cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indications for Poor Prognosis in Patients with Surgically Treated Spontaneous Non-Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage (PD7.009)

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that contribute to worse outcome in the above subset of patients. BACKGROUND: Spontaneous non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a deadly condition with significant disability among survivors and with the highest mortality rate of all types of stroke. Though extensive research has been performed on the topic, there is no consensus regarding optimal management. DESIGN/METHODS: 300 consecutive cases from 2009-2011 were reviewed. From these, 29 underwent craniotomy and surgical evacuation of hematoma. Demographics, medical history, hemorrhage characteristics and complications were compiled. Outcomes were scored using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS 0-6). RESULTS: Among those patients, 5 died and the rest were discharged with varying degrees of disability. We found that ventricular extension of hemorrhage (IVH) (p=.0488), herniation of any type (p=.0043), presence of significant midline shift (>6mm) (p=.043), hemorrhage expansion into the thalamus or basal ganglia (p=.023), and presenting with a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)(p=.0019) were all correlated with worse outcomes. We were unable to find a significant correlation between sex, age, body mass index, smoking, kidney function, diabetes mellitus, white matter disease, hydrocephalus, external ventricular drain placement, prior anti-platelet use, or associated subarachnoid hemorrhage and worse outcome. We found a significant correlation between age and functional outcome in patients with cortical hemorrhages who had not undergone surgery; patients in this category over the age of 70 had a mean mRS score 1.9 units higher than those under the age of 70 (p=.0012). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that certain factors are more correlated than others in predicting worse functional outcome, specifically the presence of IVH, deep hemorrhagic expansion, presence of midline shift, herniation, and NIHSS score of 15 or greater. However, a larger multicenter prospective randomized study is needed in order to create safe criteria for patients more likely to achieve better functional outcomes after surgery. Disclosure: Dr. Giannakidis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carbone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hidalgo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Prestigiacomo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gandhi has nothing to disclose.
Preliminary Analysis of a Small, Inherently Safe Boiling Water Reactor

The preliminary analysis of an inherently safe nuclear power plant is presented. The system, based on the state-of-the-art technology of light water and gas-cooled nuclear power plants, features a multicavity prestressed concrete vessel, which houses a reduced boiling water reactor (BWR)-6 core and heat exchangers. Steam with a quality of 16.5% at a pressure of 7.24 MPa (1050 psia) at the core exit flows through steam generators and preheaters arranged symmetrically around the core.
Gender- and age-varying associations of sensation seeking and substance use across young adulthood.

Abstract Introduction Sensation seeking is associated with elevated risk for substance use among adolescents and young adults. However, whether these associations vary across age for young men and women is not well characterized. Methods Using data from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) panel study, we examine the age-varying associations of sensation seeking and three types of substance use behavior (binge drinking, cigarette use, and marijuana use) across ages 18 to 30 using time-varying effect modeling. Analyses include participants in the eleven most recent MTF cohorts (12th-graders in 1994–2004), who are eligible to respond through age 29/30 (N = 6338 people; 30,237 observations). Results While sensation seeking levels and substance use are lower among women, the magnitude of the association of sensation seeking with binge drinking and with marijuana use among women exceeds that of men in the later 20s. Differential age trends were observed; among men, the associations generally decreased or remained constant with age. Yet among women, the associations decayed more slowly or even increased with age. Specifically, the association of sensation seeking with marijuana use among women increased during the late 20s, such that the association at age 30 exceeded that in the early 20s. Conclusions The significantly stronger associations of sensation seeking with binge drinking and marijuana use observed among women compared to men during the mid- to late-20s suggests divergent risk factors across genders for substance use during young adulthood, with sensation seeking remaining a strong risk factor for women but not men.
Pediatric robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty: Does age matter?

Summary Background Although shown to be safe in infancy, robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is most commonly performed in older children and adolescents. Objective This study examined a contemporary RALP experience at a single tertiary pediatric center and compared outcomes in infants aged ≤1 year with an older cohort. Methods and design All RALP procedures were entered into an Institutional Review Board-approved data registry from 2012 to 2016. Patients were retrospectively grouped according to age. The primary outcome was success rate. Secondary outcomes included complications and length of hospital stay. Failure was defined as the need for secondary surgical intervention for UPJO or worsening urinary tract dilation on imaging. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Mann–Whitney U testing was used for comparison. Results A total of 138 patients underwent RALP during 2012–2016, with a median age of 6 years (IQR 1, 13.25) and a male:female ratio of approximately 2:1. Of these, 34 (24.6%) were aged ≤1 year. Of all patients, 60 (43.5%) presented with a history of prenatal hydronephrosis, and 32% had a crossing vessel causing obstruction. An indwelling stent was placed in antegrade fashion in 71% of cases, and 18% had a percutaneously placed externalized stent. There were six (4%) failures requiring reoperation. Multivariate and comparative analysis demonstrated that the infant cohort utilized less morphine equivalents and more often had a percutaneous stent placed compared to the older cohort. Of the complications that occurred, 60% were minor (Clavien grades 1 and 2) and 40% were Clavien grade 3 in the infant cohort, and 70.1% and 29.9% in the older cohort, respectively. No studied criteria predicted failure in either cohort. Conclusion This study presented one of the largest contemporary series of consecutive pediatric RALPs, and showed an overall success rate of 96%. There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay, and complications or failure rates in infants compared to older children. This study substantiated the ongoing trend towards the adaptation of robotic-assisted surgery for the entire pediatric patient population.
A Syntactic-Semantic Approach to Pictorial Pattern Analysis

Many mathematical methods have been proposed for solving image analysis and pattern recognition problems [1]. They can be grouped into two major approaches, decision-theoretic or statistical approach and structural or syntactic approach [1–9]. From the point of view of image representation or description, we can discuss image analysis in terms of single-entity representation versus multiple-entity representation, and suggest a combined syntactic-semantic approach on the basis of using attributed languages.
MDL-based decision tree pruning

This paper explores the application of the Minimum Description Length principle for pruning decision trees. We present a new algorithm that intuitively captures the primary goal of reducing the misclassification error. An experimental comparison is presented with three other pruning algorithms. The results show that the MDL pruning algorithm achieves good accuracy, small trees, and fast execution times.
A hope-based intervention to address disrupted goal pursuits and quality of life in young adult cancer survivors.

e22135Background: Young adulthood is a critical time entailing several important life transitions and goal pursuits. Unfortunately, > 60,000 US young adults are diagnosed with cancer yearly, disrup...
Use of Bevacizumab for Elderly Patients With Stage IV Colon Cancer: Analysis of SEER-Medicare Data.

Abstract Background Bevacizumab is used for the treatment of metastatic colon cancer in conjunction with first-line chemotherapy. In this study, we examined receipt of first-line bevacizumab and predictors of its use among older patients with stage IV colon cancer. Materials and Methods We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare dataset to identify patients with stage IV colon cancer diagnosed from 2005 to 2013 who received FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin) or FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/irinotecan) as first-line therapy. We used multivariable regression analysis to determine demographic and clinical factors associated with use of concomitant bevacizumab. Results We identified 3785 patients with stage IV colon cancer who met our eligibility criteria. Of these, 2352 (62.1%) received bevacizumab. Bevacizumab use has decreased over time from 68.2% in 2005 to 57.6% in 2013 (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.97). Patients were less likely to receive bevacizumab if they were older (compared with 65-69 years, ≥ 80 years: OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.52-0.80), or had multiple comorbidities (compared with comorbidity score of 0, score of 1: OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60-0.89). Conclusion Over one-half of elderly patients received bevacizumab as part of their first-line therapy for stage IV colon cancer. Bevacizumab use has been slowly decreasing since 2005. Newer anti-epidermal growth factor receptor treatments have not been supplanting bevacizumab, as first-line biologic use in general has also decreased during this time period.
Identify Significant Phenomenon-Specific Variables for Multivariate Time Series

Multivariate time series (MTS) are collected for different variables in studying scientific phenomena or monitoring system health where each time series records the values of one variable for a time period. Among the different variables, it is common that only a few variables contribute significantly to a specific phenomenon. Furthermore, the variables contributing significantly to different phenomena are often different. We denote the different variables that contribute to the occurrences of different phenomena as Phenomenon-specific Variables (PVs) . In this paper, we formulate a novel problem of identifying significant PVs from MTS datasets. To analyze MTS data, feature extraction techniques have been extensively studied. However, most of them identify important global features for one dataset and do not utilize the temporal order of time series. To solve the newly introduced problem, we propose a solution framework, CNN $_{mts}$ m t s -X , which is a new variant of the Convolutional Neural Networks ( CNN ) and can embed other feature extraction techniques (as X ). Furthermore, we design a CNN $_{mts}$ m t s -LR method that implements a new feature identification approach ( LR ) as X in the CNN $_{mts}$ m t s -X framework. The LR method leverages both Linear Discriminant Analysis ( LDA ) and Random Forest ( RF ). Our extensive experiments on five real datasets show that the CNN $_{mts}$ m t s -LR method has exhibited much better performance than several other baseline methods. Using 30 percent of the PVs discovered from the CNN $_{mts}$ m t s -LR , classifications can achieve better or similar performance than using all the variables.
Extracellular Vesicles and Metastasis

Secretion of cell contents through extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, is a fundamental cell behavior. Compared with their normal counterparts, cancer cells are different in the amount and composition of EVs they secrete as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic (microenvironmental) alterations. Although EVs were originally recognized as a means to remove undesired cell components, recent studies show their critical role in mediating intercellular interaction through cargo transport. In cancer, EVs can be transferred between different cancer cell subpopulations and between cancer and normal cells localized inside and outside of the tumor. By regulating various aspects of cellular functions, EVs contribute to tumor heterogeneity and plasticity, vascular remodeling, cancer-niche coevolution, immunomodulation, and establishment of premetastatic niche, all of which are important to the process of metastasis. Recent discoveries on EV-mediated mechanisms lead to a new understanding of the multifaceted changes in tumor and nontumor tissues before and after cancer metastasis, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Examination of 388 Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Intensive Care Unit Patients

We have examined the draft genomes of 388 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from intensive care unit patients at three geographically distributed hospitals to determine genomic diversity associated with potential health care worker-associated transmission.
Factors associated with condom use among HIV-positive women living in Atlanta, Georgia

Objectives Consistent condom use is essential to reducing heterosexual transmission of HIV. African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States despite comprising a small percentage of the population. Our objectives were to evaluate factors associated with self-reported condom use in a cohort of predominantly African American women receiving HIV care in Atlanta, Georgia. Methods A cross-sectional study of reproductive knowledge, attitudes, and practices among adult, sexually-active, HIV-positive women attending the Grady Infectious Disease Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia was conducted from July, 2013 to November, 2014 to evaluate factors associated with self-reported condom use. Primary outcomes included: condom use at last vaginal intercourse and consistent condom use with vaginal intercourse over the last six months. Descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Of 187 women enrolled, 170 reported having vaginal intercourse in the last six months. Seventy-four percent used condoms at last vaginal intercourse, whereas 53% reported consistent condom use over the last six months. In adjusted analyses, factors associated with condom use at last intercourse included decreased frequency of sex, no history of drug use, and confidence to discuss condom use with sexual partners (p<0.05). Factors associated with consistent condom use in the past six months were older age, being single/dating, and confidence to discuss condom use with sexual partners. History of drug use, having HIV-positive partners, and unprotected anal intercourse were associated with inconsistent use (p<0.05). Conclusions Improved strategies are needed to educate women on the importance of safe sexual practices and condom negotiation. Healthcare providers should strive to have an open dialogue with patients about condom use, whether they engage in anal sex, and its risks.
First-principles investigation of the phase stability and early stages of precipitation in Mg-Sn alloys

Recently, remarkable experimental progress has been made toward understanding the metastable phases in Mg-Sn alloys, a promising candidate for rare-earth-free Mg-based alloys. However, the detailed structures and stability of these phases remain unclear. Here, the authors addressed this question comprehensively using a combined approach of density functional theory, cluster expansion, and Monte Carlo calculations. In addition, the preferred atomic-scale ordering at localized regions and its role in the early stages of precipitation are revealed, suggesting a new precipitation sequence in accordance with experiments. This work paves the way for designing precipitation-strengthened rare-earth-free Mg-Sn based alloys.
Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy for in vivo bone strength prediction with minimized soft tissue influence (Conference Presentation)

Using transcutaneous spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) and partial least squares regression (PLSR), we recently predicted the areal bone mineral density (aBMD), volumetric bone mineralization density (vBMD) and maximum torque (MT) of tibiae in living mice. Despite the spatial offset geometry, the accuracy of the predictions was still affected by the signal from the overlying soft tissue that, like bone, contains large amounts of Type I collagen. Here we report a way to use SOLD (simultaneous, overconstrained, library-based decomposition) to improve the PLSR accuracy. The SOLD processing generates one bone spectrum estimate, one soft tissue spectrum estimate, and a residual. We combine the bone and residual spectra together for submission to PLSR, discarding only the soft tissue contribution. With the implementation of this soft-tissue-subtracted SOLD processing, we demonstrate that we can predict vBMD and MT more accurately than our previous transcutaneous measurements.
E-082 Endovascular preoperative embolization for temporomandibular joint replacement surgery

Background and purpose This retrospective study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of preoperative endovascular embolization in patients who underwent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement surgery. Material and methods We included all patients treated with preoperative embolization of the internal maxillary artery (IMAX) between June 2016 and January 2019. All patients were treated by the same surgeon using standard surgical approaches and procedures. Periprocedural adverse events, blood loss during surgery and clinical follow-up are reported. Results Fourteen patients (12 females, mean age 32.5) were treated with 19 embolizations of the internal maxillary artery (bilateral embolizations in 7 patients) prior to TMJ replacement surgery with prosthetic joints (TMJ Concepts prostheses). Seven patients presented with TMJ ankylosis/degenerative joint disease/post-trauma deformity, 4 patients with Idiopathic Condylar Resorption and resultant mandibular displacement/hypoplasia, 2 patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated condylar degeneration and resultant loss of mandibular position, and 1 patient being re-reconstructed following management of a prosthetic joint infection. Seven patients underwent bilateral prosthetic joint replacement. Four patients underwent additional facial skeletal surgery as part of their treatment. The median blood volume loss during TMJ surgery was approximately 370 cc per patient and 246 cc per TMJ replacement surgery (range 100 cc to 800 cc). Joint space-specific blood loss was not recorded but, as per the surgical team, was significantly decreased when compared to non-embolized patients. There were no intra-procedural complications. The mean clinical follow-up was 7.1 months (range 1–24 months). The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was 0 before the procedure and at last clinical follow-up in all patients. After TMJ surgery, 3 patients reported paresthesia of the trigeminal nerve likely related to the residual condyle resection and 3 patients had mild facial nerve weakness (Temporal and/or Marginal Mandibular branch) related to the surgical exposures. Conclusion Endovascular preoperative embolization of the internal maxillary artery (IMAX) is feasible and safe and likely effective in reducing blood volume loss in complex TMJ replacement surgery. Disclosures A. Santillan: None. M. Sur: None. J. Schwarz: None. K. Brown: None. E. Rogol: None. D. Behrman: None. A. Patsalides: None.
Teenage boy with bullous rash.

­ A 14-year-old boy with recent antibiotic treatment for tonsillitis, presented to the emergency department with 1-week history of worsening rash and haemorrhagic bullae involving the bilateral legs, trunk and hands (figures 1 and 2). Laboratory results were significant for proteinuria (2+protein) and haematuria (1+, 5–10 red blood cells/high power field); 24 hours urinary protein and renal function were within normal limits. The patient had an inconclusive skin biopsy. Questions What is the most probable diagnosis? Bullous Ig A vasculitis Meningococcemia Bullous impetigo Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis Cryoglobulinemia What is the best test which will establish the diagnosis in this patient? Renal ultrasound Renal biopsy Abdominal ultrasound Creatinine clearance What is first line of treatment in this patient? Antibiotics Steroids Surgical debridement Multispecialty consultation Immunosuppressants such as azothioprine What other systems can this condition affect besides the skin? Lungs Kidneys Spleen Nervous system A, B and D Answers can be found on page 02.
Comparative Analysis of Package Warpage Using Confocal Method and Digital Image Correlation

Optical measurement techniques are commonly used in order to inspect the thermal warpage behavior and the deformation of packages during reflow. JEDEC standard has offered four types of methods to measure the warpage: Confocal, Digital Image Correlation (DIC), Shadow Moire, and Digital fringe projection. In this paper, the recently emerged new confocal imaging system is introduced and compared with DIC method in different aspects.The objection of the comparison is not to decide which tool is better yet to provide a general guide for both advantages and disadvantages of two kinds of methods under different situations of applications. First, the same component is measured by confocal as well as DIC method in order to verify the accuracy of the new confocal inspection system. For this measurement, surface treatment is needed for DIC method yet the confocal method does not have such a requirement. Another application for confocal method is that except for the substrate warpage, it can also measure the bump top behavior like coplanarity during cycling, which DIC is not able to measure. However, the DIC is capable of inspecting the in-plane and out-of-plane deformation so that it has the CTE measurement function that confocal method does not possess.
Shakespeare’s Genres

In this chapter, Eastman introduces the concept of genre (which is defined by subject matter), and provides a list of modern-day genres that Shakespeare invented and refined. These include familiar categories like the Romantic Comedy and the Coming of Age story, as well as unconventional genres like the Character History, Runaway Villain story, or the One-Trick Pony story. Each entry lists examples from both Shakespeare and modern-day writers.
Power to the Public: The Promise of Public Interest Technology: by Tara Dawson McGuinness and Hana Schank, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2021, pp. 187, $19.95, hardcover, ISBN-13:978-0-691-20775-9

Power to the Public is a timely resource on how governments and non-profits can interact with technology while taking into account the public interest. It is important to name any new field to enab...
Factors that Influence the Differentiation and Growth of Glands Associated with the Gastrointestinal Mucosa

Various factors influence the differentiation, growth, and function of the glands associated with the gastrointestinal mucosa and also play an important role in regulating and maintaining the balance between epithelial cell proliferation and loss of cells from the gastrointestinal mucosa. Although the nature of the activities of such substances in Didelphis is unknown, there appears to be no reason to believe that they function in any way different to those in other mammals. Differentiation and growth, as well as epithelial cell proliferation and loss, are influenced by luminal, dietary, neural, and hormonal factors. Preprogrammed intrinsic factors also may play an important role in the regulation of the processes. The effect of such factors on gastrointestinal differentiation and growth have been summarized in elegant reviews by Klein and McKenzie (1983a,b), and by Johnson (1987) and Henning (1987). These factors include hypophysial hormones or tissues under hypophysial control, endogenous gastrointestinal hormones from enteroendocrine cells, neurotransmitters from the enteric nervous system, factors present in luminal content (amniotic fluid, milk, or dietary factors), and intrinsic mechanisms such as prostaglandins and chalones. Gastrin-, CCK-, somatostatin-, BPP-, glucagon-, secretin, motilin-, GIP-, neurotensin-, and 5-HT-immunoreactive cells are present in the gastrointestinal mucosa of the newborn opossum (Krause et al. 1986, 1989b). Cells with neurotensin immunoreactivity are unique in that, although present in the proximal colon of the newborn, the cells disappear and a significant population is not seen again in the intestinal mucosa until the 74th postnatal day, just prior to weaning.
Electron microprobe analysis of vanadium in the presence of titanium.

Electron microprobe analysis of vanadium in presence of titanium by compositional measurement of chromite in chondritic meteorites
From RNA Replicators to Genes to Survival Machines with Brains

I describe the evolution of life and the evolution of complex dynamical systems such as the brain as an emergent phenomenon, which allow a subset of multicellular life to learn its environment and adapt to it, enabling it to survive and replicate. Its ultimate purpose is to allow organisms to project their genetic materials into subsequent generations. It can only be understood in the context of its function.
Foreign ownership, market structure and industrial performance: Brazil's electrical industry

Abstract Using an industrial organization approach, this article tests the hypothesis that the ownership of firms exerts an independent influence on industrial performance. We compare the behavior of foreign and domestic firms in Brazil's electrical industry in four areas: the association of firms with particular types of domestic market structures, their technology, their trade conduct, and their profitability. Regression analysis shows that TNCs tend to produce in tightly organized, differentiated oligopolies; they generally employ a more capital-intensive technology; they import more per unit of sales, but do not necessarily export more; finally, reported earnings of TNCs are found not to be any higher than domestic firms, but reported profits of all firms are positively related to the level of industrial concentration and product differentiation, markets which tend to be the domain of TNCs rather than domestic enterprises. It is concluded that ownership is a strong variable of market structure in Brazil's electrical industry and that the systematic effect of foreign ownership on industrial performance is not always helpful in attaining development objectives.
Induction of Host Immune Responses Using Salmonella-Vectored Vaccines

In this chapter the author focuses on minimizing antibody-mediated immune responses to the antigenically diverse Salmonella cell surface antigens while attempting to enhance antibody-mediated immune responses to immunologically related or cross-reactive surface antigens. The first genetic alteration investigated was a deletion of the gene for phosphomannose isomerase (pmi). The second type of genetic alteration involves the use of the arabinose-dependent araC PBAD regulatory cassette fused to the fur gene. In many recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine strains, the protective antigen encoded by a cloned gene on a plasmid vector is retained in the cytoplasm of the Salmonella cell such that cells in the immunized animal or human host have to kill the Salmonella to liberate this cytoplasmic antigen. For a number of years, the authors have endeavored to develop strategies to design and construct a vaccine containing recombinant, attenuated Salmonella to induce protective immunity to pneumococcal disease, and they also aim at making this a low-cost vaccine suitable for the oral immunization of newborns and infants that would induce protective immunity to most S. pneumoniae serotypes. The authors selected six different protective antigens to express and deliver by the vaccine comprising recombinant, attenuated Salmonella to induce protective immunity to most serotypes. Significant progress has been achieved during the past 25 years since the first description of the construction and use of a vaccine containing recombinant, attenuated Salmonella. Ultimately, the validation of some of these new technologies will necessitate full testing with agriculturally important animals or human clinical trials.
The role of visual short-term memory in object-based attentional selection

The present study investigated the relationship between object-based attention and visual short-term memory (VSTM). Three claims were investigated: (a) spatial attention and spatial STM share similar processing resources; (b) object-based attention and object STM share similar processing resources; and (c) both sets of processing resources are dissociable. Although the first claim is well established, the latter two claims are less established due to limited empirical evidence in the literature. Specifically, studies that provided evidence for the latter two claims (Matsukura & Vecera, 2008; Tan, 2008) employed an object-based attention task (Duncan, 1984) with no spatial component that heavily engaged object STM. These issues were addressed in the present study using a dual-task paradigm with different combinations of attention tasks and memory tasks. The different attention tasks used could engage spatial attention, object-based attention, or both. Similarly, the different memory tasks used could engage spatial STM, object STM or both. Experiment 1 was designed to address the issue of a lack of spatial component in the object-based attention task by including a spatial version of the object-based attention task used in previous studies. The results in Experiment 1 were consistent with all three claims that were investigated. Experiment 2 was designed to address the issue of heavy engagement of object STM by the object-based attention task by using a different object-based attention task (Egly et al., 1994). The results in Experiment 2 were not entirely consistent with all three claims. Specifically, while there was some support for the first two claims, the third claim was not supported. Overall, the findings in the present study suggest that the interaction between object-based attention and VSTM is complex and further studies are required to fully describe the relationship.
Genes involved in production of plasmidlike forms by a Bacteroides conjugal chromosomal element share amino acid homology with two-component regulatory systems

Abstract Many human colonic Bacteroides strains carry large (greater than 70-kbp) self-transmissible chromosomal tetracycline resistance (Tcr) elements. These Tcr elements can also mediate the excision and circularization of discrete nonadjacent segments of chromosomal DNA which are designated NBUs (nonreplicating Bacteroides units). We have localized a 6.5-kbp segment of Tcr element DNA that mediates NBU excision and circularization. Analysis of the DNA sequence of this region indicated that it contained three open reading frames, all transcribed in the same direction. The first gene was the Tcr gene, tetQ. The second two open reading frames exhibited amino acid similarity to known two-component regulatory systems. Complementation and gene fusion data supported the hypothesis that the three genes were organized in an operon. Transcription from the tetQ promoter region was inducible by tetracycline, as might be expected from the previous finding that NBU excision was detectable only in cells preexposed to tetracycline. The 6.5-kbp region appeared to be essential not only for NBU excision but also for self-transfer of the elements, another activity that is enhanced by preexposure to tetracycline. Accordingly, the two genes downstream of tetQ have been designated rteA and rteB (regulation of Tcr elements).
Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, and other fungi bind specifically to the glycosphingolipid lactosylceramide (Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer), a possible adhesion receptor for yeasts.

The role of glycosphingolipids as adhesion receptors for yeasts was examined. Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as Histoplasma capsulatum and Sporotrichum schenckii (in their yeast phases), bound specifically to lactosylceramide (Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer), as measured by overlaying glycosphingolipid chromatograms with 125I-labeled organisms. An unsubstituted galactosyl residue was required for binding, because the yeasts did not bind to glucosylceramide (Glc beta 1-1Cer) derived from lactosylceramide by treatment with beta-galactosidase or to other neutral or acidic glycosphingolipids tested that contained internal lactosyl residues. Interestingly, the yeasts preferentially bound to the upper band of the lactosylceramide doublet in human lung and bovine erythrocytes, suggesting that the ceramide structure also affects binding. Active metabolism of the yeasts was required for binding to lactosylceramide, as binding was maximal in buffer containing glucose and was almost completely abolished in nutrient-deficient medium. C. neoformans also bound to human glioma brain cells grown in monolayers, and this binding was inhibited by liposomes containing lactosylceramide but not by liposomes containing glucosylceramide. Lactosylceramide is a major glycosphingolipid in these cells and the only one to which the yeasts bound. As lactosylceramide is widely distributed in epithelial tissues, this glycosphingolipid may be the receptor for yeast colonization and disseminated disease in humans. Images
Gas transport and internal-reforming chemistry in Ni–YSZ and ferritic-steel supports for solid-oxide fuel cells

Abstract Analyses of gas transport and hydrocarbon internal-reforming chemistry in nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni–YSZ) and ferritic-steel supports for solid-oxide fuel cell applications are presented. The Ni–YSZ anode supports are fabricated using reaction-sintered powders (Ni–YRSZ) developed by CoorsTek, Inc. (Golden, CO, USA); the porous ferritic-steel supports are developed by PLANSEE SE (Reutte, Austria). The gas-transport and methane internal-reforming properties of these supports are measured using a unique “Separated Anode Experiment” that decouples these processes from electrochemical processes that are normally present in an operational SOFC. Experimental results are interpreted using a computational model. Despite significant differences in thickness and morphology between the Ni–YRSZ and ferritic-steel supports, results show that the rate of gas transport across the ferritic-steel support is comparable to that of the Ni–YRSZ support. While the Ni–YRSZ supports show extensive methane internal-reforming activity, the ferritic-steel supports are essentially inert towards methane reforming. This lack of internal-reforming activity in the metallic support motivates application of the computational model toward design of a Ni–YSZ anode-functional layer (AFL) to be placed atop the metallic support. Anode functional layers are found to provide a moderate level of internal reforming, though significantly lower than the complete Ni–YRSZ anode support, with very little effect on gas transport. The tools and methods presented here may be used for further design optimization of next-generation SOFC supports and architectures.
Preliminary spacecraft pointing requirements error budgets for the space interferometry mission

Preliminary error budgets for the pointing knowledge, control, and stability of the SIM spacecraft are constructed using the specifications of commercial off-the-shelf attitude determination sensors, attitude control actuators, and other spacecraft capabilities that had been demonstrated in past missions. Results obtained indicate that we can meet all the presently known spacecraft pointing requirements. A large number of derived requirements are generated from this study. Examples are specifications on attitude determination sensors, attitude control actuators, minimum settling time after a rest-to-rest spacecraft slew, etc. Since the SLM spacecraft design is expected to evolve with time, pointing requirements stated in this study are likely to change with it. New pointing requirements might also be generated. As such, preliminary error budgets constructed in this study must be revised/updated to reflect the changing spacecraft design and requirements.
Functional impact of primary visual cortex deactivation on subcortical target structures in the thalamus and midbrain.

The functional relationships between the primary visual cortex and its major subcortical target structures have long been a subject of interest. We studied these relationships by using localized cooling deactivation to silence portions of primary visual cortex and measuring 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake to assess neural activity in subcortical and midbrain targets. We focused analysis on the largest subcortical targets of primary visual cortex: the superior colliculus (SC), the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (dLGN), and the lateral division of the lateral posterior nucleus of the thalamus (LPL). We found that localized cooling of different regions of primary visual cortex caused specific decreases in 2DG uptake in target structures such that the location of 2DG decrease varied according to joint retinotopy, and the magnitude of the decreases in target structures was associated with the amount of cooled cortex. In addition, we found that the impact of cortical cooling was more profound on the SC than on the dLGN. The functional impact of cortical deactivations on the LPL was weak for small deactivations but approximated the impact on the SC when deactivations were large. We discuss these findings in terms of neural circuits and in terms of drivers and modulators. J. Comp. Neurol. 488:414–426, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison of models of insulin release

A model for insulin secretion with a storage and a labile compartment, as well as a provisionary factor, is combined with a signal model in which the signal can be the difference between an excitation and an inhibition, or the difference in concentrations inside and outside some cell components. The model, using a single set of values for the parameters, accounts in a semiquantitative manner for all of the regularly appearing features of the insulin secretion from thein vitro perfused pancreas to a wide range of patterns of glucose and tolbutamide stimulation. Among the features which can be accounted for are: early and late secretion of insulin as a function of glucose in terms of a single parameter; the apparent depletion and recovery during a pulsed pattern of stimulation by tolbutamide; the hypersecretion following a short period of rest during a prolonged stimulation by glucose; the negative spike which occurs when the concentration of glucose, which has been maintained for a period of time, is suddenly reduced to a lower level; and the appropriate responses to slow and fast ramp functions of glucose concentration.
Oxidized quinones signal onset of darkness directly to the cyanobacterial circadian oscillator

Synchronization of the circadian clock in cyanobacteria with the day/night cycle proceeds without an obvious photoreceptor, leaving open the question of its specific mechanism. The circadian oscillator can be reconstituted in vitro, where the activities of two of its proteins, KaiA and KaiC, are affected by metabolites that reflect photosynthetic activity: KaiC phosphorylation is directly influenced by the ATP/ADP ratio, and KaiA stimulation of KaiC phosphorylation is blocked by oxidized, but not reduced, quinones. Manipulation of the ATP/ADP ratio can reset the timing of KaiC phosphorylation peaks in the reconstituted in vitro oscillator. Here, we show that pulses of oxidized quinones reset the cyanobacterial circadian clock both in vitro and in vivo. Onset of darkness causes an abrupt oxidation of the plastoquinone pool in vivo, which is in contrast to a gradual decrease in the ATP/ADP ratio that falls over the course of hours until the onset of light. Thus, these two metabolic measures of photosynthetic activity act in concert to signal both the onset and duration of darkness to the cyanobacterial clock.
It's All in the Symmetry

Calcium ion (Ca2+) signaling is essential to many cellular processes, from fertilization to apoptosis (cell death). Stable Ca2+ levels are achieved through tightly regulated and coordinated cellular processes. Alterations in Ca2+ levels are involved in many pathological conditions, including stroke and heart failure ( 1 ). After Ca2+ stimulation, the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX)—a ubiquitous Ca2+ export protein residing in the plasma membrane—participates in the restoration of resting levels of Ca2+ in excitable cells. On page 686 of this issue, Liao et al. ( 2 ) report the structure of a prokaryotic homolog of NCX, revealing a symmetrical protein scaffold and ion-binding pocket that provides detailed insights into the Na+/Ca2+ exchange process.
Solution and Solid Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) Ultraviolet (UV) 229 nm Photochemistry

We measured the 229 nm deep-ultraviolet resonance Raman (DUVRR) spectra of solution and solid-state hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). We also examined the photochemistry of RDX both in solution and solid states. RDX quickly photodegrades with a solution quantum yield of φ ~ 0.35 as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). New spectral features form over time during the photolysis of RDX, indicating photoproduct formation. The photoproduct(s) show stable DUVRR spectra at later irradiation times that allow standoff detection. In the solution-state photolysis, nitrate is a photoproduct that can be used as a signature for detection of RDX even after photolysis. We used high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) to determine some of the major solution-state photoproducts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also used to determine photoproducts formed during solid-state RDX photolysis.
The effect of field dependent emission on the current-voltage characteristics of a p/sup +/-p/sup -/-p/sup +/ Si:Au:B device

The current-voltage characteristics of a silicon p/sup +/-p/sup -/-p/sup +/ device doped with boron and gold which showed sublinear behavior at moderately high fields are discussed. With the use of low-frequency voltage noise data measured as a function of electric field, it was determined that the sublinear current-voltage characteristics are caused by a decrease in the hole concentration with increasing electric field. This decrease is caused by a field-induced decrease in the hole emission coefficient, which is larger than the associated field induced decrease in the hole capture coefficient. >
Status Report Of The UCSB FEL Experimental Program

A beam recovery efficiency of 99.4% has been demonstrated with a 2.5 MeV, 1.2 ampere electrostatic accelerator electron beam system developed at UCSB to drive single-stage and two-stage free-electron lasers. Beam quality tests carried out at 10 keV and 2.5 MeV show that the measured transverse beam emittance agrees well with the theoretical limit imposed by the electron transverse thermal velocity distrubution generated by a thermoionic electron gun cathode and it is better than a factor of ten below that calculated from the Lawson-Penner relation. Also, a description of the UCSB FIR oscillator experiment is presented.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ribosome fractions from normal and methylcholanthrene-treated mouse epidermis.

Ribosome fractions were isolated from normal, trypsinized epidermis of CD-1 female mouse skin. About 83%, of the ribosomes are free, and approximately 17% are membrane-bound. Almost all the ribosomes are found in the post-mitochondrial supernatant fraction. Epidermis 4 days after treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene shows a marked proportionate increase in both free and membrane-bound ribosomes. Again almost all the ribosomes are in the post-mitochondrial supernatant fraction.
Effects of Overt Verbalization of Information before and after Instance Selection on Concept Attainment

Summary.-60 undergraduate students solved four conjunctive concept attainment problems. The experimental design varied sex, type of array, and type of verbalization. The stimulus arrays were either in ordered or random form, and Ss were instructed to either verbal~ze [he information they expected to gain prior to a cird choice, the information they obtained from rheir card choice, or were given no verbalization instructions. Under the ordered array, males who verbalized after instance selection showed better performance than those who verbalized prior to instance selection. When the srimuli were randomly arranged, males who verbalized before instance selection were superior to those who verbalized after instance selection. Both verbalization procedures facilitated the performance of females under the ordered array; however, when rhe stimuli were randomly arranged, verbalization either interfered with or had no effect on performance. One potentially important factor in conceptual behavior seems to be the type of overc verbal activity S performs during problem solving. Several studies have shown that the overc verbalization of stimulus attributes either during pre-training or acquisition facilitates concept attainment (Davis & Klausrneier, 1970; Rasmussen & Archer, 1961; Wolff, 1967). For example, Davis and Klausmeier ( 1970) found that Ss who were req~ired to describe all the attributes which were present in each stimulus pattern identified conjunctive concepts with fewer errors than Ss who did not verbalize during problem solving. In these studies it was argued that overt verbalization increased the distinctiveness of the stimulus attributes and directed S's attention to the relevant dimensions. An alternative explanation may be that verbalization assists S in formulating a series of hypotheses for obtaining information relevant to solution. Also, verbalization may aid in maintaining the information extracted over trials in shortterm memory through overt rehearsal. According to hypothesis-testing theory (Bourne, 1966; Bruner, Goodnow, & Austin, 1956), concept attainment may be described as a sequential decision-making activity, in which S is assumed to entertain some hypothesis about the concept on each trial and to use informative feedback to test the accuracy of his predictions. Frequently, Ss spontaneously verbalize their guesses regarding sdution, or otherwise "think aloud" during the course of the problem (Archer, 1966). However, the effects of verbalizing the information one expects to gain from a particular response or the verbalization of the 'This research was supported by a Grant-in-Aid from the University of Rhode Island Research Committee. The author gratefully acknowledges the help of Susan Greenberg and Richard Winnick in rhe data collection and analysis.
Titanium-Catalyzed Dehydrocoupling of Silanes: Direct Conversion of Primary Monosilanes to Titanium(0) Oligosilane Complexes with Agostic α-Si-H···Ti Interactions

The reaction of TiMe2(dmpe)2 with excess PhSiH3 affords methane, PhSiMeH2, and the titanium trisilane complex Ti(Si3H5Ph3)(dmpe)2 (1), which slowly reacts with an additional molecule of PhSiH3 to give the tetrasilane complex Ti(Si4H6Ph4)(dmpe)2 (2). These molecules contain metal-bound oligosilane ligands formed by the dehydrocoupling of PhSiH3; 1 contains the linear trisilane PhSiH(SiH2Ph)2, and 2 contains the branched tetrasilane PhSi(SiH2Ph)3. An X-ray crystallographic study of 2 shows that the titanium centers adopt distorted octahedral geometries in which the two dmpe groups and the oligosilane molecule act as bidentate ligands. Two of the SiPhH2 groups in the silane ligand are involved in agostic Ti···H−Si interactions with the titanium center.