cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping the nuclear microenvironment of genes at a genome-wide scale

Abstract The folding and subnuclear compartmentalization of chromosomes relative to nuclear bodies is an integral part of gene function. However, mapping the three-dimensional (3D) organization of all genes, in single cells, on a genome-wide scale remains a major challenge. Here, we demonstrate that data-driven population-based modeling—from ensemble Hi-C data alone—can provide a detailed description of the nuclear microenvironment of genes. We define a gene’s microenvironment by its subnuclear positions with respect to different nuclear bodies, local chromatin compaction, and preferences in chromatin compartmentalization. These structural descriptors are determined in single cell models on a genomewide scale, thereby revealing the dynamic variability of a gene’s subnuclear microenvironment across a population of cells. We demonstrate that a gene’s microenvironment is directly linked to its functional potential in gene transcription, replication and subnuclear compartmentalization. Some chromatin regions are distinguished by their strong preferences to a single microenvironment (either transcriptionally active or silenced), due to strong associations to specific nuclear bodies. Other chromatin shows highly variable microenvironments and lack specific preferences. We demonstrate that our method produces highly predictive genome structures, which accurately reproduce data from TSA-seq, DamID, and DNA-MERFISH imaging. Thus, our method considerably expands the range of Hi-C data analysis.
Revisiting Lasswell

This article continues the line of argument and historical interpretation we offered in “The Policy Scientist of Democracy: The Discipline of Harold D. Lasswell” by way of a response to Ronald Brunner’s “The Policy Scientist of Democracy Revisited.” Problems regarding Lasswell’s capacious vision of the policy scientist and vagaries surrounding “democracy,” do not diminish the importance of the questions Lasswell asked and left as his legacy to the discipline of political science. We here supply further evidence for our historical interpretation of Lasswell and sketch what sort of “policy scientist of democracy” fits our times and the current state of the discipline of political science.
Survival Genie: A web platform for single cell data, gene ratio, and cell composition based survival analyses across adult and pediatric cancers

The genomics data-driven identification of gene signatures and pathways has been routinely explored for predicting cancer survival and making decisions related to targeted treatments. A large number of packages and tools have been developed to correlate gene expression/mutations to the clinical outcome but lack the ability to perform such analysis based on pathways, gene sets, and gene ratios. Furthermore, in this single cell omics era, the cluster markers from cancer single cell transcriptomics studies remain an underutilized prognostic option. Additionally, no bioinformatics online tool evaluates the associations between the enrichment of canonical cell types and survival across cancers. Here we have developed Survival Genie, a web tool to perform survival analysis on single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-Seq) data and a variety of other molecular inputs such as gene sets, genes ratio, tumor infiltrating immune cells proportion, gene expression profile scores, and tumor mutation burden. For a comprehensive analysis, Survival Genie contains 53 datasets of 27 distinct malignancies from 11 different cancer programs related to adult and pediatric cancers. Users can upload scRNA-Seq data or gene sets and select a gene expression partitioning method (i.e., mean, median, quartile, cutp) to determine the effect of expression levels on survival outcomes. The tool provides comprehensive results including box plots of low and high-risk groups, Kaplan-Meier plots with univariate Cox proportional hazards model, and correlation of immune cell enrichment and molecular profile. The analytical options and comprehensive collection of cancer datasets make Survival Genie a unique resource to correlate gene sets, pathways, cellular enrichment, and single-cell signatures to clinical outcomes to assist in developing next-generation prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Survival Genie is open-source and available online at https://bbisr.shinyapps.winship.emory.edu/SurvivalGenie/.
EDA for Superconductive Electronics

Electronic design automation (EDA) is essential for the computer-aided design (CAD) of large scale systems [44]. In this chapter, EDA methodologies, techniques, and algorithms used in superconductive electronics are discussed. The semi-custom standard cell-based design flow, common in conventional CMOS circuits, is increasingly widely adopted in modern superconductive circuits. Differences and issues in computer-aided design flows as compared to CMOS design methodologies are highlighted in this chapter. The most common stages of these design flows, from high level simulation to physical layout, are described. These stages are grouped into three areas—simulation/modeling, synthesis, and verification. For the automated synthesis process, methodologies and algorithms are described for logic synthesis and automated place and route. For the simulation and modeling process, RTL simulation using HDLs and different dynamic and static circuit simulators, as well as inductance extraction tools, is described. For the verification process, timing analysis methodologies and related timing constraints suitable for modern superconductive circuits are discussed, and verification approaches are reviewed. Existing EDA tools and techniques for superconductive electronics are immature as compared to CMOS EDA tools. Significant research efforts are, however, directed at improving and developing novel algorithms and design methodologies that target superconductive circuits. The effectiveness of these tools is improving to enable large scale superconductive systems.
Breaking Symmetries in Data-Driven Phase Retrieval

The existing iterative and data-driven methods fail to solve phase retrieval due to the intrinsic problem symmetries. We propose two end-to-end learning methods that break the barrier and work in a new regime.
Modeling Acoustic Waves by Transmutation Methods

Our model of the ocean has two aspects: an idealized ocean, and some perturbations from that ideal. Acoustic waves in the idealized ocean can be treated analytically. The changes due to perturbations can be treated numerically and incorporated with the help of transmutation representations of the acoustic waves.
Quantification of the loading characteristics of the upper body and back extension strength on a variable angle Roman chair

The purpose of this study was to quantify the loading characteristics of the upper body during variable angle Roman chair (VARC) exercise and to compare back extension strength outputs obtained from a VARC to a criterion measure (lumbar dynamometer). For twenty-four healthy volunteers (age, 22.7 ± 3.2 years), the load attributed to the upper body and isometric back extension strength were measured twice at six positions over a full range of lumbar flexion on a VARC. In addition, isometric back extension strength was measured at seven positions over a full range of lumbar flexion on a lumbar dynamometer. Test-retest reliability was high for measures of the load attributed to the upper body (r = 0.99) and isometric strength (r = 0.96 to 0.97) on the VARC. The load attributed to the upper body increased from the most flexed to most extended position, while isometric strength increased from the most extended to the most flexed position on the VARC. Average VARC and dynamometer strength values were highly correlated (r = 0.90), but were lower on the VARC than on the dynamometer (888.4 ± 249.8 N vs. 1050.0 ± 438.5 N, respectively; p < 0.05).
Mrc1 channels the DNA replication arrest signal to checkpoint kinase Cds1

Checkpoint responses change as cells proceed through the cell cycle. Here we describe a novel checkpoint gene in fission yeast, mrc1 (mediator of replication checkpoint), that confers activation of the checkpoint kinase Cds1 to DNA synthesis (S) phase. Mrc1 associates with Cds1 and is required for regulation of Cds1 by the checkpoint kinase Rad3. Mrc1 is regulated by the cell cycle, with the appearance of Mrc1 mRNA and protein coinciding with S phase. We propose that coordinated expression of Mrc1 with replication control proteins helps to ensure activation of the appropriate checkpoint response during DNA replication.
Pseudotruncus arteriosus. A review of 21 cases with observations on oldest reported case.

Abstract We have reviewed our experience with 21 cases of pseudotruncus arteriosus, a severe form of tetralogy of Fallot consisting of pulmonic valve atresia and ventricular septal defect. The age range extended from 18 days to 36 years, the latter being the oldest recorded patient with this entity. Because of the characteristic clinical picture, the diagnosis of this entity can be made at the bedside. In the presence of cyanosis, the cardinal differentiating physical sign is a diffuse, continuous murmur due to bronchopulmonary anastomoses and heard over the entire chest. This murmur was found in 80 per cent of our patients; it was absent in only 4, all of whom were under the age of 3 months. Other physical findings included a systolic murmur along the left sternal border (76%), a single second sound (100%) and an aortic ejection click (43%). Radiographie studies revealed a striking concavity in the area of the pulmonary arterial segment and nodular, irregular shadows in the lung parenchyma due to collateral bronchial arteries that were demonstrated in some patients by fluoroscopy. A right aortic arch was present in 43 per cent of the patients. Angiocardiography is necessary to demonstrate the obstruction to outflow from the right ventricle and the interventricular septal defect. A retrograde aortic injection is usually required to delineate the collateral blood vessels arising from the aorta. Of the 21 patients, 12 are alive. Although death may occur at a young age, as evidenced by 6 deaths before 2 years of age, long term survival is not uncommon, as 1 patient lived to 36 years of age, and 11 patients over 2 years of age survive (average age 11.3 years, range 2–21 years).
Kasai Procedure and Vitamin E

To the Editor.— The recent article by Burgess et al1 provides practitioners with encouraging data regarding the developmental outcome of children who have undergone the Kasai procedure for treatment of extrahepatic biliary atresia. The overall mean developmental quotient (DQ) was surprisingly normal, although in long-term survivors the DQ was somewhat lower. The gross motor development of these children, however, fell into the low-normal to delayed range after 8 months of age. Long-term survivors were noted to have a "lack of coordination and inaccuracy in performing gross motor tasks."
Water-Soluble MMP-9 Inhibitor Reduces Lesion Volume after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

SB-3CT is a potent and selective inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, which has shown efficacy in an animal model of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, SB-3CT is poorly water-soluble and is metabolized primarily to p-hydroxy SB-3CT (2), a more potent inhibitor than SB-3CT. We synthesized the O-phosphate prodrug (3) of compound 2 to enhance its water solubility by more than 2000-fold. The prodrug 3 was a poor MMP inhibitor, but readily hydrolyzed to the active 2 in human blood. Pharmacokinetics and brain distribution studies in mice showed that 2 crossed the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and achieved therapeutic concentrations in the brain. The prodrug 3/compound 2 was evaluated in a mouse model of severe TBI and found to significantly decrease the brain lesion volume and improve neurological outcomes. MMP-9 inhibition by a water-soluble thiirane inhibitor is a promising therapy for treatment of TBI.
Characterization of transsphenoidal complications in patients with acromegaly: An analysis of inpatient data in the United States from 2002 to 2010

Background Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is a common procedure for a variety of pituitary lesions. This procedure can be associated with complications related to the surgery or specific pathology. In this study, we evaluate inpatient postoperative complications among patients who underwent TSS for growth hormone adenomas using a nationally representative database, and compare patient characteristics and complications to patients who underwent TSS for other benign pituitary neoplasms. Methods Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample revealed 13,070 TSS patients (including 892 with acromegaly) between 2002 and 2010. Complication rates, outcomes, patient demographics, hospital stay, and total charges were evaluated among TSS patients with and without acromegaly. Results There was an increase in TSS performed in both cohorts from 2002 to 2010. Acromegaly patients were younger, had shorter hospital stays, and incurred fewer charges. Acromegaly patients had a lower occurrence of postoperative urinary/renal complications (0.2% vs 1.1%), thromboembolic events (0% vs 0.4%), fluid/electrolyte abnormalities (5.7% vs 9.1%), and iatrogenic hypopituitarism (0.3% vs 1.1%) compared to other TSS patients (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, acromegalic patients maintained a statistically lower occurrence of fluid/electrolyte abnormalities (p = 0.007). Cerebrospinal fluid leak occurrence in acromegaly patients was 2.6% vs 1.7% in non-acromegaly patients, a result that did not reach significance (p = 0.054). Conclusion Upon comparison of inpatient hospitalizations for patients undergoing TSS for growth hormone adenomas and other benign pituitary neoplasms, acromegaly patients had a significantly lower occurrence of postoperative fluid/electrolyte abnormalities. Acromegaly patients had shorter hospitalizations and subsequently fewer total charges.
Mental Illness Drives Hospitalizations for Detained California Youth.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe inpatient hospitalization patterns among detained and nondetained youth in a large, total population of hospitalized adolescents in California. METHODS: We examined the unmasked California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development Patient Discharge Dataset from 1997 to 2011. We considered hospitalized youth aged 11-18 years "detained" if admitted to California hospitals from detention, transferred from hospital to detention, or both. We compared discharge diagnoses and length of stay between detained youth and their nondetained counterparts in the general population. RESULTS: There were 11,367 hospitalizations for detained youth. Hospitalizations differed for detained versus nondetained youth: 63% of all detained youth had a primary diagnosis of mental health disorder (compared with 19.8% of nondetained youth). Detained girls were disproportionately affected, with 74% hospitalized for a primary mental health diagnosis. Detained youth hospitalized for mental health disorder had an increased median length of stay compared with nondetained inpatient youth with mental illness (≥6 days vs. 5 days, respectively). This group difference was heightened in the presence of minority status, public insurance, and concurrent substance abuse. Hospitalized detained youth discharged to chemical dependency treatment facilities had the longest hospital stays (≥43 days). CONCLUSIONS: Detained juvenile offenders are hospitalized for very different reasons than the general adolescent population. Mental illness, often with comorbid substance abuse, requiring long inpatient stays, represents the major cause for hospitalization. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective, well-coordinated mental health services for youth before, during, and after detention. Language: en
CO2 enrichment influences yields of ‘Florunner’, ‘Georgia Red’ and ‘New Mexico’ peanut cultivars

Three peanut cultivars, ‘Florunner’, ‘Georgia Red’, and ‘New Mexico’, were grown in reach-in chambers to determine response to CO2 enrichment. CO2 treatments were ambient (400 μmol mol−1) and 700 μmol mol−1. Growth chamber conditions included 700 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), 2822C, 70% RH, and 1212 h photoperiod. Growth media consisted of a 1:1 mixture (v/v) of vermiculite and sterilized sand. Six 10 L pots of each cultivar were fertilized three times per week with 250 mL of nutrient solution containing additional Ca (10 mM) and NO3 (25 mM) and watered well. Beginning 21 days after planting (DAP) and every three weeks thereafter up to 84 days, the second leaf from the growing axis (main stem) was detached to determine CO2 effect on leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA) and dry weight. Plants were harvested 97 DAP, at which time total leaf area, leaf number, plant and root weights and pod production data were taken. Numbers of pods per plant, pod fresh and dry weights, fibrous root and plant dry weights were higher for all cultivars grown at 700 μmol mol−1 than at ambient CO2. Also, leaf area for all cultivars was larger with CO2 enrichment than at ambient. SLA tended to decline with time regardless of CO2 treatment. Percentage of total sound mature kernels (%TSMK) was similar for both treatments. Plants grown at 700 μmol mol−1 CO2 had slightly more immature pods and seeds at final harvest.
Abstract 2286: SPARC stimulates neuronal differentiation of medulloblastoma cells via the IL-6/STAT3 pathway

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC), a 37-kDa glycoprotein, participates in the regulation of morphogenesis and cellular differentiation through its modulation of cell-matrix interactions. We have reported previously that SPARC expression significantly impairs medulloblastoma tumor growth in vivo. In this study, we show that the ectopic expression of SPARC induces neuronal differentiation in medulloblastoma cells. Adenovirus-mediated expression of SPARC cDNA (Ad-DsRed-SP) elevated the expression of neuronal markers NeuN, Nestin and MAP-2 in medulloblastoma cells. SPARC expression decreased STAT3 phosphorylation and constitutive expression of STAT3 reversed SPARC-mediated neuronal differentiation. Moreover, our results show that SPARC expression not only inhibited interleukin (IL)-6 but also attenuated IL-6-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation in medulloblastoma cells. Taken together, our results suggest that SPARC induced neuronal differentiation of medulloblastoma tumor cells through its inhibitory effect on IL-6-mediated STAT3 signaling. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor sections from mice treated with Ad-DsRed-SP showed increased staining for the neuronal markers NeuN, Nestin and MAP-2. Overall, our results demonstrate that SPARC promotes neuronal differentiation and inhibits tumor growth, thereby further supporting the potential use of SPARC as a therapeutic target for medulloblastoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2286.
Responses of criterion variables to different supplemental doses of L-carnitine L-tartrate.

Spiering, B.A., W.J. Kraemer, J.L. Vingren, D.L. Hatfield, M.S. Fragala, J.-Y. Ho, C.M. Maresh, J.M. Anderson, and J.S. Volek. Responses of criterion variables to different supplemental doses of L-carnitine L-tartrate. J. Strenth Cond. Res. 21(1)259-264. 2007.-L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) supplementation beneficially affects markers of postexercise metabolic stress and muscle damage. However, to date, no study has determined the dose response of LCLT to elicit such responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different doses of LCLT on criterion variables previously shown to be responsive to LCLT supplementation. Eight healthy men (22 ± 3 y, 174 ± 5 cm, 83.0 ± 15.3 kg) were supplemented with 0 g, 1 g, and 2 g of LCLT for 3 weeks and then performed a bout of resistance exercise (5 sets of 15?20 repetition maximum with a 2-min rest between sets) with associated blood draws. This procedure was performed in a balanced, randomized, repeated measures design. Serum carnitine concentrations increased (p 0.05) following the 1 g and 2 g doses, with the 2-g dose providing the highest carnitine concentrations. The 1- and 2-g doses reduced postexercise serum hypoxanthine, serum xanthine oxidase, serum myoglobin, and perceived muscle soreness. In conclusion, both the 1- and 2-g doses were effective in mediating various markers of metabolic stress and of muscle soreness. Use of LCLT appears to attenuate metabolic stress and the hypoxic chain of events leading to muscle damage after exercise.
Bi-directional partial resonant converters with reduced number of switches

Due to their remarkable merits, partial resonant ac link converters (PR-acL) have received noticeable attention during the last few years. These converters are compact, reliable, efficient and they offer longer life time compared to the other types of converters. However, they require more switches which make the control process more complicated. In this paper, a modified configuration that reduces the number of switches from 24 in the original ac-ac converter to 20 is proposed. The principle of operation in the proposed converter which is named sparse parallel partial resonant ac link converter (SPR-acL), is similar to that of the original converter. Despite reducing the number of switches, the partial resonant time during which no power is transferred is still very short. The proposed converter offers higher reliability compared to the original converter due to a reduction in the switch count. Another important feature of this converter is that it can be fabricated by IGBT modules, which are more compact and more cost-effective compared to the discrete devices. Hence, the proposed converter is expected to be more compact, less expensive, and less complicated compared to the conventional partial resonant ac link converters. This paper evaluates the performance of the proposed converter. The efficiency and reliability of the parallel partial resonant converter and the sparse parallel partial resonant converter is also be compared in this paper.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Inhibits Type I Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Expression and Enhances Its Phosphorylation in Mesangial Cells

Abstract A potentially important cross-talk characteristic of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is to inhibit platelet-derived growth factor-induced intracellular calcium rise (Baffy, G., Sharma, K., Shi, W., Ziyadeh, F. N., and Williamson, J. R. (1995) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 210, 378–383) in murine mesangial cells. The present study examined the possible basis for this effect by evaluating the regulation of the type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) by TGF-β. TGF-β1 down-regulates IP3R protein expression by >90% with maximal and half-maximal effects after 8 and 2 h, respectively. TGF-β1 also decreased IP3R mRNA expression by 59% after 1 h. Phosphorylation of the IP3R was also demonstrated as early as 15 min after TGF-β1 exposure. Back phosphorylation assays of IP3R from TGF-β1-treated mesangial cells with protein kinase A (PKA), indicated that TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of the IP3R occurs at similar sites as for PKA. In vitro kinase assays using the known IP3R peptide substrates for PKA, RPSGRRESLTSFGNP and ARRDSVLAAS, demonstrated that TGF-β1 induces phosphorylation of both peptides (158 and 123% of control values, respectively). TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation was prevented by the addition of the PKA inhibitor peptide in the in vitro kinase assay. It is proposed that TGF-β-mediated effects on the IP3R may be an important characteristic of its ability to modulate the response of cells to factors that employ IP3R-mediated calcium release.
Augmenting data center networks with a fast reconfigurable optical multistage interconnect

The high bandwidth and power efficiency of optical circuit switching (OCS) have motivated the recent development of hybrid packet/circuit switched (Hypac) data center networks (DCNs). However, current Hypac DCNs use a large MEMS optical switch for OCS communication, which offers limited scalability and expandability. In addition, the slow switching speed of MEMS switches imposes considerable network reconfiguration overhead, which results in degraded network performance. In this paper, we first analyze the fundamental challenges in current MEMS-based Hypac DCNs, and show that fast optical network reconfiguration is the key to effectively utilize OCS in data center communication. We then present a Fast Reconfigurable Baseline Optical Network (FARBON), which, by leveraging the ultra-fast optical switching modules and unique topological properties of the baseline multistage network, allows for rapid network configuration. We also design the control plane and a practical low-jitter traffic scheduling algorithm for FARBON. We demonstrate that FARBON has many desirable features, such as good scalability, low traffic jitter, predictable network performance and tolerance to inaccurate traffic information. The performance of FARBON is evaluated via extensive simulations, and the results show that FARBON significantly outperforms MEMS optical switches in terms of average packet delay and jitter, as well as dealing with correlated traffic, thus is a promising candidate for exploiting the potential of OCS in Hypac DCNs.
Bilateral interaction in olfaction

THERE has been much interest in perceptual interactions between the ears and between the eyes, but much less in those between the nostrils, or more precisely, the two sides of the olfactory system1–4. This report reveals that, for a wide range of supraliminal stimulation, there is considerable interaction between the two sides. The facets considered here are bilateral additivity of odour intensity, and bilateral influence of an adapting stimulus presented unilaterally.
Divergent Signaling Pathways Requiring Discrete Calcium Signals Mediate Concurrent Activation of Two Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases by Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone *

Receptors coupled to heterotrimeric G proteins are linked to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) via receptor- and cell-specific mechanisms. We have demonstrated recently that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor occupancy results in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) through a mechanism requiring calcium influx through L-type calcium channels in αT3-1 cells and primary rat gonadotropes. Further studies were undertaken to explore the signaling mechanisms by which the GnRH receptor is coupled to activation of another member of the MAPK family, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). GnRH induces activation of the JNK cascade in a dose-, time-, and receptor-dependent manner in clonal αT3-1 cells and primary rat pituitary gonadotrophs. Coexpression of dominant negative Cdc42 and kinase-defective p21-activated kinase 1 and MAPK kinase 7 with JNK and ERK indicated that specific activation of JNK by GnRH appears to involve these signaling molecules. Unlike ERK activation, GnRH-stimulated JNK activity does not require activation of protein kinase C and is not blocked after chelation of extracellular calcium with EGTA. GnRH-induced JNK activity was reduced after treatment with the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester), whereas activation of ERK was not affected. Chelation of intracellular calcium also reduced GnRH-induced activation of JNK in rat pituitary cells in primary culture. GnRH-induced induction and activation of the JNK target c-Jun was inhibited after chelation of intracellular calcium, whereas induction of c-Fos, a known target of ERK, was unaffected. Therefore, although activation of ERK by GnRH requires a specific influx of calcium through L-type calcium channels, JNK activation is independent of extracellular calcium but sensitive to chelation of intracellular calcium. Our results provide novel evidence that GnRH activates two MAPK superfamily members via strikingly divergent signaling pathways with differential sensitivity to activation of protein kinase C and mobilization of discrete pools of calcium.
Interdependence of the Hue, Value, and Chroma in the Middle Site of Anterior Human Teeth

Purpose This study examines how the color coordinates of human teeth are related to each other and describes a mathematical relationship between Hue, Value, and Chroma of the middle site of anterior teeth. Materials and Methods The color coordinates obtained from a previous instrumental survey of the colors of vital teeth (see Goodkind and Schwabacher8) were examined statistically, and equations were sought to describe their distribution in color space. The resulting single equation was applied to the colors of 100 extracted teeth. Results Correlations between Hue, Value, and Chroma were not significant for incisal and cervical sites. For the middle site, these Munsell color coordinates were highly correlated and closely confined to a planar region of the color space, described by a single equation. Conclusions Human tooth color distribution seems to be relatively simple, at least for the middle site. It seems possible that a systematic method of shade selection (see Goodkind and Loupe15) can be made available.
Designing a contact process: the piecewise-homogeneous process on a finite set with applications

Abstract We consider how to choose the reproduction rates in a one-dimensional contact process on a finite set to maximize the growth rate of the extinction time with the population size. The constraints are an upper bound on the average reproduction rate, and that the rate profile must be piecewise constant. We show that the optimum growth rate is achieved by a rate profile with at most two rates, and we characterize the solution in terms of a “spatial correlation length” of the supercritical process. We examine the analogous problem for the simpler biased voter model, for which we completely characterize the optimum profile. The contact process proofs make use of a planar-graph duality in the graphical representation, due to Durrett and Schonmann.
Yogurt Contributory Factor in Development of Nutritional Rickets

Vitamin D deficient rickets occurred in a 15-month-old black girl for whom yogurt had been substituted for milk products. Investigation determined that commercially available yogurt contains no vitamin D, and that this fact is not generally recognized by lay persons and health professionals. Use of yogurt as a major source of nutritional intake in infants and young children may be a contributory factor in development of vitamin D deficiency rickets.
On the Approximation of Optimal Stopping Problems with Application to Financial Mathematics

The determination of the value function associated with a given reward and stochastic process represents an important class of stochastic control problem. In particular, the expectations of such processes may be represented as solutions of variational inequalities of evolutionary type typically characterized by their high number of degrees of freedom, unbounded domains, and lack of "natural" boundary conditions. In this paper, we introduce two methodologies for computing the value function of optimal stopping associated with general stochastic processes. Our results are implemented utilizing finite elements and are validated using problems taken from financial mathematics.
Characterization of a novel endothelial biosensor assay reveals increased cumulative serum inflammatory potential in stabilized coronary artery disease patients

Vascular disease is promoted by systemic inflammation that can arise from sites distal to the affected vessels. We sought to characterize the net inflammatory potential of serum from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) using cultured endothelial cells as a cumulative biosensor. Serum samples from CAD patients (N = 45) and healthy control subjects (N = 48) were incubated with primary human coronary artery endothelial cells at a 1:10 dilution for 4 h, followed by isolation of the cellular RNA. Alteration of inflammation-responsive elements (adhesion molecules and cytokines) was assessed by gene expression. Specific indicators included intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Additionally, the cytokine levels in serum samples from all subjects were quantified. Serum from CAD subjects induced greater endothelial ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and IL-8 expression compared to healthy control serum (p < 0.001 for each analysis). The three indicators of inflammatory potential (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and IL-8 mRNA) trended independently of each other and also of serum inflammatory biomarkers. IL-8 expression correlated negatively with serum HDL levels but positively correlated with VLDL, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and C-reactive protein. Interestingly, serum levels of cytokines in CAD patients were not statistically different from healthy control subjects. A year of follow-up in a sub-group of CAD subjects revealed relatively stable measures. As yet unidentified circulating factors in the serum of CAD patients appear to activate endothelial cells, leading to upregulation of adhesion molecules and chemokines. This cumulative assay performed well in terms of discriminating patients with CAD compared to healthy subjects, with greater range and specificity than specific inflammatory markers.
Accumulation of N‐Arachidonoylethanolamine (Anandamide) into Cerebellar Granule Cells Occurs via Facilitated Diffusion

N-Arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) is a putative endogenous ligand of the cannabinoid receptor. Intact cerebellar granule neurons in primary culture rapidly accumulate AEA. [3H]AEA accumulation by cerebellar granule cells is dependent on incubation time (t(1/2) of 2.6 +/- 0.8 min at 37 degrees C) and temperature. The accumulation of AEA is saturable and has an apparent Km of 41 +/- 15 microM and a Vmax of 0.61 +/- 0.04 nmol/min/10(6) cells. [3H]AEA accumulation by cerebellar granule cells is significantly reduced by 200 microM phloretin (57.4 +/- 4% of control) in a noncompetitive manner. [3H]AEA accumulation is not inhibited by either ouabain or removal of extracellular sodium. [3H]AEA accumulation is fairly selective for AEA among other naturally occurring N-acylethanolamines; only N-oleoylethanolamine significantly inhibited [3H]AEA accumulation at a concentration of 10 microM. The ethanolamides of palmitic acid and linolenic acid were inactive at 10 microM. N-Arachidonoylbenzylamine and N-arachidonoylpropylamine, but not arachidonic acid, 15-hydroxy-AEA, or 12-hydroxy-AEA, compete for AEA accumulation. When cells are preloaded with [3H]AEA, temperature-dependent efflux occurs with a half-life of 1.9 +/- 1.0 min. Phloretin does not inhibit [3H]AEA efflux from cells. These results suggest that AEA is accumulated by cerebellar granule cells by a protein-mediated transport process that has the characteristics of facilitated diffusion.
A confirmatory factor analysis of the Bem Sex Role Inventory: old questions, new answers

LISREL analyses of data from a sample of 671 adults (90% Caucasian, 10% Black) evaluated (a) item factor structure of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), (b) second-order factor model for the item factors, and (c) structural equation models estimating age and gender differences in these factors. Seven first-order item factors were extracted and found to have equivalent factor loadings for males and females. Item factors were related to two second-order factors: Masculinity and Femininity. There were relatively small age and gender differences in the first- and second-order factors. There was a differential relationship between self-rated masculinity and femininity and the first-order BSRI item factors for males and females. Results suggest that the BSRI best assesses gender-related personality traits and represents only one component of the complex multidimensional construct of gender roles.
Heat capacity of helium submonolayers on a nonuniform surface

Data of McCormick, Goodstein, and Dash, and Stewart and Dash, for heat capacities of3He and4He films on Ar-plated copper in the submonolayer region have been analyzed on the basis of a model of a long-range variation of adsorption potential. This variation allows the adatoms to form small islands on the surface. The total heat capacity of the film is the sum of two contributions, one a Fermi-like contribution due to surface heterogeneity, and the other a two-dimensional Debye-like contribution due to molecular vibrations. The data are roughly consistent with a Debye temperature of 32K for all the4He data and 38 K for the3He data. The role of surface heterogeneity in the heat capacity of films is briefly discussed.
Functional Marketing Plan Development in Department Store Retailing1

Retailers are now implementing the types of formal marketing planning programs that have long characterized consumer goods firms. The functional marketing plans that are developed tend to be a year or less in duration. The primary responsibility for developing the plans resides with the general merchandise manager. The planning efforts of the retailing executive, in spite of their short term nature, do reflect an awareness of the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competitors and of the need to spell out issues involving profit planning, sales promotion planning, merchandise addition/deletion decisions, and issues involving inventory/physical distribution. A variety of marketing plans are developed. Separate plans are developed by merchandise lines in many organizations.
EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF HORIZONTALLY CURVED I-GIRDER BRIDGE BEHAVIOR

Past research has been conducted on the behavior of horizontally curved girders by testing scaled models and full-scale laboratory bridges and by analyzing numerical models. Current design specifications are based on this past research; however, little field data of in-service bridges exist to support the findings of the past research on which the current design criteria are based. The purpose of the present study was to gather field response data from three in-service, curved, steel I-girder bridges to determine behavior when subjected to a test truck and normal truck traffic. Transverse bending distribution factors and dynamic load allowance were calculated from the data collected. Numerical grillage models of the three bridges were developed to determine if a simple numerical model will accurately predict actual field measured transverse bending distribution, deflections, and cross-frame and diaphragm shear forces. The present study found that AASHTO specifications are conservative for both dynamic loa...
A phase III study of surgical resection and paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy with or without adjuvant radiation therapy for resected stage III non-small-cell lung cancer: Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9734.

Purpose Patients with completely resected stage IIIA (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are at substantial risk for locoregional and systemic recurrence. Adjuvant chemotherapy has recently improved overall control for these patients. We added adjuvant chemotherapy to control presumed micrometastatic disease and then randomized patients to receive radiation therapy (RT) or observation to determine the benefit of local radiation consolidation. Patients and methods Patient eligibility required histologically documented stage IIIA (radiographically occult N2) NSCLC that was completely resected, with no known residual disease, surgical staging per protocol requirements, Cancer and Leukemia Group B performance status of 0/1, no previous chemotherapy or RT, and minimal laboratory values. All eligible patients received 4 cycles of paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 over 3 hours with carboplatin at an area under the curve of 6 on days 1, 22, 43, and 64 beginning 4-8 weeks after surgery. Two to 4 weeks after chemotherapy, patients were randomized to receive RT as 5000 cGy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks or observation. Results The study closed after 2 years because of slow accrual. Forty-four patients entered the study; 2 were ineligible, and 5 were not randomized because of progression, adverse reaction, or patient withdrawal. Thirty-seven patients were the basis of this analysis. Median failure-free survival was 16.8 months on the observation arm and 33.7 months on the RT arm, with a 1-year survival rate of 72% on the observation arm and 74% on the RT arm. There were no statistical differences between the observation and RT arms for failure-free survival or overall survival. Conclusion In this small study, consolidation RT after complete resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in stage IIIA NSCLC did not significantly improve outcome for this high-risk population.
Induced covalent bond mechanism of chemisorption

Abstract A new approach to the theory of non-ionic chemisorption is proposed which takes account of the strong electron-electron correlation effects on the ad-atom. In analogy to the Heitler-London scheme, the non-orthogonality of the ad-atom and solid wave functions leads to an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction J between the ad-atom and the solid which induces a spin density in the latter near the bonding region. The strength of the resultant “induced covalent bond” is measured by Jχloc, where χloc is the local spin susceptibility of the free solid surface.
Noncompact simulations of SU(2)3

Abstract The action density and Wilson loops for SU(2) in three dimensions have been measured using both a noncompact version of lattice gauge theory and Wilson's version. As a standard of comparison, the Creutz ratio χ of a quartet of Wilson loops has been calculated in the exact theory to order 1/β 2 . The noncompact method gave χ's that are between 2 and 23% below the one-loop calculation for the smaller loops at β = 30 and 60 on a 24 3 lattice. Wilson's method gave χ's that are above the one-loop calculation by comparable amounts. For β ⩽10, the noncompact χ's are closer than the Wilson χ's to the one-loop calculation. Also some noncompact simulations were done in the temporal gauge; the results agree subtantially with those done without gauge fixing, providing evidence for the gauge independence of the noncompact method. By comparing the χ's of the 12 3 lattice at β = 30 with those of the 24 3 lattice at β = 30 and 60, evidence was found that the accuracy of the noncompact method improves both as the volume of the lattice grows and as the lattice spacing shrinks.
The postantibiotic effect

Abstract A large amount of new information about the PAE has been generated over the past 15 yr. We know how the presence or absence of a PAE varies for different antibiotics and micro-organisms. We also know how its duration is altered by concentration, exposure time, and environmental conditions. Studies in animals demonstrate clearly that the PAE can be an important determinant of the optimal dosing frequency for different antibiotics. However, application of these findings to the treatment of infections in humans has been slow. The clinical success of once-daily dosing of amino-glycosides in initial trials suggests that the PAE does have clinical importance. Whether its presence will allow other antimicrobial agents to be dosed less frequently in the future can only be demonstrated in further clinical trials.
SEM/EDS observations of impurities in polar ice: artifacts or not?

A series of experiments was undertaken to determine the origin of filaments found in grain boundaries and impurity spots found in grain interiors of polar ice during observation in the scanning electron microscope. It is shown that although the filaments are artifacts, they demonstrate the presence of impurities segregated to the grain boundary planes. It is also demonstrated that the impurities observed in the grain interior reside there and were not transported from the grain boundaries during specimen preparation or observation.
Effects of whole-plant corn silage hybrid type on intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation, and lactation performance by dairy cows through a meta-analysis

Understanding the effect of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) hybrids in dairy cattle diets may allow for better decisions on hybrid selection by dairy producers, as well as indicate potential strategies for the seed corn industry with regard to WPCS hybrids. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis using literature data on the effects of WPCS hybrid type on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and lactation performance by dairy cows. The meta-analysis was performed using a data set of 162 treatment means from 48 peer-reviewed articles published between 1995 and 2014. Hybrids were divided into 3 categories before analysis. Comparative analysis of WPCS hybrid types differing in stalk characteristics were in 4 categories: conventional, dual-purpose, isogenic, or low-normal fiber digestibility (CONS), brown midrib (BMR), hybrids with greater NDF but lower lignin (%NDF) contents or high in vitro NDF digestibility (HFD), and leafy (LFY). Hybrid types differing in kernel characteristics were in 4 categories: conventional or yellow dent (CONG), NutriDense (ND), high oil (HO), and waxy. Genetically modified (GM) hybrids were compared with their genetically similar non-biotech counterpart (ISO). Except for lower lignin content for BMR and lower starch content for HFD than CONS and LFY, silage nutrient composition was similar among hybrids of different stalk types. A 1.1 kg/d greater intake of DM and 1.5 and 0.05 kg/d greater milk and protein yields, respectively, were observed for BMR compared with CONS and LFY. Likewise, DMI and milk yield were greater for HFD than CONS, but the magnitude of the difference was smaller. Total-tract NDF digestibility was greater, but starch digestibility was reduced, for BMR and HFD compared with CONS or LFY. Silage nutrient composition was similar for hybrids of varied kernel characteristics, except for lower CP and EE content for CONG than ND and HO. Feeding HO WPCS to dairy cows decreased milk fat content and yield and protein content compared with the other kernel-type hybrids. Hybrids varying in kernel characteristics did not affect intake, milk production, or total-tract nutrient digestibilities by lactating dairy cows. Nutrient composition and lactation performance were similar between GM and ISO. Positive effects of BMR and HFD on intake and milk yield were observed for lactating dairy cows, but the reduced total-tract starch digestibility for these hybrids merits further study. Except for negative effects of HO on milk components, differences were minimal among corn silage hybrids differing in kernel type. Feeding GM WPCS did not affect lactation performance by dairy cows.