cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management approach to an extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm.

This patient is an 84-year-old female who presented with left-sided facial swelling and complaints of tightness in her throat for the past few months. On examination, she was noted to have a pulsatile mass in her left pharyngeal space. The patient denied any history of trauma or surgery to her left neck. She denied any cerebrovascular symptoms or history of recent fevers. Computed tomography revealed an extracranial internal carotid aneurysm (B). We performed a carotid arteriogram confirming a large saccular aneurysm at the very distal segment of the extracranial left internal carotid artery (C). Rotational angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction was performed to better visualize the exact anatomy (A and D). Given the tortuosity of the proximal common carotid artery and the internal carotid just proximal to the aneurysm, we did not believe a covered stent could be safely advanced to the area of concern. After consideration of endoluminal options and open repair, we proceeded with open surgical clipping of the aneurysm with 11.420-mm standard cerebral aneurysm clips. Though mandibular disarticulation can augment exposure of this segment of the carotid artery, it was not necessary in this case as we were able to expose the base of the aneurysm adequately. The patient’s recovery was uneventful. Extracranial carotid aneurysms are rare and have a relative incidence of about 1.25% among all peripheral aneurysms. Etiology is usually infection, atherosclerotic disease, trauma, dissection, previous carotid surgery, or connective tissue and vasculitis disorders. Devastating complications include hemorrhage and stroke, but the most common presenting symptoms are pain, a pulsatile mass in the neck or pharynx, or cranial nerve palsies. Treatment options depend largely on the aneurysm location and anatomy. Operative options are clipping, resection with patch repair, or resection with bypass. Endoluminal treatment by coil embolization or covered stent placement has also been described and is being employed with greater frequency. Though these newer options have shown promise, associated complications have also been reported and long-term results of these treatment modalities are not available. Treatment should, therefore, be individualized to the patient’s anatomy and overall medical condition.
A study of T2-weighted MR image texture features and diffusion-weighted MR image features for computer-aided diagnosis of prostate cancer

The purpose of this study was to study T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) image texture features and diffusionweighted (DW) MR image features in distinguishing prostate cancer (PCa) from normal tissue. We collected two image datasets: 23 PCa patients (25 PCa and 23 normal tissue regions of interest [ROIs]) imaged with Philips MR scanners, and 30 PCa patients (41 PCa and 26 normal tissue ROIs) imaged with GE MR scanners. A radiologist drew ROIs manually via consensus histology-MR correlation conference with a pathologist. A number of T2-weighted texture features and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) features were investigated, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to combine select strong image features. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to characterize feature effectiveness in distinguishing PCa from normal tissue ROIs. Of the features studied, ADC 10th percentile, ADC average, and T2-weighted sum average yielded AUC values (±standard error) of 0.95±0.03, 0.94±0.03, and 0.85±0.05 on the Phillips images, and 0.91±0.04, 0.89±0.04, and 0.70±0.06 on the GE images, respectively. The three-feature combination yielded AUC values of 0.94±0.03 and 0.89±0.04 on the Phillips and GE images, respectively. ADC 10th percentile, ADC average, and T2-weighted sum average, are effective in distinguishing PCa from normal tissue, and appear robust in images acquired from Phillips and GE MR scanners.
Logistic modeling of the equilibrium speed–density relationship

The fundamental diagram, as the graphical representation of the relationships among traffic flow, speed, and density, has been the foundation of traffic flow theory and transportation engineering. Seventy-five years after the seminal Greenshields model, a variety of models have been proposed to mathematically represent the speed-density relationship which underlies the fundamental diagram. Observed in these models was a clear path toward two competing goals: mathematical elegance and empirical accuracy. As the latest development of such a pursuit, this paper presents a family of speed-density models with varying numbers of parameters. All of these models perform satisfactorily and have physically meaningful parameters. In addition, speed variation with traffic density is accounted for; this enables statistical approaches to traffic flow analysis. The results of this paper not only improve our understanding of traffic flow but also provide a sound basis for transportation engineering studies.
Rate of Chiari I Malformation in Children of Mothers with Depression with and without Prenatal SSRI Exposure

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently prescribed to pregnant women. Therefore, research on in utero exposure to SSRIs can be helpful in informing patients and clinicians. The aim of this retrospective two-cohort study was to determine whether there is a statistically significant increase in Chiari I malformations (CIM) in children exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy. A total of 33 children whose mothers received a diagnosis of depression and took SSRIs during pregnancy (SSRI-exposed cohort) were matched to 66 children with no history of maternal depression and no SSRI exposure. In addition, 30 children whose mothers received a diagnosis of depression, but did not receive antidepressants during pregnancy (history of maternal depression cohort), were matched to 60 children with no history of maternal depression and no SSRI exposure. Main outcome was presence/absence of CIM on MRI scans at 1 and/or 2 years of age. Scans were reviewed by two independent neuroradiologists who were blind to exposure status. The SSRI-exposed children were significantly more likely to be classified as CIM than comparison children with no history of maternal depression and no SSRI exposure (18% vs 2%, p=0.003, OR estimate 10.32, 95% Wald confidence limits 2.04–102.46). Duration of SSRI exposure, SSRI exposure at conception, and family history of depression increased the risk. The history of maternal depression cohort did not differ from comparison children with no history of maternal depression and no SSRI exposure in occurrence of CIM (7% vs 5%, p=0.75, OR estimate 1.44, 95% Wald confidence limits 0.23–7.85). Replication is needed, as is additional research to clarify whether SSRIs directly impact risk for CIM or whether this relationship is mediated by severity of depressive symptoms during pregnancy. We would discourage clinicians from altering their prescribing practices until such research is available.
Size-biased predation by the gila topminnow poeciliopsis occidentalis (Baird and Girard)

The objective of this study is to document under both field and laboratory conditions the phenomenon of size-biased feeding by the Gila topminnow, Poeciliopsis occidentalis, and to shed light on the mechanisms responsible for this process. Adult female Gila topminnows feed in Monkey Spring, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, on a variety of food items, but Hyalella azteca is an important element of its invertebrate diet. The size of the amphipods ingested by female topminnows is a function of the size of the fish, with larger fish taking larger prey. There is also a strong preference for topminnows to select large amphipods from within the size limits imposed by the width of the mouth.
Links between mothers' coping styles, toddler reactivity, and sensitivity to toddler's negative emotions.

The extent to which engaged maternal coping styles moderate the association between toddler's temperamental reactivity and mothers’ sensitivity to children's negative emotions was examined in 89 mother–child dyads. Primiparous mothers completed a measure of coping styles prenatally. When toddlers were 16 months old, mothers completed a measure of perceived toddler temperament and a self-report of how they respond to toddler negative emotions, and maternal sensitivity and temperamental reactivity were observed during emotionally arousing tasks in the laboratory. Mothers’ disengaged coping style was positively associated with self-reported insensitive responses to children's negative emotions. Engaged coping moderated the association between toddler temperamental reactivity and both self-reported insensitive responses and observed maternal sensitivity, such that temperamental reactivity was more strongly linked with less sensitive maternal behavior when engaged coping was low.
Effect of training and instrument type on performance in single-incision laparoscopy: Results of a randomized comparison using a surgical simulator

Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) is potentially less invasive compared with standard laparoscopic surgery (LAP); however, it may be more technically challenging and have a longer learning curve. A two-phase study was conducted to examine the performance of standardized tasks on a surgical simulator by novices during a distributed training period. Phase 1 examined the effect of LAP-specific or SIL-specific training on skill acquisition for both techniques. Phase 2 compared the effectiveness and learning curves of additional instrument types for SIL (straight [STR] vs. dynamic articulating [D-ART]). Medical students without previous surgical experience were randomized to LAP-specific training or SIL-specific training, using static articulating instruments [S-ART] for SIL. LAP and SIL scores on the peg transfer (PEG) and pattern cutting (CIRCLE) tasks from the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) were measured at baseline and after four training sessions. In phase 2, a new group of subjects were randomized to SIL training using STR or D-ART instruments, with similar baseline and post-training testing. FLS task scores were calculated and compared according to training regimen and instrument type. Forty-five subjects completed the study. All scores improved significantly during the training period. Improvement in LAP score was similar between LAP-trained and SIL-trained groups. Improvement of SIL score was better for the SIL-trained group. Final scores were better and the learning curve was shorter for LAP versus SIL technique, with no differences in SIL scores according to instrument type. LAP technique results in superior task performance with a shorter learning curve compared with SIL technique during a standardized training period. SIL-specific simulator training is better than LAP training alone to improve SIL performance. Neither S-ART nor D-ART instruments for SIL are associated with improved performance or shorter learning curve compared with STR instruments.
The width of the Δ-isobar in chiral soliton models

Abstract The strong decay width Δ → π N is estimated using a linear meson-nucleon coupling derived from a constrained quantization of the ω-stabilized version of the Skyrme model. Due to the inherent gauge conditions, this coupling is subleading in N c and differs from the one proposed by Adkins, Nappi and Witten in the context of soliton models.
Impact of liver transplantation on HRQOL in children less than 5 years old

Our primary goal was to assess health related quality of life (HRQOL) at transplantation and 1 yr after transplantation in pediatric liver transplant patients aged less than 5 years. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of HRQOL in pediatric liver transplant recipients, aged less than 5 years to define the impact of liver transplantation on HRQOL and identify factors that predict HRQOL after transplantation. The infant toddler health status questionnaire (ITHQ) was completed at the time of listing for liver transplantation and at 6 and 12 months after liver transplantation. The primary outcome measures were the subscale scores that comprise ITHQ. The mean age (+/-s.e.m.) of the enrolled patients (n = 45) at transplantation was 1.4 (+/-1.2) yr. Thirty-eight (84%) of the enrolled patients completed the study. The highest mean baseline scores of 78.6 (+/-3.3) were for global mental health (GlobalMH). ITHQ subscale scores increased steadily after transplantation. The greatest increase was in the first 6 months after transplant. At 1 yr after transplantation, there were significant increases in all of the ITHQ subscale scores except for GlobalMH. ITHQ subscales were similar for patients who received LDLT compared with those who received cadaver donor liver transplantation (CDLT) at baseline and a year after transplant. Time elapsed as transplantation was a significant predictor of functional health in all of the models generated. Scores for general health (GH), global health (GGH), parental time-impact (PT) and parental time-emotion (PE) were higher for male children. Family cohesion (FC) improved with time elapsed since transplant and increased number of inpatient days. HRQOL improves after transplantation in all of our patients irrespective of the donor type. Functional health scores were higher in patients with normal serum bilirubin at 1 yr post-transplant. Assessment of HRQOL should be an integral part of care for liver transplant patients and their caregivers.
The production structure of food retailing in the United States: An initial inquiry

A translog cost function is fitted to aggregate data in order to examine substitution patterns among labor, capital, and energy as inputs in US food retailing. The results indicate that labor, capital, and energy are substitutes in the provision of retail food services, with capital and energy being closer substitutions than the other input combinations. The substitution possibilities for labor are limited. Own-price elasticity estimates for labor, capital, and energy are all inelastic, with only the estimate for energy being significantly different from zero.
Synthesis and Characterization of Colloidal Crystal Array of Polystyrene-Hydrophilic Monomer Microgels

We developed a new photonic colloidal crystal array based on hydrophobic monomer styrene (St) and hydrophilic monomers acrylic acid (AAc), methacrylic acid (MAc), and itaconic acid (IAc) by free radical emulsion polymerization method. These St/AAc, St/Mac, and St/IAc nanoparticles were characterized with respect to particle size by SEM. Reflectance microscopy was utilized to monitor structural changes during the self-assembly of monodispersed colloidal systems at room temperature. Three different monomers gave three different particle sizes, 159.9 nm, 280.7 nm, and 255.8 nm for St/AAc, St/Mac, and St/IAc microgel, respectively. Difference in particle size arises due to the change in monomer molecular weight, 72.06, 86.09, and 130.1 for AAc, Mac, and IAc respectively. These monodispersed, spherical colloidal particles that rapidly self-assemble via simple solvent evaporation to form 3-D colloidal crystals are both robust and uniformly diffractive. SEM analysis revealed the hexagonal particle shape of St/AA...
Spatial and temporal variations of monthly mean total columnar ozone derived from 7 years of BUV data

Ninth-degree spherical harmonic models are used to represent monthly mean total columnar ozone fields, with spatial spectra defined in terms of simple analytic expressions representing the rms value of each spherical harmonic coefficient. The spectra are combined with estimation theory techniques to develop a realistic error analysis accounting for errors due to nonglobal coverage. Amplitude and phase variations for longitudinal waves one, two and three are presented, and it is shown that these waves reinforce in space and time in the period of high poleward ozone transport in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, the wave two and three components are much smaller, with wave one maximum amplitude occurring in September and October.
Long-run growth rates of discrete multiplicative processes in Markovian environments

Abstract If the matrix of parameters of a discrete multiplicative process is subject to certain sequentially dependent random perturbations, the long-run growth rate μ of the average process is not in general bounded above by the largest sup i λ i of the growth rates λ i of the individual matrices which drive the process. The growth rate μ of the average process may, in general, be greater or less than the long-run growth rate λ ∗ of a deterministic process governed by the time-averaged matrix. The time-averaged matrix may suggest that the process will be critical or subcritical ( λ ∗ ⩽ 1 ), whereas the sequential dependence among perturbations may actually make the average process supercritical (μ > 1). This suggests that in collecting data on and analyzing the dynamics of randomly perturbed discrete multiplicative processes, it is necessary to consider possible sequential dependence among matrix parameters in addition to their relative frequencies' and average values. Applications to nuclear reactors, age-structured populations and other areas are indicated.
PART 3: Society: Social Benefits of Transit: Case Study of Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Advocates of transit suggest that there are several important social benefits of transit systems—savings in pollution, congestion, and general social costs. Estimates of such savings have been limited to general comparisons with the personal occupancy vehicle (POV) mode usually on a vehicle-miles-traveled basis. Those savings are simulated in the context of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). It is estimated that between 1980 and 1994, MARTA generated about $2.2 billion in total social cost savings by diverting POV riders to transit. Compared with the POV alternative, MARTA generates an average of about $107 million annually in savings to society even after considering society's subsidies to transit. Shortcomings of the analysis and policy implications are discussed.
Anisotropic Response of Surface Currents to the Wind in a Coastal Region

Analysis of coastal surface currents measured off the coast of San Diego for two years suggests an anisotropic and asymmetric response to the wind, probably as a result of bottom/coastline boundary effects, including pressure gradients. In a linear regression, the statistically estimated anisotropic response explains approximately 20% more surface current variance than an isotropic wind‐ocean response model. After steady wind forcing for three days, the isotropic surface current response veers 42 86 28 to the right of the wind regardless of wind direction, whereas the anisotropic analysis suggests that the upcoast (onshore) wind stress generates surface currents with 10 86 48 (71 86 38) to the right of the wind direction. The anisotropic response thus reflects the dominance of alongshore currents in this coastal region. Both analyses yield winddriven currents with 3%‐5% of the wind speed, as expected. In addition, nonlinear isotropic and anisotropic response functions are considered, and the asymmetric current responses to the wind are examined. These results provide a comprehensive statistical model of the wind-driven currents in the coastal region, which has not been well identified in previous field studies, but is qualitatively consistent with descriptions of the current response in coastal ocean models.
Thermoelectric Energy Conversion in Nanostructures

Thermoelectric effects enable direct energy conversion between heat and electricity. Various size effects can be explored to increase the thermoelectric performance of nanostructures compared to bulk. Boundary scattering reduces the phonon thermal conductivity, and quantum confinement and interface energy filtering can improve the electronic power factor. Theoretical and experimental results are described for thin films, nanowires, and nanocomposites.
Distinguishing Polymorphs of the Semiconducting Pigment Copper Phthalocyanine by Solid-state NMR and Raman Spectroscopy

Cu(II)(phthalocyanine) (CuPc) is broadly utilized as an archetypal molecular semiconductor and is the most widely used blue printing pigment. CuPc crystallizes in six different forms; the chemical and physical properties are substantially modulated by its molecular packing among these polymorphs. Despite the growing importance of this system, spectroscopic identification of different polymorphs for CuPc has posed difficulties. This study presents the first example of spectroscopic distinction of α- and β-forms of CuPc, the most widely used polymorphs, by solid-state NMR (SSNMR) and Raman spectroscopy. 13C high-resolution SSNMR spectra of α- and β-CuPc using very-fast magic angle spinning (VFMAS) at 20 kHz show that hyperfine shifts sensitively reflect polymorphs of CuPc. The experimental results were confirmed by ab initio chemical shift calculations. 13C and 1H SSNMR relaxation times of α- and β-CuPc under VFMAS also showed marked differences, presumably because of the difference in electronic spin corre...
COMPUTATION OF STEADY AND UNSTEADY VISCOUS FLOWS USING A SIMULTANEOUSLY COUPLED INVISCID-VISCOUS INTERACTION TECHNIQUE

Abstract An interacting viscous-inviscid method for efficiently computing steady and unsteady low Mach number viscous flows with separation is presented. The inviscid region is modeled using a finite element discretization of the full potential equation. The viscous region is modeled using a finite difference boundary layer technique. The two regions are simultaneously coupled through the requirement that the edge velocities of the two regions be equal, and through an injection velocity arising the displacement thickness. For unsteady flows, the fluid is assumed to be composed of two parts: a mean or steady flow plus a harmonically varying small unsteady disturbance. This assumption results in a nonlinear description for the mean flow, and a linear description for the small disturbance unsteady flow. For the solution of the mean flow, the nonlinear governing equations are reduced to a series of linear matrix equations using Newton iteration. The resulting mean flow solution is then used to form the variable coefficients of the linearized unsteady equations, which are solved directly. The present method is able to compute flows with separation, and in the case of unsteady flows, flows with moving separation and reattachment points.
Disturbance growth in two-fluid channel flow : The role of capillarity

Abstract This work examines the role of capillarity in the non-modal linear stability properties of three-dimensional disturbances in sheared two-layer flow of immiscible fluids of similar density. Capillarity reduces the transient growth of energy that occurs due to the non-normality of the linear stability problem according to a scaling of peak energy with We1/2 over a wide range of Weber number, viscosity ratio and wavenumber. More importantly, the participation of capillary modes in non-modal growth leads to oscillatory energy growth and to larger disturbance growth rates, features that are confirmed by computing the numerical range and numerical abscissa of the non-normal disturbance evolution operator. Examination of energy components and disturbance structure reveals that early rapid growth and subsequent oscillations are due to the coupling of streamwise vortices – the two-fluid analog of lift-up – to the displaced interface.
An analysis of social interactions in Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica

Abstract Three groups of male Japanese quail participated in daily, 5-min social encounters with other quail. Members of one group encountered a castrated male; members of the second group encountered a receptive female; and members of the third group encountered a castrated male and a receptive female on alternate days. After 12 days of testing, all experimental males were castrated and observed in twelve more encounters. Daily androgen therapy was then begun and maintained during a third, final set of twelve encounters. The typical mating and ‘courtship’ sequences were observed in all three groups. The probability of completing the mating sequence was greater in heterosexual than in homosexual contacts; this appeared to be due to the behaviour of the mounted, not the mounting, bird. Both sequences were sensitive to androgen levels, as was the area of the cloacal gland.
Reasons and the Problem of the Socratic Elenchos

In this essay, I address what Vlastos called the problem of the Socratic elenchos. Vlastos stated the main question of the problem as follows: “how is it that Socrates claims to have proved a thesis is false when, in point of logic, all he has proved is that the thesis is inconsistent with the conjunction of agreed-upon premises for which no reason has been given in that argument?”1 This problem has long been important to solve, but it has been the subject of a good deal of controversy: not only is there controversy about how to solve the problem but there is also controversy about whether there is a genuine problem in the first place.2
Hypervirulent mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resulting from disruption of the mce1 operon

An estimated one-third of the world's population is latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiologic agent of tuberculosis. Here, we demonstrate that, unlike wild-type M. tuberculosis, a strain of M. tuberculosis disrupted in the mce1 operon was unable to enter a stable persistent state of infection in mouse lungs. Instead, the mutant continued to replicate and killed the mice more rapidly than did the wild-type strain. Histological examination of mouse lungs infected with the mutant strain revealed diffusely organized granulomas with aberrant inflammatory cell migration. Murine macrophages infected ex vivo with the mutant strain were reduced in their ability to produce tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and nitric oxide (NO), but not IL-4. The mce1 mutant strain complemented with the mce1 genes stimulated tumor necrosis factor α and NO production by murine macrophages at levels stimulated by the wild-type strain. These observations indicate that the mce1 operon mutant is unable to stimulate T helper 1-type immunity in mice. The hypervirulence of the mutant strain may have resulted from its inability to stimulate a proinflammatory response that would otherwise induce organized granuloma formation and control the infection without killing the organism. The mce1 operon of M. tuberculosis may be involved in modulating the host inflammatory response in such a way that the bacterium can enter a persistent state without being eliminated or causing disease in the host.
Streaming potential in small capillaries

Abstract The zeta-potential is related to the electrokinetic streaming potential in capillaries of small radius by a new theoretical solution. This solution does not rest on any of the following three unsatisfactory assumptions: 1. 1. That the surface conductivity of the walls is negligible. 2. 2. That the capillary radius is large compared with the classical thickness of the double layer. 3. 3. That the zeta-potential is small in comparison with kT/q, where q is the ionic charge. Previous solutions lead to the conclusion that the zeta-potential decreases markedly in small capillaries. This solution indicates that the zeta-potential is relatively independent of capillary size—a more reasonable conclusion.
The effect of thiopental sodium and pentylenetetrazole on the cortical and subcortical response to photic stimulation in the cat.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of thiopental sodium (Pentothal) anesthesia and pentylenetetrazole (Metrazol) in changing the latency of the photic response at various levels of the optic system (optic nerve, geniculate and striate cortex) has been investigated. The anesthesia level has been quantitated by the method of cortical potential integration. With deepening thiopental anesthesia, there is progressive increase in latency at all three levels, with greatest increase at the cortex (for example, from 17 msec. to 36 msec. in one experiment). 2. 2. Pentylenetetrazole reversed more or less completely the increase in latency caused by thiopental sodium. 3. 3. The integrator rate is a more sensitive measure of depth of anesthesia than cortical photic latency, but the latter can be used at a depth of anesthesia which invalidates integrator readings owing to total suppression of cortical activity.
Stimulation of Local Immunity and Protection in Mice by Intramuscular Immunization with Triple- or Double-Layered Rotavirus Particles and QS-21

Based on studies in animal models, parenteral immunization has become recognized as a potential vaccination strategy against rotavirus. Using an adult mouse model, the effects of the saponin adjuvant QS-21 on protection against murine rotavirus (strain EDIM) infection was determined following two intramuscular (i.m.) immunizations with purified EDIM particles including triple-layered (tl) infectious particles, tl particles inactivated with psoralen/UV, and double-layered (dl) inactivated particles. All three particles stimulated large serum rotavirus IgG responses and small amounts of serum rotavirus IgA, but undetectable stool rotavirus IgA. Inclusion of QS-21 during immunization increased the serum responses approximately 2- to 10-fold and also stimulated low levels of stool rotavirus IgA. Protection based on reduced shedding of rotavirus following EDIM challenge was significant (P < 0.001) with each immunized group and was enhanced (P < 0.001) by inclusion of QS-21 during immunization. Mice immunized with either live or inactivated tl particles and QS-21 were almost fully protected. Furthermore, animals inoculated with dl particles and the adjuvant shed significantly (P = .02) less virus following challenge than mice immunized with inactivated tl particles even though the latter induced measurable titers of neutralizing antibody to EDIM. These results demonstrate significant protection against rotavirus following i.m. immunization with both dl and tl EDIM particles which is consistently enhanced with QS-21.
Progesterone and estrogen receptors in pregnant and premenopausal non-pregnant normal human breast

We report here our studies of nuclear staining for the progesterone and estrogen receptors (PRA, PRB, ERα) and cell proliferation (MIB1) in the breast terminal duct lobular unit epithelium of 26 naturally cycling premenopausal women and 30 pregnant women (median 8.1 weeks gestation). Square root transformations of the PRA, PRB and ERα values, and a logarithmic transformation of the MIB1 values, were made to achieve more normal distributions of the values. PRA expression decreased from a mean of 17.8% of epithelial cells in cycling subjects to 6.2% in pregnant subjects (P = 0.013). MIB1 expression increased from 1.7% in cycling subjects to 16.0% in pregnant subjects (P < 0.001). PRB and ERα expression was slightly lower in pregnant subjects but the differences were not statistically significant. Sixteen of the non-pregnant subjects were nulliparous and ten were parous so that we had limited power to detect changes associated with parity. PRA was statistically significantly lower in parous women than in nulliparous women (32.2% in nulliparous women vs. 10.2%; P = 0.014). PRB (23.5 vs. 12.9%), ERα (14.4 vs. 8.6%) and MIB1 (2.2 vs. 1.2%) were also lower in parous women, but the differences were not statistically significant. The marked decreases in PRA in pregnancy and in parous women has also been found in the rat. A reduction in PRA expression may be a useful marker of the reduction in risk with pregnancy and may be of use in evaluating the effect of any chemoprevention regimen aimed at mimicking pregnancy. Short-term changes in PRA expression while the chemoprevention is being administered may be a more useful marker.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF HYBRIDIZATION AND RETICULATE EVOLUTION IN PHLOX MACULATA

A B S T R A C T A comparative physiological analysis was conducted on a hybrid swarm involving P. maculata subsp. maculata and P. glaberrima subsp. interior. The population contained an array of segregates and introgressants. Hybrids displayed a high degree of heterogeneity in their physiological attributes, some characters being intermediate to, similar to, or transgressing those of the parental taxa. For example, both net photosynthetic rates and net photosynthetic/dark respiratory ratios were enhanced in the hybrids, and the level of enhancement was associated with the level of morphological intermediacy. Conversely, no enhancement was noted in either respiration rates or foliar fresh weight/ovendry weight ratios of the hybrids. Because of physiological imbalance, about one-third of the hybrids were eliminated early in their development. Representatives of P. maculata subsp. pyramidalis, a putative stabilized derivative of hybridization between the above two parental species, were intermediate in most physiological features and closely resembled some natural hybrids. The data verify that the physiological features of subspecies pyramidalis can be assembled thr3ugh recombination of the P. maculata and P. glaberrima genomes. RECENT STUDIES on the comparative physiology of flowering plants indicate that closely related species with different habitat requirements have distinctive photosynthetic and respiratory rates and that these rates vary within narrow limits within a given population (Ayodele Cole, 1967;
The Design and Performance of a Real-Time CORBA SchedulingService

There is increasing demand to extend CORBA middleware to support applications with stringent quality of service (QoS) requirements. However, conventional CORBA middleware does not define standard features to dynamically schedule operations for applications that possess deterministic real-time requirements. This paper presents three contributions to the study of real-time CORBA operation scheduling strategies. First, we document our evolution from static to dynamic scheduling for applications with deterministic real-time requirements. Second, we describe the flexible scheduling service framework in our real-time CORBA implementation, TAO, which supports core scheduling strategies efficiently. Third, we present results from empirical benchmarks that quantify the behavior of these scheduling strategies and assess the overhead of dynamic scheduling in TAO. Our empirical results using TAO show that dynamic scheduling of CORBA operations can be deterministic and can achieve acceptable latency for operations, even with moderate levels of queueing.
A FRET-based approach for identification of proteasome catalytic subunit composition

Mammalian cells have two main types of proteasomes, the constitutive proteasome and the immunoproteasome, each containing a distinct set of three catalytic subunits. Recently, additional proteasome subtypes containing a non-standard mixture of catalytic subunits have gained increasing attention, especially due to their presence in cancer settings. However, practical methods for identifying proteasome subtypes have been lacking. Here, we report the development of the first fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based strategy that can be utilized to identify different proteasome subtypes present within cells. We have developed FRET donor- and acceptor-probes that are based on previously reported peptide epoxyketones and selectively target individual proteasome catalytic subunits. Using the purified proteasome and cancer cell lysates, we demonstrate the feasibility of a FRET-based approach for determining the catalytic subunit composition of individual 20S proteasome subtypes. Ultimately, this approach may be utilized to study the functions of individual proteasome subtypes in cells.
Biofilm formation by the periodontopathic bacteria Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Background: Periodontitis develops as a result of the interaction of the host with subgingival plaque bacteria. Both Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola are frequently associated together in these oral biofilms.Methods: The molecular basis for in vitro biofilm formation was investigated for P. gingivalis 381, T. denticola 35405, and mixtures of the two organisms using microtiter plate assays. In addition, the biofilms were examined following confocal laser scanning microscopy.Results: P. gingivalis 381, but not T. denticola strains, formed biofilms in vitro. This property was dependent, in part, on the strain 381 fimA, ppk, and usp genes. Microarray and Northern blot analyses suggested that the expression of the ppk gene was required for maximal expression of the uspA gene. P. gingivalis 381 formed synergistic biofilms when incubated with T. denticola strains. This process was dependent upon the strain 381 rgpB and fimA genes as well as the T. denticola flgE and cfpA genes.Conclusions: P. gin...
Size matters

Display Omitted Anonymization of large-scale clinical codes allows for reliable genome-phenome analysis.Across various repository sizes full EMR most reliable.Preserves utility for finding genome-phenome associations. ObjectiveElectronic medical records (EMRs) data is increasingly incorporated into genome-phenome association studies. Investigators hope to share data, but there are concerns it may be "re-identified" through the exploitation of various features, such as combinations of standardized clinical codes. Formal anonymization algorithms (e.g., k-anonymization) can prevent such violations, but prior studies suggest that the size of the population available for anonymization may influence the utility of the resulting data. We systematically investigate this issue using a large-scale biorepository and EMR system through which we evaluate the ability of researchers to learn from anonymized data for genome-phenome association studies under various conditions. MethodsWe use a k-anonymization strategy to simulate a data protection process (on data sets containing clinical codes) for resources of similar size to those found at nine academic medical institutions within the United States. Following the protection process, we replicate an existing genome-phenome association study and compare the discoveries using the protected data and the original data through the correlation ( r 2 ) of the p-values of association significance. ResultsOur investigation shows that anonymizing an entire dataset with respect to the population from which it is derived yields significantly more utility than small study-specific datasets anonymized unto themselves. When evaluated using the correlation of genome-phenome association strengths on anonymized data versus original data, all nine simulated sites, results from largest-scale anonymizations (population ~ 100 , 000 ) retained better utility to those on smaller sizes (population ~ 6000 - 75 , 000 ). We observed a general trend of increasing r 2 for larger data set sizes: r 2 = 0.9481 for small-sized datasets, r 2 = 0.9493 for moderately-sized datasets, r 2 = 0.9934 for large-sized datasets. ConclusionsThis research implies that regardless of the overall size of an institution's data, there may be significant benefits to anonymization of the entire EMR, even if the institution is planning on releasing only data about a specific cohort of patients.
Dynamics of Alkene Radical Cation/Phosphate Anion Pair Formation from Nucleotide C4‘ Radicals. The DNA/RNA Paradox Revisited

The fragmentation of nucleotide C4‘ radicals generated by thiyl radical addition to C4‘C5‘ exocyclic glycals has been re-examined and found to be a function of the thiol and, probably, the initiating system employed. It has been demonstrated that C4‘ radicals of DNA and RNA models fragment even in the very nonpolar benzene solution if the correct (aliphatic) thiol is employed. 17O-Labeling experiments are used to demonstrate that the fragmentation of nucleotide C4‘ radicals (2-deoxyribo- and ribo-) to contact ion pairs is either irreversible or so rapidly reversible as to preclude prior reorganization of the contact ion pair. Formation of the solvent-separated ion pair is an irreversible step, with all such ion pairs proceeding to product formation.
The prognostic significance of p53 tumor suppressor gene alterations in ovarian carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The prognostic significance and nature of p53 dysfunction in ovarian carcinoma is unclear. The relation between p53 overexpression, p53 mutations, and their effects on overall survival in primary ovarian carcinoma is explored. METHODS Tumor specimens from 171 consecutive epithelial ovarian carcinomas were examined for overexpression of p53 protein with DO7 antibody. P53 mutations were determined by direct sequencing. The influences of conventional histopathologic prognostic factors and various p53 molecular alterations on overall survival were assessed. RESULTS Overall, 48.5% and 57.3% of the samples showed p53 overexpression and p53 mutation, respectively. Although neither p53 overexpression nor the mere presence of a p53 mutation impacted overall survival, the combination did prognosticate survival both in univariate and multivariate models. The authors' results suggest 4 mechanisms that may affect p53 dysfunction in nearly 100% of advanced stage ovarian carcinomas. These include null mutation, nonresponsive p53 (wild-type [wt] p53 sequence, DO7 negative), sequestration (wt p53 sequence, DO7 positive), and missense mutation. Median survival for these groups that constitute sequentially 21.3%, 20.5%, 12.3%, and 45.9% of the 122 Stage III or IV (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) cancers was 1.49, 1.31, 3.09, and 3.6 years, respectively. The nonresponsive p53 and null sequence tumors grouped together as functionally null convey the worst prognosis relative to missense mutations in a univariate model (P = 0.006). Functionally null p53 (P = 0.002), stage (P = 0.008), and optimal cytoreduction (P = 0.008) were independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Sequestration of wt p53 is unique to advanced stage ovarian carcinoma. Functionally null p53 represents an independent molecular predictor of compromised survival. Cancer 2000;89:2006–17. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Steroid‐Dependent Anosmia

Objective: To document the response to steroids in patients remaining anosmic following endoscopic nasal and sinus polypectomy. Study Design: A prospective study of 24 patients with nasal and sinus polyps who were anosmic prior to endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery. Those who remained anosmic after surgery were treated with steroids. Most patients had asthma, allergic rhinitis, or both. A few had aspirin sensitivity. Methods: All 24 patients had testing of their sense of smell before and after surgery. Those who remained anosmic postoperatively were first treated with topical nasal and then oral steroids and then tested again. Results: Twelve of the 24 remained anosmic after surgery and were found to be unresponsive to nasal steroids, but oral steroids were found to restore the sense of smell to normal in most patients. Few patients continued to take the medication for long periods of time mainly because of a fear of side effects. Recent studies have suggested the role of systemic steroids in olfactory secretion, which may explain the mechanism for this response. Conclusion: Patients who remain anosmic after the removal of nasal and sinus polyps can be treated with oral steroids resulting in improvement of their sense of smell. Further research is needed on a molecular level to determine the reason for this and also why oral but not nasal steroids are helpful in these patients.
Privileged Allies in Lesbian and Gay Rights Activism: Gender, Generation, and Resistance to Heteronormativity

In two studies, we examined the relationship between resistance to heteronormativity and political engagement among heterosexuals. In the first, we examined the relationship between awareness of heterosexual privilege, resistance to heteronormativity, and engagement in lesbian and gay rights activism among contemporary heterosexualcollegestudents.Asexpected,womenscoredhigherthanmenonboth heterosexual privilege awareness and resistance to heteronormativity. For women, both heterosexual privilege awareness and resistance to heteronormativity were related to engagement in lesbian and gay rights activism. In the second study, we examined heteronormative attitudes in three cohorts of women spanning 40 years (college graduates in 1951/2, 1972, and 1992), looking at both generational differences in endorsement of heteronormative attitudes and the relationship of these attitudes to engagement in lesbian and gay rights activism. As expected, the two younger cohorts of women were significantly less heteronormative than the oldest cohort. Implications of these results are discussed. Privilege, defined as socially conferred benefits or advantages that result from mere membership in a particular social group, is now well understood to confer both blindness to others’ experience, and to one’s own power (Pratto & Stewart, 2012). Although systems of privilege exist worldwide, this article focuses on a particular context—the UnitedStates.Intwostudies,weexamine someconditions ∗ Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Samantha A. Montgomery,
Simulations of a stretching bar using a plasticity model from the shear transformation zone theory

An Eulerian simulation framework is developed to study an elastoplastic model of amorphous materials that is based upon the shear transformation zone (STZ) theory developed by Langer and coworkers [1]. In this theory, plastic deformation is controlled by an effective temperature that measures the amount of configurational disorder in the material. The simulation is used to model ductile fracture in a stretching bar that initially contains a small notch, and the effects of many of the model parameters are examined. The simulation tracks the shape of the bar using the level set method. Within the bar, a finite difference discretization is employed that makes use of the essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) scheme. The system of equations is moderately stiff due to the presence of large elastic constants, and one of the key numerical challenges is to accurately track the level set and construct extrapolated field values for use in boundary conditions. A new approach to field extrapolation is discussed that is second-order accurate and requires a constant amount of work per grid point.