cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous germline and somatic sequencing in ovarian carcinoma: mutation rate and impact on clinical decision-making

Abstract Objective Germline and somatic BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA) mutations predict treatment response in patients with epithelial ovarian, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer (OC), yet only germline testing is routinely pursued or reimbursed at diagnosis. We report our experience with clinical testing of paired tumor and germline DNA for OC mutations. Methods Simultaneous sequencing using the BROCA assay of DNA from paired blood and neoplastic tissue became clinically available at our institution in 2017. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of OC cases tested from 7/2017 to 7/2018. We calculated the rates of known pathogenic germline mutations and actionable somatic mutations, defined as those for which targeted therapies exist. Results We identified 43 women (36 new diagnoses, seven recurrences) who underwent testing. Average age at diagnosis was 60. OC samples came from surgical specimens in 31 cases (72.1%), from biopsy in 11 cases (25.6%), and from cytology in one case (2.3%). We identified pathogenic germline mutations in six cases (14%), actionable somatic mutations in 15 cases (35%), and both a somatic and germline mutation in one case (2%). BRCA mutations accounted for 59% of all mutations. Of 40 cases with sufficient follow-up, providers documented reviewing results of genetic testing in 34 (85%), which influenced clinical decisions in 12 (30%). Conclusions Simultaneous germline and tumor sequencing is an efficient way to provide enhanced information to guide the care of OC patients. This approach can identify somatic BRCA mutations at diagnosis, allowing physicians to provide PARP inhibitor maintenance and improve outcomes for those patients.
Thymolepis toxandra gen. et sp. nov., a mid-Cretaceous fossil flower with horseshoe-shaped anthers

The fossil flower described here as Thymolepis toxandra is from amber deposits in Myanmar which have been dated as ca. 100 Ma. The peri-anth consists of 12 tepals of varying size and shape, arranged in decussate pairs at the summit of an obconic floral cup. The epidermis of some of the tepals is densely papillate-secretory. The flower is bisexual, the androecium consisting of 2 stamens whose anthers are bisporangiate, hippocrepiform, and densely hirsute. The gynoecium is visible only as a bilobed stigma or as the tips of two postgenitally fused styles, the re-mainder of the pistil(s) being hidden by the perianth and floral cup. It is suggested that the fossil may be an early representative of family Monimiaceae.
Self-assembly of a robust, reduction-sensitive camptothecin nanotube

The self-assembly and covalent crosslinking of a camptothecin (CPT) tetrapeptide nanotube is reported. Intermolecular disulfide bond formation of a self-assembled CPT-peptide reversibly stabilized the nanotubes toward dissociation at low concentrations, resulting in inhibited release of CPT. In the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT), the release of CPT was significantly accelerated. The crosslinked nanotubes also exhibited in vitro cytotoxicity against human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines A549 and H460.
Exploring NCX4040, an Aspirin Derivative, as a Potential Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a leading cause of lower urinary tract symptoms which affects men above 50 years of age. Chronic inflammation and abnormal proliferation of stromal and epithelial cells are implicated in BPH disease onset. The symptoms of BPH include back pain and difficulty in emptying bladder. Finasteride, sildenafil and tamsulosin are some of the drugs used to ease difficulty urinating and relax the muscles of the gland. Transurethral resection of the prostate or laser surgery can be performed to treat severe symptoms. However, these therapies have deleterious effects such as low blood pressure, ejaculatory dysfunction, and lump formation. Hence, there is an unmet need for potential drugs against BPH. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven to be effective in cancers but their applicability in BPH condition is yet to be fully explored. Aspirin, one of the NDSAIDs, has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties at higher doses. NCX4040, a nitric oxide releasing derivative of aspirin, could prove to be effective against BPH, since it can inhibit abnormal cell proliferation and serve as a vasodilator. We hypothesize that NCX4040 would be an effective drug to treat BPH. BPH-1 epithelial and WPMY-1 stromal cells were used as in vitro models of BPH. MTT assay was performed to check the inhibitory effect of NCX4040 and blocking agents like catalase and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) were explored on cells after treatment. Clonogenic assay was done to explore the colony formation ability of cells. Spheroid assay was performed to analyze the anti-proliferative effect of NCX4040. Annexin V/PI and cell cycle analysis was performed to check for apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the cells. Western blot was done to assess the signaling molecules altered by NCX4040 in BPH-1 cells. Confocal immunofluorescence was employed to analyze the dynamics of actin filaments after treatment in cells. Our studies revealed that NCX4040 inhibited the cell viability of BPH-1 and WPMY-1 in a dose dependent manner with IC50 predicted at 5µM and 2.5µM respectively. Of note, catalase and NAC blocked the effect of NCX4040 on prostate cells. Colony formation assay result implied a gradual decrease in the number of colonies of cells treated with NCX4040 with 2.5µM and 5µM doses. Spheroid assay in BPH-1 cells showed inhibitory effects after treatment. Cell cycle analysis by flowcytometry inferred that cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and annexin V analysis indicated that activation of apoptosis in cells following treatment. Phalloidin staining showed decrease in the actin filament intensity in cells. At the molecular level, NCX4040 downregulated the expression of key markers such as RhoA, p65, COX-2, PCNA, Cyclin D3, and PDE-5 in BPH-1 cells. Taken together, NCX4040 could be used as a potential agent to manage BPH with minimal side effects, which needs further evaluation in animal models.
Jasmonic acid-induced resistance to fall armyworm in soybeans: variation among genotypes and tradeoffs with constitutive resistance

Abstract A negative correlation between constitutive and inducible resistance across plant populations is expected for a variety of reasons; however, empirical evidence for such trade-offs remain ambiguous, particularly for crop plants. The current study investigated the relationship between constitutive and inducible resistance in vegetative-stage soybeans (V5-V6) against larvae of the generalist defoliator, Spodoptera frugiperda. Eighteen soybean genotypes differing in their constitutive resistance to coleopteran or lepidopteran defoliators were used over four experiments. Exogenous jasmonic acid (JA, 2 mM) was used to induce plants. Constitutive resistance of each genotype was estimated by measuring weight gains, foliar consumption, and foliar conversion efficiency in short-term feeding assays on excised leaf disks of terminal trifoliate leaves of plants not treated with JA. JA was applied to plants immediately after removing leaf material for assays of constitutive resistance, and induced resistance was estimated 48 h after application of JA using leaf disks from the remaining leaf tissue of the same trifoliate used for measuring constitutive resistance. Larval weight gains before JA treatments revealed genotypic variability in constitutive resistance. . Overall, reductions in weight gain (28.7 % to 76.7%), foliar consumption (3.7% - 65%) and conversion efficiency (10.9% - 42.2%) were found in JA treatments. Significant (P
Predictors of Humoral Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and CAR T-cell Therapy.

Cellular therapies including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) and autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (auto-HCT) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy render patients severely immunocompromised for extended periods after therapy, and data on responses to COVID-19 vaccines are limited. We analyzed anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG Ab (spike Ab) titers and neutralizing Ab among 217 recipients of cellular treatments (allo-HCT, n = 149; auto-HCT, n = 61; CAR T-cell therapy, n = 7). At 3 months after vaccination, 188 patients (87%) had positive spike Ab levels and 139 (77%) had positive neutralization activity compared with 100% for both in 54 concurrent healthy controls. Time from cellular therapy to vaccination and immune recovery post-cellular therapy were associated with response. Vaccination against COVID-19 is an important component of post-cellular therapy care, and predictors of quantitative and qualitative response are critical in informing clinical decisions about optimal timing of vaccines and the requirement for booster doses. Significance Identifying predictors of response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients following cellular therapy is critical to managing this highly vulnerable patient population. To date, this is the most comprehensive study evaluating quantitative and qualitative responses to vaccination, providing parameters most predictive of response and potentially informing booster vaccination strategies.See related article by Chung et al., p. 568. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 549.
Integrating perennial bahiagrass into the conventional rotation of cotton and peanut enhances interactions between microbial and nematode communities

Abstract Integrating two years of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) into the peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cropping system improves soil quality and crop production as compared to a conventional peanut-cotton-cotton rotation (CR). However, it is unclear if this system, known as a sod-based rotation (SBR), affects soil biological communities (e.g., soil microorganisms and nematodes) and their trophic interactions. Furthermore, how soil trophic groups respond to agricultural management (e.g., irrigation) is understudied. In April 2017, we collected pre-planting soil samples (0–30 cm) from cotton plots located in Quincy (Florida, United States) that had been under CR (cotton grown in two consecutive years) and SBR (cotton grown only once) for 17 years. We used amplicon sequencing to investigate soil microbial communities and an inverted microscope technique to quantify nematodes. Compared to CR, SBR significantly increased nematode alpha diversity (one-way ANOVA; P
Thrips (Thysanoptera) Species, Their Occurrence and Seasonal Abundance on Developing Buds and Flowers of Florida Citrus

Citrus groves in Florida were sampled during 1986 - 1990 to determine the distribution and abundance of the thrips species complex infesting closed buds and open flowers of citrus. Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan) was the dominant species accounting for 92% of collected specimens from Dade to Volusia Counties. Frankliniella kelliae Sakimura was the second most abundant species comprising 7% of specimens collected. This species was not found north of a line between Manatee and Martin Counties. Low populations of 11 other thrips species were found. They appear to have no potential as pests of citrus flower buds or bloom. They included the phytophagous species: F. cephalica (Crawford), F. tritici (Fitch), F. insularis (Franklin), F. williamsi Hood, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan), Pseudothrips inequalis (Beach) and Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin). Predaceous thrips collected included: Scolothrips pallidus (Beach), Aeolothrips vittipennis Hood, Karnyothrips merrilli (Watson) and Leptothrips mali (Fitch).
Augmentation of aldolase activity by high concentration of fructose 1,6-diphosphate.

Abstract At high substrate (fructose 1,6-diphosphate) concentrations a 6-fold augmentation of aldolase activity was observed. With freshly prepared aldolase the Michaelis constant was 3.5 x 10-3 m and the molecular activity was 9.7 x 102 at lower substrate concentrations, whereas at higher substrate concentrations, those values were 6.3 x 10-2 m and 5.8 x 103, respectively. The following equation was derived. [see PDF for equation] where n is the number of substrate molecules bound; a plot of log (1/v - 1/V') against log (S) indicated that there was a one to one substrate-enzyme interaction at low substrate concentrations but a two to one substrate-enzyme interaction at high substrate levels.
Molecular cloning and sequencing of general odorant-binding proteins GOBP1 and GOBP2 from the tobacco hawk moth Manduca sexta : comparisons with other insect OBPs and their signal peptides

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are small, water-soluble proteins uniquely expressed in olfactory tissue of insects and vertebrates. OBPs are present in the aqueous fluid surrounding olfactory sensory dendrites and are thought to aid in the capture and transport of hydrophobic odorants into and through this fluid. OBPs may represent the initial biochemical recognition step in olfaction, because they transport odorants to the receptor neurons. Insect OBPs are represented by multiple classes: pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) and general odorant-binding proteins (GOBP1 and GOBP2). PBPs associate with pheromone-sensitive neurons, while GOBPs associate with general odorant-sensitive neurons. Analysis of N-terminal amino acid sequences of 14 insect OBPs isolated from six species indicated that the PBPs were variable and the GOBPs were highly conserved. However, inferred properties of these proteins were based only on partial sequence data. We now report the full-length sequences of a GOBP1 and GOBP2 from the moth Manduca sexta and compare these sequences with those of PBPs from three species, including M. sexta, Antheraea polyphemus, and A. pernyi. We also compare these with a GOBP2 of A. pernyi, previously identified only as a novel OBP. These comparisons fully support our N-terminal analysis. The signal peptide sequences of seven insect OBPs reveal conserved sequences within OBP classes, but not between OBP classes even within the same animal species. This suggests that multiple OBPs may be coexpressed in the same cell type, but differentially processed in a class-specific manner. Properties of the GOBPs suggest that general olfaction is broadly receptive at the periphery. Properties of the PBPs suggest that pheromone olfaction is discriminatory at the periphery, and that the initial biochemical steps in pheromone detection may play an active role in odor perception.
Problems and Prospects in the Study of International Norms1

The twin concepts of state sovereignty and international anarchy underlie much of contemporary theorizing about world politics. For many theorists, the absence of a central arbiter condemns nations to an existence of ruthless competition and unlimited discord. Yet there is a growing body of research that suggests otherwise. According to these studies, the web of expectations created by international norms introduces a modicum of order and predictability to world politics, even in the absence of formal institutions to enforce compliance with their injunctions. This essay reviews the various approaches that have been taken in the study of international norms. Special attention is devoted to examining the conceptual and methodological obstacles that have impeded empirical work on when, how, and why norms affect foreign policy behavior.
Beat Consumption: The Challenge to Consumerism in Beat Literature

Critics of the Beat generation, from their contemporaries to the present day, often contend that the Beats’ opposition to consumer culture was superficial. Writers like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs failed, according to these critics, to present a coherent and principled response to consumerism. This paper, however, argues that while in many ways the Beats continued to participate in consumer culture, they developed a distinct form of consumption—Beat consumption—which attempted to regain sovereignty for the Beat consumer. Through an analysis of Kerouac’s The Dharma Bums and On the Road as well as several of Ginsberg’s seminal works, Beat consumption emerges as a significant concept in the Beat generation’s opposition to the status quo. Though the subsequent cultural revolution of the 1960s produced more radical and clearly articulated critiques of consumerism, the struggle of Beats and Beat writers to reclaim commodities and the act of consuming for their own counterculture was not a failed attempt but a first step.
Applications of Task-Level Augmentation for Cooperative Fine Manipulation Tasks in Surgery

We report on applications of an augmentation system for cooperative fine manipulation using the steady hand manipulation paradigm. Using the "steady hand" robot as the experimental platform we investigate using such a system for creating composite retinal images using a GRIN lens endoscope and for puncturing small blood vessels in the retina.
Microearthquake spectra from the Anza, California, seismic network: Site response and source scaling

Abstract We analyzed spectra of local microearthquakes recorded by the Anza, California, seismic network to isolate the effects of site response and to investigate the scaling of source parameters for small earthquakes. Spectra of microearthquakes ( M M o 19 dyne-cm) at Anza have shapes characteristic of the receiver sites and are generally independent of the source region. Thus, the site response is a major conditioner of the observed spectral shape. To remove the effects of site response from the spectra of a M ∼ 3 event and isolate its source spectrum, we divided by the spectra of an adjacent aftershock used as an empirical Green9s function event. The spectral ratios indicate that the apparent corner frequencies of small earthquakes ( M o 19 dyne-cm) observed at even the high- f max stations on hard rock are much lower than the source corner frequencies. The spectral ratios are consistent with stress drop remaining constant with decreasing seismic moment, for events with moments as small as 10 18 dyne-cm. The spectral ratios display remarkable agreement between sites which showed vast differences in their original spectra, indicating that the spectral division effectively removed the site response. The source spectrum of the M ∼ 3 event has a high-frequency spectral fall-off of about ω −2 . An apparent dependence of high-frequency fall-off with seismic moment in the original spectra can also be explained by the effects of site response. The difference between the P - and S -wave corner frequencies and high-frequency roll-offs in the observed spectra for these events is the result of the site response and is not a source property. The shapes of the spectra of microearthquakes at Anza can largely be explained by attenuation at shallow depth with a frequency-independent Q . For some sites, near-surface resonances are also apparent in the spectra of microearthquakes. It is indicated by t * values determined for each site that Q p ∼ Q s for the shallow low- Q layer. Further evidence of low near-surface Q is observed in the anomalous spectra of an unusually shallow earthquake (source depth ∼ 1 km) in the network. The spectra from this shallow event are depleted in high-frequency energy at most stations, relative to those of deeper events. This observation can be explained by a low- Q surficial zone. For stations of the network situated on alluvium, this low- Q layer has a maximum thickness of about 3 km and maximum P - and S -wave Q values of 30 to 50.
Rationale and design of the Investigation of Motivational Interviewing and Prevention Consults to Achieve Cardiovascular Targets (IMPACT) trial.

Background Patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures remain at increased risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Risk factor control in this patient population remains suboptimal and would likely benefit from strategies targeting education, lifestyle, and healthy behaviors. Design The IMPACT trial is a 400-subject prospective randomized trial designed to compare different cardiovascular prevention strategies in subjects following a cardiovascular intervention. The trial began enrollment in the Spring of 2012 and is randomizing subjects in a 1:1:1 manner to usual care, a one-time cardiovascular prevention consult, or a one-time cardiovascular prevention consult plus behavioral intervention program (telephone-based motivational interviewing and tailored text messages) over a 6-month period. The primary end point is non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Secondary end points include other plasma lipid values, metabolic risk, smoking cessation, physical activity, dietary intake, medication use and adherence, and quality of life. Conclusions The IMPACT trial provides data on different management strategies for risk factor optimization in subjects following cardiovascular procedures. The results will provide a platform for the continued development of novel multidisciplinary interventions in this high-risk population.
Effects of motion type and modality on word learning in English

Languages show typological variation in the expression of manner versus path of motion. However, studies examining the effects of these differences on cognitive representations of motion have led to inconclusive results. To elucidate this prior work, the present study examines word-learning outcomes for adult English speakers who were exposed to new motion words paired with animations that depict either different manners or different paths of motion. The results indicate better learning of words that represent path rather than manner of motion. The outcomes were similar for training with and without accompanying gestures. These findings support the centrality of path in the cognitive representation of motion events and may have important implications for language typology and understanding interactions between language and cognition.
Synthesis and characterization of bis(S-acetylthio)-derivatized europium triple-decker monomers and oligomers.

We report the synthesis of monomers, dimers, trimers, and oligomers of triple-decker (TD) complexes bearing S-acetylthio groups at the termini: AcS−(TD)n−SAc. Each TD was of type (Pc)Eu(Pc)Eu(Por), where H2Pc = tetra-tert-butylphthalocyanine and H2Por is a meso-tetraarylporphyrin bearing functional groups at the 4-aryl position such as ethynyl, TMS−ethynyl, TIPS−ethynyl, or iodo. The TD arrays were prepared by Sonogashira- and Glaser-type coupling reactions, affording 1,4-diphenylethyne or 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne linkers joining the TDs. Each TD array exhibited high solubility in organic solvents such as CHCl3 or CH2Cl2. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of all the TDs were prepared on Au substrates and investigated via a variety of electrochemical techniques aimed at determining redox potentials, rates of electron transfer under applied potential, and rates of charge retention in the absence of applied potential. The electrochemical measurements were accompanied by ellipsometric studies aimed at determinin...
Network analysis of reverse phase protein expression data: Characterizing protein signatures in acute myeloid leukemia cytogenetic categories t(8;21) and inv(16)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients present with cancerous cells originating from bone marrow. Proteomic data on AML patient cells provides critical information on the key molecules associated with the disease. Here, we introduce a new computational approach to identify complex patterns in protein signaling from reverse phase protein array data. We analyzed the expression of 203 proteins in cells taken from AML patients. Dominant overlapping protein networks between subtypes of AML patients were characterized computationally, through a paired t-test approach looking at relative protein expression. In the first application of this method, we compared recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities inv(16) and t(8;21), both affecting core-binding factor (CBFβ), to normal CD34+ cells and to each other. Six hundred seventy-eight sets of proteins were identified as significantly different in both inv(16) and t(8;21) compared to controls, at the Bonferroni number, α < 2.44 × 10−6. We strengthened our predictions by comparing results to those obtained using lasso regression analysis. Signaling networks were constructed from the protein pairs that were significantly different in the t-test and lasso regression analysis. Predicted networks were also compared to known networks from public protein–protein interaction and signaling databases. By characterizing unique “protein signatures” through this rapid computational analysis, and placing them in the context of canonical biological networks, we identify signaling pathways distinct to subcategories of AML patients.
Beyond belief? Play, scepticism, and religion in a West African village

L'A. explore un aspect peu etudie du changement religieux dans ce qu'il a ete convenu d'appeler des pratiques traditionnelles africaines incorporant le scepticisme. Chez les Manjaco, les jeunes imitent de maniere ludique les usages religieux locaux et ne se privent pas de critiquer les ritualisations et les croyances de leurs aines. Cette jeunesse sceptique est a l'avant-garde de la revolution religieuse au village, incitant la communaute dans son ensemble a modifier ou rendre illegales certaines coutumes religieuses et se debarrasser de certains sanctuaires aux esprits. La litterature interprete souvent ce doute juvenile comme un symptome de modernisation lie au fait que les jeunes, plus cosmopolites, sont exposes a d'autres formes d'explication du monde et perdent ainsi la foi dans les anciennes manieres de faire et de croire. L'A. critique cette interpretation, en considerant les manieres de faire quelquefois paradoxales dont la pratique rituelle accompagne ou remet en cause le systeme des croyances.
Developing positive intimacy cognitions in males with a history of nonintimate sexual experiences.

Abstract Traditional male sexual socialization is based on assumptions and cognitions which are antithetical to adult intimate relationships. The double standard scenario, initial sexual experiencies, the way of talking about sex with peers, cognitions around automatic and autonomous functioning, the criterion of perfect performance, orgasm-orientation, and emotional separateness from females are strongly over learned and reinforced in the young male subculture. A cognitive-behavioral strategy is used to increase intimacy among couples as well as males without partners. The focus is on increasing comfort, self-disclosure, and increasing the range of emotional and sexual expression.
Benchmarking supplier risks using Bayesian networks

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology for benchmarking supplier risks through the creation of Bayesian networks. The networks are used to determine a supplier's external, operational, and network risk probability to assess its potential impact on the buyer organization.Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology includes the use of a risk assessment model, surveys, data collection from internal and external sources, and the creation of Bayesian networks used to create risk profiles for the study participants.Findings – It is found that Bayesian networks can be used as an effective benchmarking tool to assist managers in making decisions regarding current and prospective suppliers based upon their potential impact on the buyer organization, as illustrated through their associated risk profiles.Research limitations/implications – A potential limitation to the use of the methodology presented in the study is the ability to acquire the necessary data from current and poten...
Measurements of the refractive-index variations with temperature of a photomonomer

The temperature dependence of the index of refraction of CIBATOOL XB5081, a commercial photomonomer commonly used for stereolithographic part building, is measured at wavelengths of 632.8, 514.5, and 488.0 nm.
Fetal Echocardiography: An 8-Year Experience

Over 8 years, 680 fetuses in 521 gestations underwent echocardiography. Indications included genetic or teratogenic risk, arrhythmias, diabetes, collagen vascular disease, hypertension, growth retardation, and hydrops. Most studies were normal. Eight fetuses had structural heart disease, 31 had benign atrial or ventricular premature beats, five had benign unsustained arrhythmias, three had heart block associated with maternal autoantibodies, and one had sustained supraventricular tachycardia with hydrops. Eight had suspected hydrops, fetal demise, or molar pregnancy. There were 19 cases of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms and three with pathologic cerebral artery waveforms.Fetal echocardiography is a valuable noninvasive diagnostic tool in selected cases with a high sensitivity and specificity for serious hemodynamic problems.
Develop a Robot-Aided Area Sensing System for 3D Shape Inspection

Dimensional inspection using a contact-based coordinate measurement machine (CMM) is time consuming because the part can only be measured point-by-point. A 3D sensor may replace the traditional CMM technology because it can measure a surface patch-by-patch. Therefore, the automotive industry has been seeking a practical solution for rapid surface inspection using a 3D sensor. However, the challenge is the capability to meet all the requirements including sensor accuracy, resolution, system efficiency, and system cost. In this paper, we develop a robot-aided 3D sensing system, which can automatically allocate sensor viewing points, measure the freeform part surface, and generate an error map for quality control. The measurement accuracy meets the industrial standards. This paper briefly describes the system architecture, design principle, calibration methods, and the present results.
Treatment outcome for 424 primary cases of clinical stage I cutaneous malignant melanoma of the head and neck

Background. Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is increasing in frequency. Surgery remains the primary and only curative treatment method. Our aim was to define prognostic factors and outcome predictors for patients with clinical stage I CMM of the head and neck. Methods. Surgical treatment and outcome was analyzed for 424 patients with clinical stage I melanoma of the head and neck, completing initial treatment at the Mayo Clinic (1970-1990). The data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and Cox multiple-regression models. Results. Overall, 180 (42%) patients underwent elective lymph node dissection (ELND) as part of the initial treatment; occult disease was demonstrated in 15 (8.3%). Among patients with tumor > 1.5 mm thick, occult regional disease was found in 15%. Failure of initial treatment occurred in 152 (36%). Overall, 82% and 75% of patients survived 5 and 10 years, respectively. Conclusions. Tumor thickness, extent of invasion, and the presence of occult regional metastatic disease were the only independently predictive value (p <.005) of recurrence. The detection of disease by ELND did not appear to protect the patient from disease progression but identified those with regionally advanced disease and highest risk for recurrence. The development of recurrence significantly reduced but did not eliminate the potential for extended disease-free survival with subsequent treatment.
Hepatitis C virus treatment: The beginning of a new era

Introduction: The standard treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is pegylated interferon-α 2-a plus ribavirin for 48 weeks. The sustained virologic response (SVR or virologic response 24 weeks after the discontinuation of HCV treatment) for genotype 1, the most common genotype in the United States, is only 40% to 50% [1]. This response rate is even lower among patients co-infected with HIV [2]. The lack of potency is not the only problem of interferon-based treatments. The use of pegylated interferon and ribavirin is plagued with side effects that make a signifi cant proportion of patients unable to tolerate and complete the 48-week course of treatment. New and better therapies are needed to treat HCV, particularly among patients with HIV infection. The recently published Protease Inhibition for Viral Evaluation (PROVE)-1 and PROVE-2 [3] studies evaluated the use of telaprevir (formerly known as VX-950), a “rationally designed” HCV protease inhibitor that binds to the HCV protease and blocks its activity, for the treatment of HCV infection. The drug is being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Cambridge, MA) and Tibotec (Yardley, PA). This commentary focuses on PROVE-1, which was conducted in the United States. A sister trial, PROVE-2, was completed in Europe and published in the same issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Details of PROVE1 can be obtained in ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00336479. Telaprevir is one of many drugs being developed for the treatment HCV infection, a disease that affects probably 4 million Americans. These new drugs block different steps of the HCV cycle, including the HCV RNA helicase and polymerase and the HCV protease genes.
Processability and thermal properties of blends of high density polyethylene, poly (ethylene terephthalate), and ethyl vinyl acetate compatibilizer

Because of differences in chemical structure and rheological characteristics, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are incompatible when blended during recycling of PET soft drink bottles. To improve the properties of the blends, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) was used as a compatibilizer. Based on torque rheometer tests, the higher the concentration of PET in the blends, the higher the initial loading torque. Blends of 50% HDPE and 50% PET had the lowest equilibrium torque. Equilibrium torque was highest at 5% EVA. The presence of EVA made only a slight difference in the glass transition temperatures of HDPE/PET blends. Higher EVA content in the blend resulted in a lower melting endotherm. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that thermal stability was independent of EVA content; but the more PET in the blend, the lower the final weight loss.
Statin therapy and changes in hip circumference among HIV-infected participants in the ALLRT Cohort.

Background: We aimed to determine whether statin exposure in antiretroviral-treated individuals is associated with increases in hip circumference compared with HIV treatment without concomitant statin use. Methods: This was a prospective multicentre cohort study involving individuals who had received antiretroviral therapy for at least 40 weeks and who were enrolled in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials cohort. There were 2,223 participants in the statin-unexposed group and 371 in the statin-exposed group. The main outcome measure was change in hip circumference at week 32. Results: The 32-week change in hip circumference in the statin-exposed group was 0.60 cm greater (95% confidence interval 0.11-1.10; P=0.02) than in the statin-unexposed group after adjustment for age, gender, race, baseline body mass index and thymidine analogue exposure. Conclusions: Our findings support the hypothesis that statins might be beneficial in lipoatrophy. Given the limited treatment options for this important problem, further studies are needed to confirm this effect and to determine its clinical significance.
Relation between medial hypothalamic damage and impairments in regulation of sodium intake

Abstract Lesions of various sizes were placed in the medial hypothalamus of rats to determine the extent and locus of damage sufficient to produce impairments of sodium appetite. Lesions confined to the ventromedial nucleus had no effect on sodium intake after sodium depletion but larger lesions which included the major extent of the medial hypothalamic zone resulted in significant decrements.
Stroboscopic phase-shifting interferometry for dynamic characterization of optical MEMS

Macro-scale optical components with surface flatness better than 25 nm over large areas (more than 1 X 1 mm) are widely available. However, the flatness of optical MEMS devices (for example micro-mirrors and -diffraction gratings) is often considerably worse. In addition to static deformation caused by film stresses and stress gradients, dynamic mechanical effects, such as air drag and excitation of higher-order resonant modes, cause surface deformations that are difficult to predict using theoretical or finite- element models. These deformations can cause significant degradation to optical performance. Dynamic measurements of nanometer-scale displacements across the entire surface of a micro-mirror are difficult or impossible to perform with conventional MEMS metrology techniques such as SEM, AFM, and optical microscopy. Stroboscopic interferometry, however, can be used to measure time-slice images that show 3D motion of fast-moving MEMS devices, with vertical resolution better than 1 nm. In this paper, we report the application of this technique to dynamic characterization of fold-up surface- micromachined structures and show how the method can be used to provide new insights into the optical and mechanical behavior of scanning micro-mirror devices.
19F, 13C NMR analysis of an oxygen carrier, perfluorotributylamine, and perfluoropentanoic acid

NMR relaxation measurement of perfluorocarbons (PFCs), such as perfluorotributylamine (FTBA), is a convenient method for the determination of oxygen concentrations in tissues and tumors. Previous relaxation studies of FTBA used different 19F NMR assignments causing some confusion. Fluorine-detected 19F, 13C HMQC and HMBC and selectively 19F-decoupled 13C NMR provided unequivocal 19F and 13C assignments for FTBA and perfluoropentanoic acid (FPA). Based on those assignments, 13C spin–lattice relaxation time constants (T1) and effective correlation times for FTBA and FPA are reported and discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
"In times of stress, be bold and valiant": a preliminary exploration of the psychosocial and physiological measures of stress and suggestions for future MIS research

Stress is a fact of life. Previous MIS research has examined stress, but has focused on the psychosocial aspects of stress, which are usually measures using self-reported metrics. This preliminary study examines the possible contrast between psychosocial and physiological stress that is, the body's autonomic reaction to a potential threat. The study also examines the effectiveness of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a protocol designed to induce stress in social situations. Using a sample of thirty-two students, the results indicate that the TSST protocol is an effectiveness mechanism for inducing both psychosocial and physiological stress. The results also indicate that psychosocial and physiological stress are indeed different metrics. The study concludes with recommendations for future MIS researchers to build on these findings.
Facial Expression During Emotional Monologues in Unilateral Stroke: An Analysis of Monologue Segments

Emotional monologues of brain-damaged subjects were examined to determine whether interhemispheric or intrahemispheric differences exist for facial emotional expression. A special feature was the comparison of expressions produced during the initial, middle, and last segments of the monologues. Videotaped emotional and non-emotional monologues from the New York Emotion Battery (Borod, Welkowitz, & Obler, 1992) of eight right brain-damaged (RBD), eight left brain-damaged (LBD), and eight normal control (NC) subjects, with matching for demographics and lesion location, were rated. Five raters were trained to evaluate the emotional intensity and category accuracy of the facial expressions produced during these monologues. Results revealed some support for a reversed valence effect, with RBDs showing relatively less accurate performance during positive monologues. Intrahemispheric results revealed that, overall, RBDs with frontal lobe lesions showed the least intense facial expressions. Segment analysis found that individuals produced facial expressions with significantly more emotional intensity during the middle and last thirds of the monologues than during the initial third of the monologues. Findings indicate intrahemispheric as well as interhemispheric differences in facial emotional expression and suggest the utilization of the latter parts of monologues in the evaluation of emotional expression, which has potential clinical implications.
Estimation of normal covariance and precision matrices with incomplete data

Suppose that we have n independent observations from Np (0,∑) and, in addition, we have m independent observations available on the first q(q < P) coordinates. Assuming that X i's and Y i's are independent,we consider the problem of estimation of ∑ and ∑-1 respectively under the loss functions .We propose some new estimators that dominate the best lower triangular invariant minimax estimator under the loss L We also derive the best lower triangular invariant minimax estimator of ∑-1 under L 1 and suggest some estimators that dominate it.
The Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve (PARTNER) Trial The Surgeon's Perspective: Celebration and Concern

The Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve (PARTNER) Trial is a very well-designed, meticulously executed, prospective randomized trial that demonstrated that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the Edwards SAPIEN valve was superior to medical therapy in the treatment of inoperable patients with aortic stenosis (cohort B) and that it was not inferior to standard surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with advanced symptomatic aortic stenosis who are high risk for surgical therapy (cohort A).1,2 The trial involved both surgeons and cardiologists from the beginning. Every patient enrolled in the trial was discussed by conference call before enrollment was accepted. Enrolling sites were centers of excellence in surgical valve replacement and in interventional cardiology. The trial demonstrated a 20% survival advantage in the nonoperable cohort A patients at 1 year. This level of benefit is rare in medical device therapy. In the high-risk surgical patients, TAVR and surgical valve replacement each demonstrated equivalent 1-year mortality (TAVR, 24.2%; surgical aortic valve replacement, 26.8%) and equivalent 1-year relief of symptoms.2 The results of the trial led to approval by the Food and Drug Administration of the device for commercial use in inoperable patients. Use of the device in the United States for high-risk surgical patients is under consideration. This therapy is of great benefit to patients who are similar to those enrolled in the trial. Certainly, this is cause for celebration. The celebration associated with PARTNER is tempered by concerns, however. The procedure remains a major interventional undertaking requiring transit of large-bore catheters across often-diseased vascular structures and deployment of a valve with precision in carefully selected patients. Patients and families of inoperable patients seeking TAVR focus on the 20% 1-year survival benefit. Sometimes lost in their consideration is the fact that in this very ill group …
Morphological phenomena of CVD diamond (Part I)

A parametric influence on the morphology of CVD diamond has been investigated. While the gas pressure has a minor effect on the morphological development of diamond in the optimum temperature range, the influences by the substrate temperature, the methane concentration in hydrogen, and the gas flow rate are found to be substantial. With an increase of substrate temperature or gas flow rate over the range in this study, the surface of diamond films changes from the f 100) face dominating to the { 1 1 1 } face prevailing. With an increase of methane concentrations from 0.5% to 2%, the morphology of diamond films changes from the triangular 1 1 1 ) faces to the square f 100) faces. Further increasing methane concentrations to 5% results in a film with sub-.tm crystallite aggregates. These experimental variables change the diamond morphology possibly by influencing the free energies of crystallographic faces and the atom mobility on the surface.
Evolutionary trends in 18S ribosomal RNA nucleotide sequences of rat, mouse, hamster and man

The large T1 ribonuclease fragments of 18S ribosomal RNA from four mammalian species, rat, mouse, hamster and man, were compared by two-dimensional homochromatography fingerprinting. The nucleotide sequences of the large T1 ribonuclease fragments, polypyrimidines and polypurines which were different among the four mammalian species were determined and compared. The method used for determining nucleotide sequences utilizes 32p-labeling of oligonucleotides at their 5'-termini by polynucleotide kinase, partial digestion by ribonucleases and analysis of labeled spots by homochromatography-fingerprinting. Several examples of point mutations were detected. It was of interest that the 18S rRNA of Chinese hamster has more oligonucleotide sequences in common with those of man that rat or mouse.
Lies, deception, and public relations

Abstract This article examines lying, deception and concealment in philosophy and humanities, and relates these three concepts to notions of veracity in public relations. It argues that lying is unacceptable in most situations, but that deception and concealment are justified when harm and relationships are considered in some dilemmas. Relationships and harm in relationships are absent from most philosophical reasoning in regard to lying. The authors believe more emphasis must be placed on the harm created in relationships when truth or lies are told.
Analysis, Design, and Experimental Results of the Semidual-Active-Bridge Converter

A new soft-switching circuit topology derived from the popular dual-active-bridge converter (DAB) topology is proposed for applications requiring only unidirectional power flow such as the dc–dc stage of a photovoltaic power converter, and battery charger for electric vehicles. The topology named as the semidual active bridge (S-DAB) is obtained by replacing the fully active (four switches) bridge on the load side of a DAB by a semiactive (two switches and two diodes) bridge. In addition to the reduced number of active switches, the topology offers several other advantages including extended zero-voltage switching (ZVS), and smaller output filter requirement. The operating principles, waveforms in different intervals and expression for power transfer, which differ significantly from the basic DAB topology, are presented in detail. The ZVS characteristics and requirements are analyzed in detail and compared to those of DAB. A small-signal model of the new configuration is also derived. The analysis and performance of S-DAB are validated through extensive simulation and experimental results from a 1-kW hardware prototype.
Social effectiveness and sport personnel: the impact of athlete political skill and influence tactics on sport organisation CSR reputation and consumer advocacy intentions

Despite CSR research receiving increased attention and academic acceptance in the sport management literature, minimal attention has been paid to the characteristics and behaviours of sport personnel who are actively engaged in CSR activities. Therefore, this study sought to examine how professional athlete political skill and proactive influence tactics impact sport organisation CSR reputation and sport consumer advocacy intentions. Guiding the development of the research model and hypotheses was political skill theory. Sport consumers attending an NBA competition were surveyed and 207 usable samples were included for data analysis. This included confirmatory factor analysis of the first order factors and a test of the structural model (along with the second order model) using SEM. Results indicated the proposed model was psychometrically sound and the proposed associations in the model were largely supported. The only exception came from the multiple-sample SEM analysis; this found the moderating effect of political skill was insignificant.