cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autonomous Probabilistic Coprocessing With Petaflips per Second

In this article we present a concrete design for a probabilistic (p-) computer based on a network of p-bits, robust classical entities fluctuating between -1 and +1, with probabilities that are controlled through an input constructed from the outputs of other p-bits. The architecture of this probabilistic computer is similar to a stochastic neural network with the p-bit playing the role of a binary stochastic neuron, but with one key difference: there is no sequencer used to enforce an ordering of p-bit updates, as is typically required. Instead, we explore sequencerless designs where all p-bits are allowed to flip autonomously and demonstrate that such designs can allow ultrafast operation unconstrained by available clock speeds without compromising the solution's fidelity. Based on experimental results from a hardware benchmark of the autonomous design and benchmarked device models, we project that a nanomagnetic implementation can scale to achieve petaflips per second with millions of neurons. A key contribution of this article is the focus on a hardware metric - flips per second - as a problem and substrate-independent figure-of-merit for an emerging class of hardware annealers known as Ising Machines. Much like the shrinking feature sizes of transistors that have continually driven Moore's Law, we believe that flips per second can be continually improved in later technology generations of a wide class of probabilistic, domain specific hardware.
Chromatin accessibility profiling in Neurospora crassa reveals molecular features associated with accessible and inaccessible chromatin.

Background Regulation of chromatin accessibility and transcription are tightly coordinated processes. Studies in yeast and higher eukaryotes have described accessible chromatin regions, but little work has been done in filamentous fungi. Results Here we present a genome-scale characterization of accessible chromatin regions in Neurospora crassa, which revealed characteristic molecular features of accessible and inaccessible chromatin. We present experimental evidence of inaccessibility within heterochromatin regions in Neurospora, and we examine features of both accessible and inaccessible chromatin, including the presence of histone modifications, types of transcription, transcription factor binding, and relative nucleosome turnover rates. Chromatin accessibility is not strictly correlated with expression level. Accessible chromatin regions in the model filamentous fungus Neurospora are characterized the presence of H3K27 acetylation and commonly associated with pervasive non-coding transcription. Conversely, methylation of H3 lysine-36 catalyzed by ASH1 is correlated with inaccessible chromatin within promoter regions. Conclusions In N. crassa, H3K27 acetylation is the most predictive histone modification for open chromatin. Conversely, our data show that H3K36 methylation is a key marker of inaccessible chromatin in gene-rich regions of the genome. Our data are consistent with an expanded role for H3K36 methylation in intergenic regions of filamentous fungi compared to the model yeasts, S. cerevisiae and S. pombe, which lack homologs of the ASH1 methyltransferase.
Border Solutions from the Inside

This essay provides an analysis of urgent and pragmatic solutions to the persistent forced migration challenges in Central America’s Northern Triangle that President Joe Biden could undertake in the first two years of his administration. Its focus is on measures that the United States can undertake to help these nations avert the enormous humanitarian crisis brought about by the pandemic and recent hurricanes, including starvation, a surge in violence, and a rise in extreme poverty, all of which are fueling an increase in forced migration from the region. Specifically, the essay is focused on two measures: (1) Stabilizing the flow of remittances from the U.S. to the region;and (2) increasing and strategically reorienting aid to these nations to the most vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic.This essay was expanded from a presentation at the University of Miami symposium Defending and Promoting Civil Rights in a Time of Coronavirus organized by the University of Miami and Chair of the AALS Civil Rights Section Professor Elizabeth M. Iglesias. The piece is forthcoming in April 2021 in the University of Miami Race & Social Justice Law Review.
Pathological phase transitions in ALS-FTD impair dynamic RNA-protein granules.

The genetics of human disease serves as a robust and unbiased source of insight into human biology, both revealing fundamental cellular processes and exposing the vulnerabilities associated with their dysfunction. Over the last decade, the genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have epitomized this concept, as studies of ALS-FTD-causing mutations have yielded fundamental discoveries regarding the role of biomolecular condensation in organizing cellular contents while implicating disturbances in condensate dynamics as central drivers of neurodegeneration. Here we review this genetic evidence, highlight its intersection with patient pathology, and discuss how studies in model systems have revealed a role for aberrant condensation in neuronal dysfunction and death. We detail how multiple, distinct types of disease-causing mutations promote pathological phase transitions that disturb the dynamics and function of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules. Dysfunction of RNP granules causes pleiotropic defects in RNA metabolism and can drive evolution of these structures to end-stage pathological inclusions characteristic of ALS-FTD. We propose that aberrant phase transitions of these complex condensates in cells provide a parsimonious explanation for the widespread cellular abnormalities observed in ALS as well as certain histopathological features that characterize late-stage disease.
The fabrication of double shell targets for NOVA

At scales appropriate to the National Ignition Facility, calculations indicate double shell capsules reach ignition conditions with room temperature fuel. Los Alamos is laying the groundwork for these double shell ignition targets with a preliminary campaign on Nova. The target design features a 260 μm O.D. inner glass capsule with an I.D. of approximately 200 μm, containing deuterium gas, centered inside a machined polymer shell. The central capsule was supported either with a 30 mg/cc foam or with two polymer films, each less than 0.1 μm in thickness. The materials, machining, assembly, and characterization of the targets are discussed.
The Effect of Flow Control and Routing Adaptivity on Priority-Driven Traffic in Multiprocessor Networks

We study the impact of two flow control schemes and routing adaptivity on the performance of priority-driven traffic produced by real-time applications. The first is wormhole routing (WR) with real-time extensions [1] and the second is preemptive pipelined circuit switching (PPCS-RT) [2]. Our simulations show that for a fixed number of virtual channels (VCs)/link, parallel lanes are more effective than adaptive routing alone, in reducing the number of messages that miss their deadlines. PPCS-RT performs better than WR due to the VC preemption protocol supported by it.
Specific Binding of Albumin Antibody to Rat Liver Polysomes

Abstract Specific polysomes involved in albumin synthesis were identified by the binding of 125I-labeled albumin antibody to rat liver polysomes. The binding is highly specific, and occurs through an immunological recognition of the nascent peptide chains on individual ribosome monomers. The distribution of bound 125I-anti-albumin in the liver polysome profile is in accordance with the expected size of albumin-synthesizing polysomes. Anti-albumin does not bind to polysomes from non-liver tissues, and antibodies against a non-liver protein do not bind to liver polysomes. The antibody binding reaction can be used to estimate the relative size and amount of albumin-synthesizing polysomes in the liver in different physiological conditions.
GAGA Factor-dependent Transcription and Establishment of DNase Hypersensitivity Are Independent and Unrelated Events in Vivo

Using a Drosophila transgenic system we investigated the ability of GAGA factor, a putative anti-repressor, to modulate transcription-related events in the absence or presence of a bona fide activator, the Adf-1 transcription factor. In contrast to previous in vitro and in vivo data linking the binding of GAGA factor to the acquisition of DNase hypersensitivity at heat shock promoters, we observed that inserting multiple GAGA binding motifs adjacent to a minimal alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) promoter led to strongly elevated embryonic transcription without creation of a promoter-associated DNase-hypersensitive (DH) site. Establishment of DNase hypersensitivity required the presence of both GAGA and Adf-1 binding sites and was accompanied by a further, synergistic increase in transcription. Because Adf-1 is capable neither of establishing a DH site nor of promoting efficient transcription by itself in embryos, it is likely that DH site formation depends on a GAGA factor-mediated binding of Adf-1 to chromatin, perhaps facilitated by a locally remodeled downstream promoter region. More generally we suggest that GAGA factor-binding sequences may operate in a promoter-specific context, with transcriptional activation, polymerase pausing, and/or DH site formation critically dependent on the nature of the sequences (and their binding partners) linked in cis.
Environmental effects of harvesting forests for energy

Abstract Present interest in decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by increasing the use of wood for energy may bring about a change in our forest utilization policies. In the past, forests have been removed in areas believed to be suited for agriculture, or sawtimber and pulp have been the only woody material removed in any quantity from land not generally considered tillable. The new demands on wood for energy are effecting a trend toward (1) removing all woody biomass from harvested areas, (2) increasing the frequency of harvesting second growth forests, and (3) increasing production with biomass plantations. Considering the marginal quality of much of the remaining forested land, the impacts of these modes of production could be significant. For example, it is anticipated that increased losses of nutrients and carbon will occur by direct forest removal and through erosion losses accelerated by forest clearing. There are, however, control measures that can be utilized in minimizing both direct and indirect effects of forest harvesting while maximizing woody biomass production.
A model for the prediction of precipitation curves for globular proteins with nonionic polymers as the precipitating agent

Abstract A statistical thermodynamic model for the prediction of precipitation curves of globular proteins using nonionic polymers has been proposed. The model accounts for protein-polymer, polymer-solvent, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions as well as the entropy of mixing and employs simplifying assumptions such as spherical globular protein molecule with uniform surface properties and linear, homogeneous polymer uniform with respect to molecular weight. The proposed model can only be employed to predict precipitation curves of charged proteins at sufficiently high ionic strengths since it does not account for electrostatic protein-protein interactions due to overlap of electrical double layers. The model predictions of precipitation curves of human serum albumin (HSA) at the isoelectric point using polyethylene glycol (PEG) for different initial protein concentrations and molecular weights of PEG agreed well with the experimental data. Higher polymer concentrations were found to be required to...
Characteristics of Frequently Cited Articles in Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this article was to identify and characterize prominent journal publications in the learning disabilities field from 1976 to 1985. Based on the frequency of citations in the Social Science Citation Index, 33 prominent articles were identified. Prominent (frequently cited) articles were compared with randomly selected articles on a number of characteristics (e.g., funding source, research design, statistical method). Implications related to the characteristics and quality of articles that influence the learning disability field were discussed.
A Study of Four Psychometric Properties of the Jenkins Activity Survey Type. A Scale with Suggested Modifications and Validation.

Despite much evidence that the Jenkins Activity Survey Type A scale is lacking in essential psychometric properties, it continues to be widely used for measuring coronary-prone behavior in both research and applied settings. Four psychometric properties-internal consistency, construct validity, criterion validity, and generalizability-of the JAS Type A scale were assessed relative to coronary risk measurements in a sample of 227 male and female hospital employees. Even when the JAS Type A scale was psychometrically enhanced, it failed to satisfy accepted reliability and validity criteria. Researchers are cautioned against using the JAS Type A scale without performing routine tests of psychometric soundness and controlling for gender differences.
Hydrogen peroxide evokes antisteroidogenic and antigonadotropic actions in human granulosa luteal cells.

The nature of the luteolysin in humans is unknown. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), notably released by activated leukocytes, is generated in the rat corpus luteum at luteolysis and evokes luteolytic-like effects in rat luteal cells. We, therefore, evaluated the actions of H2O2 in human luteinized granulosa cells. After 2 days of preculture with low levels of hCG, human granulosa luteal cells were placed in suspension culture for 1 h in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine (100 microM). A 60-min challenge with hCG evoked dose-dependent stimulation of cAMP and progesterone production. H2O2 dose-dependently inhibited progesterone production (ED50, 50-100 microM) in the absence or presence of hCG and blocked hCG-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Inhibition of progesterone synthesis by H2O2 was near maximal within 5 min, whereas inhibition of cAMP accumulation was not evident until 60 min. Cell viability was unaffected by H2O2, and inhibition of cAMP was reversible, but inhibition of steroidogenesis was long-lasting. ...
Time-dependent effects of isolation on lymphocyte and adrenocortical activity

Abstract • Individual housing of previously group-based animals was fund to result in time-dependent changes in mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and plasma corticosterone concentrations. During the first week of isolation, both B and T lymphocyte responses were depressed. However, within 2 weeks at least a 2-fold enhancement was observed. The increased lymphocyte response was still present after 35 days of isolation. • Within the first day of isolation and continuing for 2 weeks, plasma corticosterone levels were found to be significantly decreased in isolated animals compared to those of continuously housed animals. No significant differences in steroid levels were observed by 35 days. • These data demonstrate that isolation is accompanied by a depressed adrenocortical activity and suggest that the immunosuppression associated with short-term exposure is mediated by factors other than corticosterone.
Energy behaviours of northern California Girl Scouts and their families

Abstract Climate change is likely the most critical societal challenge to the futures of today׳s children. Mitigation will require a concerted effort to change household energy behaviour—electricity use, transportation and food consumption patterns. A first step to changing behaviour is to better understand current behaviour and its intrapersonal (knowledge and attitudes), interpersonal (norms, communication and behaviour) and contextual (demographics and geography) correlates. To date, our understanding of the energy behaviours of children is limited. To begin to fill this gap, we report the results of a survey on the electricity, transportation and food-related energy behaviours of 323 fourth- and fifth-grade girls and their parents in 31 Girl Scout troops in Northern California. Our findings show positive attitudes and perceived norms toward energy-saving behaviours among child and adult respondents, but low or moderate levels of knowledge, communication, and behaviour, particularly for behaviours that require adult assistance. Girls’ choices about electricity behaviours appear to be governed by intrapersonal and interpersonal influences, while transportation behaviour is constrained by geographic context. Food-related behaviour, particularly meat consumption, was not readily modelled. Policy and education-related implications for future interventions aimed at enhancing children׳s energy-saving behaviours are discussed.
Average aerosol extinction and water vapor profiles over the Southern Great Plains

An operational Raman lidar deployed at the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement site in Oklahoma has collected more than 7500 h of aerosol and water vapor data between April 1998 and January 2000. These data, which span a wide variety of atmospheric conditions, have been analyzed as a function of season, integrated amount, and time of day. The scale height of the mean aerosol profiles varies considerably as both a function of season and aerosol optical thickness, with the mean scale height increasing from less than 1 km in the winter to over 2 km during turbid summer days. The mean scale height of the water vapor remained very close to 2 km, regardless of season or precipitable water vapor. Furthermore, the distribution of aerosol optical thickness shows a slight shift to smaller values at night compared to day, and the mean aerosol profiles show little diurnal dependence except at the top of the boundary layer.
Inter- and intramolecular isocarbon couplings of cobalt-complexed propargyl radicals: challenging the consensus

Abstract Intermolecular coupling reactions of Co2(CO)6-complexed, γ-ethyl propargyl radicals occurred with higher dl -diastereoselectivity than intramolecular cyclizations of isocarbon analogues (deinter−deintra≤52%). The observed phenomenon was interpreted in terms of a tandem action of two main determinants—sterics and CH/π coordination—with the latter being enabled by the methoxy groups located on the periphery of the aromatic nuclei (4-, 3,4-, 3,4,5-).
Statins: is it really time to reassess benefits and risks?

The Food and Drug Administration has added information to statin labels regarding an effect on diabetes, noting reported increases in glycated hemoglobin and fasting serum glucose levels but adding that it believes that the cardiovascular benefits outweigh the risks.
Design and synthesis of conformationally constrained glycosylated amino acids.

To probe the conformational requirements of O-linked glycoproteins for binding to various enzymes and receptors, two conformationally constrained glycosylated amino acids, 2 and 3, were designed. The analogues were found to represent two potential low energy conformations of the parent conjugate, 1, by molecular modeling. A convergent synthesis of both 2 and 3 from d-galactose and l-methionine is presented.
DNA‐ and Plasma‐based Screening for Risk Factors in Infants and Children with Symptomatic Thromboembolism

Summary:Objective : Acquired and inherited prothrombotic risk factors increase the risk of thrombosis in neonates, infants and children. The aim was to determine which risk factors should be tested with respect to inherited and acquired clinical conditions, who should be tested, and when testing should be done. Methods : The study was based on reports in the literature on the presence of acquired and inherited prothrombotic risk factors in pediatric thromboembolism. Conclusions: After suffering thrombosis, pediatric patients should be screened for common gene mutations (factor V G1691A, prothrombin G20 210A and MTHFR C677T genotypes), rare inherited prothrombotic risk factors (deficiencies of protein C, protein S, antithrombin, and plasminogen), probably inherited risk factors (fibrinogen, factor VIIIC, factor XII), and new candidates (elevation of lipoprotein (a)), and fasting homocysteine concentrations. Re-testing is indicated for plasma-based assays 3 – 6 months after thrombotic onset and withdrawal of oral anticoagulation. Data interpretation is based on age-dependent reference ranges or the identification of causative gene mutations/polymorphisms with respect to individual ethnic backgrounds. Zusammenfassung:Hintergrund: Erworbene und hereditare prothrombotische Risikofaktoren erhohen das Thromboserisiko im Neugeborenen-, Sauglings- und Kindesalter. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Ubersicht war es, die Bedeutung erworbener und hereditarer Risikofaktoren, sowie den Zeitpunkt eines Screenings unter Berucksichtigung der klinischen Situation zu evaluieren. Methoden: Die Untersuchung basiert auf aktuellen Daten der Literatur zu erworbenen und angeborenen prothrombotischen Risikofaktoren bei padiatrischen Patienten mit Thromboembolien. Schlussfolgerung: Nach Manifestation einer Thrombose sollten padiatrische Patienten auf das Vorliegen haufiger Genmutationen (Faktor V G1691A, Prothrombin G20 210A und MTHFR C677T Genotypen) sowie seltener angeborener prothrombotischer Risikofaktoren (Protein C-, Protein S-, Antithrombin- und Plasminogenmangel), auf vermutlich genetisch bedingte Risikofaktoren (Dys-/Afibrinogenamien, Faktor-VIII-Erhohung und Faktor-XII-Mangel) und zusatzlich auf neu beschriebene Risikofaktoren (Lipoprotein(a)-Erhohung) und Nuchtern-Homocysteinkonzentrationen untersucht werden. Risikofaktoren die mittels plasmabasierter Assays nachgewiesen werden, sollten 3 – 6 Monate nach einem thromboembolischen Ereigniss sowie nach Absetzen der oralen Antikoagulation erneut getestet werden. Screeningdaten mussen auf der Grundlage altersabhangiger Normwerte oder der Identifikation von zugrundeliegenden Genmutationen/Polymorphismen unter Berucksichtigung des ethischen Hintergrundes interpretiert werden.
The effects of spatial layout and view control on cognitive processing

This study explores how spatial layout and view control impact learning. We performed a controlled experiment using a learning activity involving memory and comprehension of a visually represented story. We present our preliminary results comparing performance between a slideshow-type presentation on a single monitor and a spatially distributed presentation among multiple monitors, and method of view control (automatic and interactive). With the distributed layout, participants maintained better memory of the associated locations where information was presented. However, performance scores were significantly better for the slideshow presentation than for the distributed layout for the learning task.
Epitaxial patterning of thin-films: conventional lithographies and beyond

Thin-film based novel magnetic and electronic devices have entered a new era in which the film crystallography, structural coherence, and epitaxy play important roles in determining their functional properties. The capabilities of controlling such structural and functional properties are being continuously developed by various physical deposition technologies. Epitaxial patterning strategies further allow the miniaturization of such novel devices, which incorporates thin-film components into nanoscale architectures while keeping their functional properties unmodified from their ideal single-crystal values. In the past decade, epitaxial patterning methods on the laboratory scale have been reported to meet distinct scientific inquires, in which the techniques and processes used differ from one to the other. In this review we summarize many of these pioneering endeavors in epitaxial patterning of thin-film devices that use both conventional and novel lithography techniques. These methods demonstrate epitaxial patterning for a broad range of materials (metals, oxides, and semiconductors) and cover common device length scales from micrometer to sub-hundred nanometer. Whilst we have been motivated by magnetic materials and devices, we present our outlook on developing systematic-strategies for epitaxial patterning of functional materials which will pave the road for the design, discovery and industrialization of next-generation advanced magnetic and electronic nano-devices.
Hamartomas of mature cardiac myocytes: report of 7 new cases and review of literature

Only 8 cases of hamartomas of mature cardiac myocytes have been reported. The aim of the study was to describe 7 new cases and provide clinicopathologic correlation. Our anatomical pathology database was searched for all cases of cardiac hamartoma, of which 7 represented mature myocyte type. Medical records were reviewed for clinical information, and microscopic slides were evaluated for extent of characteristics. Five males and 2 females ranged in age from 6 months to 74 years (mean, 23 years). There were 11 ventricular hamartomas (8 left free wall, 2 right free wall, 1 septum). Death in 3 infants was unrelated to incidental hamartomas discovered at autopsy. A 10- and 16-year-old were asymptomatic but had abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) results, which led to detection of cardiac masses by imaging studies. Two adult males had only mild coronary disease angiographically. The 57-year-old, who died suddenly, had a 7-year history of abnormal ECG results. The 74-year-old, who died after aortic surgery, had a 3-year history of chest discomfort. Their hamartomas were identified at autopsy and contributed to sudden death in 1. Microscopically, all hamartomas were involved by myocyte hypertrophy and disarray, without inflammation or calcification. Myocyte vacuolization and venular dilatation occurred only in the pediatric cases, and interstitial adipose tissue only affected 1 adult. In conclusion, hamartomas of mature cardiac myocytes may be detected at any age. They primarily affect males, arise predominantly in the left ventricle, are asymptomatic, may have nonspecific ECG findings, and rarely may be associated with sudden death. Microscopic findings in infants differ from older patients.
Determination of phytonadione in elemental diets by TLC-spectrophotodensitometry.

Abstract The quantitative analysis of phytonadione in several elemental diet formulations at levels ranging from 90 to 150 ppb is described. After extraction with petroleum ether, the sample is cleaned up by silica gel column chromatography and separated on a TLC plate; phytonadione is determined by reflstance densitometry. Recovery data show that the method is accurate X ¯ = 97 % and has a precision ( RSD ) of ± 6%.
Solubilization and two-dimensional electrophoretic procedures for studying the organization and composition of photosynthetic membrane polypeptides

We describe the optimum conditions for extraction of pigment-proteins from photosynthetic membranes with glycosidic surfactants and their subsequent fractionation by nondenaturing PAGE to purify them in a state as close as is currently possible to their native state. The amount and type of surfactant used to extract the pigment-proteins play a critical role, and surfactants and electrophoretic conditions can be found to purify the pigment-proteins in monomeric, oligomeric, or multiprotein complexes. These extraction and separation conditions are robust and can be applied to photosynthetic membranes of higher plants, algae, cyanobacteria, and purple bacteria. Two different second-dimension PAGE systems are used to analyze the composition of the pigmented regions from the first dimension. One is a nondenaturing gel configuration such that no stacking gel is required. This permits the use of lower ionic strength buffers, which is necesary so that the pigments are not stripped from the proteins during electrophoresis. This two-dimensional system enables multi-pigment-protein complexes obtained in the first dimension to be resolved into their individual pigment-proteins in the second dimension. The second system is an optimized fully denaturing SDS-PAGE method which differs from the standard conditions by the use of urea and a higher ionic strength buffer in the separating gel. The denaturing SDS-PAGE method is highly reproducible and resolves thylakoid membrane proteins from 70 to 5 kDa. This two-dimensional system is used to determine the subunit composition of each multiprotein complex in the first dimension.
Updated trends in imaging use in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Background:Previous studies have found persistent overuse of imaging for clinical staging of men with low-risk prostate cancer. We aimed to determine imaging trends in three cohorts of men.Methods:We analyzed imaging trends of men with prostate cancer who were a part of Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) (1998-2006), were insured by Medicare (1998-2006), or privately insured (Ingenix database, 2002-2006). The rates of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scan (BS) were determined and time trends were analyzed by linear regression. For men in CaPSURE, demographic and clinical predictors of test use were explored using a multivariable regression model.Results:Since 1998, there was a significant downward trend in BS (16%) use in the CaPSURE cohort (N=5156). There were slight downward trends (2.4 and 1.7%, respectively) in the use of CT and MRI. Among 54 322 Medicare patients, BS, CT and MRI use increased by 2.1, 10.8 and 2.2% and among 16 161 privately insured patients, use increased by 7.9, 8.9 and 3.7%, respectively. In CaPSURE, the use of any imaging test was greater in men with higher-risk disease. In addition, type of insurance and treatment affected the use of imaging tests in this population.Conclusions:There is widespread misuse of imaging tests in men with low-risk prostate cancer, particularly for CT. These findings highlight the need for examination of factors that drive decision making with respect to imaging in this setting. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited.
Fine-needle aspiration cytology and thyroid surgery in the community hospital.

Background To assess the use and usefulness of fine-needle aspiration cytologic biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid in our hospital. Methods All cytology slides and charts of patients who had FNAB of the thyroid done in our hospital in 1993 were reviewed. Charts of all patients having thyroid surgery in our hospital in 1993 were reviewed to determine the pathological diagnosis and whether FNAB had been performed preoperatively. Finally, we reviewed all consecutive thyroid surgery cases for an 8-year period, and we calculated the yearly percentage of malignancy. Results Fifty-five FNAB were done in 53 patients. In 21 patients the FNAB gave indication for thyroid surgery, yet surgery was done in only 12 (57.1%). Forty-two patients had surgery for a thyroid nodule, but only 20 patients (47.6%) had a preoperative FNAB. There were 3 malignancies among the 20; 2 were correctly predicted by FNAB. The FNAB was correct in 18 of 20. In all, 378 thyroid operations were done from 1987 to 1994. The yearly proportion of thyroid malignancy ranged from 11% to 29%, but showed no change corresponding with increasing diagnostic sophistication. Conclusions Fine-needle aspiration cytologic biopsy in the workup of patients with thyroid masses is strikingly underutilized in our institution. While accurate in 90% of cases where used, FNAB appears to play a minor role in the surgeon's decision regarding surgery. As a result of these findings, we developed a grading system for better communication of the FNAB report and a clinical guideline to improve the evaluation of patients with thyroid masses.
Determinants of mortality transition in developing countries before and after the Second World War: Some evidence from Cuba

Few studies provide an insight into what factors contributed to declines in the mortality rates of developing countries before the Second World War. In this paper, statistics on causes of death from Cuba, particularly Havana, are used to investigate what may have been some of the principal determinants of mortality decline in the developing world before the arrival of modern drugs and insecticides. Trends in cause-specific mortality are examined in the light of Cuba's social, economic, medical and public health history. The Cuban experience strongly suggests that in this country public health and sanitary reforms and nutritional improvements were largely responsible for initial declines in mortality throughout the first half of the twentieth century. One important finding is that the impact of these reforms and improved nutrition was greatly influenced by prevailing economic conditions. Periods of economic prosperity facilitated declines in mortality; but in times of adversity, the reverse occurred. It appears that during prosperous periods the maintenance and expansion of public health and sanitary facilities were made possible by increased public and private revenues, and that individuals had access to a more abundant diet. The severe economic crisis of the Great Depression had the opposite effect. With the appearance of sulphonamides in the late 1930s, antibiotics, and residual insecticides and other specific measures at the end of the Second World War, the relevance of economic conditions as a determinant of mortality decline diminished. Although this analysis points to the aforementioned trends, the Cuban experience also suggests that other factors enter into the process of declining mortality and that this phenomenon can only be explained as the result of the complex interplay of many forces.
Mathematical modeling of turbulent reacting plumes. I: General theory and model formulation

Abstract A new, comprehensive model for a chemically reacting plume is presented that accounts for the effects of incomplete turbulent macro- and micromixing on chemical reactions between plume and atmospheric constituents. The model is modular in nature, allowing for the use of different levels of approximation of the phenomena involved. The core of the model consists of the evolution equations for reaction progress variables appropriate for evolving spatially varying systems. These equations estimate the interaction of mixing and chemical reaction and require input parameters characterizing internal plume behavior, such as relative dispersion and fine scale plume segregation. The model addresses deficiencies in previous reactive plume models. Part II is devoted to atmospheric application of the model.
The range of defects associated with nuclear factor κB essential modulator

Purpose of reviewImpaired ability to signal and activate specific gene transcription through nuclear factor κB (NFκB) has been directly linked to immunodeficiency. Hypomorphic mutations in the gene encoding NFκB essential modulator (NEMO), located on the X chromosome, impair NFκB function and lead t
Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Two patients with severe lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are described. Although it is known lithium can cause diabetes insipidus, one should be especially alert in psychiatric patients, as the main defence mechanisms thirst and drinking behaviour may not function adequately in these patients. The major form of therapy in both patients consisted of drinking, a thiazide diuretic, as well as a protein and sodium restricted diet.
VisibleWind: wind profile measurements at low altitude

VisibleWind TM is developing an inexpensive rapid response system, for accurately characterizing wind shear and small scale wind phenomena in the boundary layer and for prospecting suitable locations for wind power turbines. The ValidWind system can also collect reliable "ground truth" for other remote wind sensors. The system employs small (0.25 m dia.) lightweight balloons and a tracker consisting of an Impulse 200 XL laser rangefinder coupled to a PC for automated data recording. Experiments on balloon trajectories demonstrate that the laser detection of range (± 0.5 m), together with measured azimuth and altitude, is an inexpensive, convenient, and capable alternative to other wind tracking methods. The maximum detection range has been increased to 2200 meters using micro-corner-cube retroreflector tape on balloons. Low power LEDs enable nighttime tracking. To avoid large balloon gyrations about the mean trajectory, we use balloons having low ascent rates and subcritical Reynolds numbers. Trajectory points are typically recorded every 4 - 7 seconds. Atmospheric features observed under conditions of inversions or "light and variable winds" include abrupt onsets of shear at altitudes of 100-250 m, velocity changes of order 1-3 m/s within layers of 10-20 m thickness, and veering of the wind direction by 180 degrees or more as altitude increases from 300 to 500 m. We have previously reported comparisons of balloon-based wind profiles with the output of a co-located sodar. Even with the Impulse rangefinder, our system still requires a "man in the loop" to track the balloon. A future system enhancement will automate balloon tracking, so that laser returns are obtained automatically at 1 Hz. While balloon measurements of large-scale, high altitude wind profiles are well known, this novel measurement system provides high-resolution, real-time characterization of the fluctuating local wind fields at the bottom of the boundary layer where wind power turbines and other remote wind sensors must operate.
Golden eggs versus plastic eggs: hyperbolic preferences and the persistence of debit

The popularity of debit cards is good news from a social perspective since they carry a lower transaction cost than other non-cash payment methods. Unfortunately, the reason for this consumer driven growth remains a mystery. Consumers do not benefit from any of the gains created by the low transaction costs. Rather, the incentives being offered to consumers encourage them to use credit cards despite higher transaction costs. We demonstrate that consumers may be using debit cards as a means of budgetary precommitment when preferences are hyperbolic. Using data from the 2004 Survey of Consumer Finances, we find that consumers substitute debit use for investment in illiquid assets as a method of self constraint as incomes fall.
Origin of ascending projections to the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus in the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus

The nuclei of the lateral lemniscus in the echolocating bat, Eptesicus fuscus, are large and highly differentiated. In each nucleus, different characteristic response properties predominate. To determine whether the dissimilar response properties are due in part to differential ascending input, we examined the retrograde transport from small deposits of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or HRP conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-HRP) in the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus. The intermediate nucleus (INLL) and the two divisions of the ventral nucleus (VNLL) receive almost exclusively monaural input from the anteroventral and posteroventral cochlear nuclei and from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. Lesser inputs originate in the lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body and the ventral periolivary area. Although the three monaural nuclei of the lateral lemniscus all receive input from the same set of nuclei, and from the same identified cell types in the cochlear nucleus, there is a difference in the relative proportions of input from these sources. The dorsal nucleus (DNLL) receives input mostly from binaural structures, the lateral and medial superior olives and the contralateral DNLL, with only a minor projection from the cochlear nucleus. The lateral and medial superior olives project bilaterally; the bilateral projection from the medial superior olive is unusual in that it is found in only a few mammalian species. The results show a segregated pattern of binaural projections to DNLL and monaural projections to INLL and VNLL that is consistent with the binaural response properties found in DNLL and the exclusively monaural response properties found in INLL and VNLL. The differences in response properties between monaural nuclei, however, are not due to input from different nuclei or cell types but may be influenced by differing magnitudes of the constituent ascending projections.
Laser Surface Processing of “Chameleon” Coatings for Aerospace Tribology

Adaptive solid lubricants were developed to provide friction and wear reduction in aerospace environments such as ambient humid air, vacuum, or dry nitrogen (storage and on ground testing). Achieving high durability and long life requires solid lubricant reservoirs near the tribological surface. Reservoirs were fabricated using precision laser processing to generate arrays of micrometer-sized holes with well-controlled size, location, and density on the surface of hard ceramic coatings applied to steel substrates. Solid lubricants based on dichalocogenides and carbon were applied by burnishing and sputtering to the laser treated surfaces. Sliding friction tests were performed against steel balls in environments with different humidity. The result indicates that there is an optimum reservoir surface density, where the life of the solid lubricant is improved by an order of magnitude. The laser-processed reservoirs enable coating operation in variable environments.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Hypotension, Autonomic Failure, and Cardiac Hypertrophy in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing the α1B-Adrenergic Receptor

Abstract α1-Adrenergic receptors (α1A, α1B, and α1D) are regulators of systemic arterial blood pressure and blood flow. Whereas vasoconstrictory action of the α1A and α1D subtypes is thought to be mainly responsible for this activity, the role of the α1B-adrenergic receptor (α1BAR) in this process is controversial. We have generated transgenic mice that overexpress either wild type or constitutively active α1BARs. Transgenic expression was under the control of the isogenic promoter, thus assuring appropriate developmental and tissue-specific expression. Cardiovascular phenotypes displayed by transgenic mice included myocardial hypertrophy and hypotension. Indicative of cardiac hypertrophy, transgenic mice displayed an increased heart to body weight ratio, which was confirmed by the echocardiographic finding of an increased thickness of the interventricular septum and posterior wall. Functional deficits included an increased isovolumetric relaxation time, a decreased heart rate, and cardiac output. Transgenic mice were hypotensive and exhibited a decreased pressor response. Vasoconstrictory regulation by α1BAR was absent as shown by the lack of phenylephrine-induced contractile differences between ex vivo mesenteric artery preparations. Plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol levels were also reduced in transgenic mice, suggesting a loss of sympathetic nerve activity. Reduced catecholamine levels together with basal hypotension, bradycardia, reproductive problems, and weight loss suggest autonomic failure, a phenotype that is consistent with the multiple system atrophy-like neurodegeneration that has been reported previously in these mice. These results also suggest that this receptor subtype is not involved in the classic vasoconstrictory action of α1ARs that is important in systemic regulation of blood pressure.
Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence

A 66-year-old woman with stable angina and a history of depression smokes 25 cigarettes daily. She would like to stop smoking but is concerned about weight gain. She has made several unsuccessful attempts at quitting on her own. How should she be treated?
Student satisfaction with online learning in the presence of ambivalence: Looking for the will-o'-the-wisp

Abstract The authors contend that ambivalence students feel toward online courses modifies the dimensionality by which they evaluate their learning experiences. The data from this study show that as student ambivalence increases, so do the number of elements they use to evaluate their courses. As the student view of a course becomes more complex those elements by which they make judgments become much more independent of each other. The authors hypothesize that models students develop to evaluate course quality is a function of agency, psychological contracts, ambivalence, prototype theory, intuition, idealized cognitive models and satisfaction.
System-Design-for-Reliability Tools for Highly Integrated Electronic Packaging Systems

A system design-for-reliability (SDfR) is a method for designing subsystems, selecting components, and designing interconnections to achieve targeted system reliability in a given context. This paper presents SDfR Tools based on reliability object model (ROM) that provides a framework for system-design-for-reliability of next generation highly integrated electronic systems. The SDfR tools developed based on ROM include generic domain tools that allocate target reliability, assess system reliability, modify system reliability, and manage different level or disciplinary subsystem design for reliability. They also include specific domain tools that helps for subsystem designers to predict component reliability based on specific-domain reliability knowledge, assess subsystem reliability, and modify component design. The component level specific domain tools integrate statistical-based field data, accelerated testing date and physics-based life prediction models of components and subsystems. The field data is implemented in OracleTM, the life prediction models are implemented as MATLABTM and ANSYSTM script files. The developed SDfR tool is demonstrated thorough case studies in electronic systems.
Integrative models for understanding the structural basis of regional mechanical dysfunction in ischemic myocardium.

Myocardial ischemia and many other cardiac pathologies are associated with regional ventricular dysfunction. Since the distributions of stress and material properties cannot be measured directly in intact myocardium, understanding how regional alterations in myocardial strain or segment function are related to underlying cellular dysfunction must be deduced from theoretical models. Here, we describe how anatomically detailed, three-dimensional computational models can be used in conjunction with experimental or clinical studies to elucidate the structural basis of regional dysfunction in acutely ischemic and ischemic-reperfused (“stunned”) myocardium in vivo. Integrative experimental and computational analysis shows that: (1) in acutely ischemic myocardium, the transition from abnormal systolic strain in the ischemic region to normal shortening in adjacent, normally perfused tissue is governed primarily by systolic blood pressure and regional fiber orientation rather than the geometry of the perfusion boundary; and (2) in stunned myocardium, the degree of reperfusion injury to the contractile apparatus may be uniform across the wall thickness despite observations that the extent of ischemia and the impairment of regional strain during reperfusion are both significantly greater in the subendocardium. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 8719Hh, 8719Uv, 8719Ff, 8719Rr, 8710+e
The role of positive consequences of alcohol in the relation between sensation seeking and drinking

College students exhibit high levels of heavy drinking that are often associated with negative consequences, including unsafe sexual activity, injury, and legal trouble. The fact that students continue to drink despite these outcomes suggests they experience salient positive consequences. A known risk factor of drinking is the personality trait sensation seeking (SS), which may influence how a person interprets alcohol-related consequences and ultimately result in increased alcohol consumption. In this study, we examined the relations between SS, positive and negative consequences, and drinking among college students. Participants were 206 undergraduates who reported recent heavy drinking (53% female, 65% white, and 26% African-American). Students with higher levels of SS reported drinking more and also indicated experiencing more positive consequences as a result of their drinking than participants with lower levels of SS. This relation between SS and drinking was mediated by positive consequences, sugge...