear/non-linear/linear cascade filter. The behavioral preference for approaching the head end ( + ) of an electrode is difficult to understand in light of the asymmetry of responses we report for amplitude-coding BDCs but can be understood by reference to the time-coding Pulse Marker (PM) receptors.
Raman spectroscopic studies of gas phase Me3In, Et3In and EtMe2In

Abstract Gas phase Raman spectra were studied in detail for the first time for trimethylindium (Me 3 In), triethylindium (Et 3 In) and ethyl-dimethylindium (EtMe 2 In). The analysis of these spectra indicates that all three compounds are monomeric in the gas phase. An accurate determination of the vibrational frequencies also was obtained for these compounds from the spectral analysis. While no indication of the presence of an impurity could be found in the Me 3 In and Et 3 In spectra, spectral features attributable to Me 3 In were identified in the EtMe 2 In Raman spectrum, indicating that ligand rearrangement reaction occurs in the EtMe 2 In sample under our experimental conditions ( T > 55°C). The implication of these results to the investigation of the pyrolysis mechanism of these compounds is discussed.
Risk modification in the postanesthesia care unit

By taking an organized approach to problem-solving in the PACU, as part of an overall hospital-mandated quality assurance program, PACU staff can increase patient safety, reduce risk, and improve the quality of care.