cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Combinatorial and Topological Complexity of a Single Cell

Abstract. The problem of bounding the combinatorial complexity of a single connected component (a single cell) of the complement of a set of n geometric objects in R k , each object of constant description complexity, is an important problem in computational geometry which has attracted much attention over the past decade. It has been conjectured that the combinatorial complexity of a single cell is bounded by a function much closer to O(n k-1 ) rather than O(n k ) which is the bound for the combinatorial complexity of the whole arrangement. Until now, this was known to be true only for k ≤ 3 and only for some special cases in higher dimensions. A classic result in real algebraic geometry due to Oleinik and Petrovsky [15], Thom [18], and Milnor [14], bounds the topological complexity (the sum of the Betti numbers) of basic semi-algebraic sets. However, until now no better bounds were known if we restricted attention to a single connected component of a basic semi-algebraic set. In this paper we show how these two problems are related. We prove a new bound on the sum of the Betti numbers of one connected component of a basic semi-algebraic set which is an improvement over the Oleinik—Petrovsky—Thom—Milnor bound. This also implies that the topological complexity of a single cell, measured by the sum of the Betti numbers, is bounded by O(n k-1 ) . The techniques used for proving this topological result combined with those developed by Halperin and Sharir for the single cell problem in three dimensions allow us to prove a bound of O(n k-1+e ) on the combinatorial complexity of a single cell. Finally, we show that under a certain natural geometric assumption on the objects (namely, that whenever they intersect, the intersection is robustly transversal) it is possible to prove a bound of O(n k-1 ) on the combinatorial complexity of a single cell.
Long-term pollen trends and associations between pollen phenology and seasonal climate in Atlanta, Georgia (1992-2018).

Abstract Background Previous research has revealed that airborne pollen concentrations and phenology in allergenic plants are changing. In addition, variations in seasonal climate are known to affect pollen phenology in trees, weeds, and grasses. Objective To investigate localized trends in pollen concentrations and pollen phenology over time and the effect of seasonal climate variations. Methods We used daily pollen count concentrations from a National Allergy Bureau pollen counting station located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, for 13 allergenic taxa. To evaluate long-term trends over time, we developed linear regression models for 6 pollen measures. To evaluate the effect of seasonal climate on phenology, we developed regression models using seasonal climate measures as independent variables and pollen measures as dependent variables. Results For several tree pollen taxa, pollen concentrations increased over time, including oak and juniper pollen. In multiple species, pollen seasons trended toward an earlier release throughout the 27-year period. Variations in seasonal climate did have an effect on pollen counts and the timing of pollen release but varied by taxa. Generally, warmer spring temperatures were associated with an earlier pollen release. In addition, increased precipitation from the preceding fall was associated with increased pollen concentration in the spring months. Conclusion Allergenic pollen concentrations for several types of pollen are increasing and trending toward an earlier pollen release in Atlanta, Georgia. Warmer temperatures preceding the pollen season were associated with the earlier pollen release.
Social media use, sleep, and psychopathology in psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents.

Abstract Sleep disruption among adolescents represents a major public health concern, and social media use may play an important role in affecting sleep and subsequent mental health. While prior studies of youth sleep and mental health have often focused on social media use frequency and duration, adolescents’ emotional experiences related to social media have been underexplored, particularly among clinically acute populations. This study offers a preliminary investigation of associations among negative emotional experiences using social media, sleep disturbance, and clinical symptom severity in a sample of psychiatrically hospitalized youth. A sample of 243 adolescents (Mage = 15.34) completed self-report measures at a single time point. Measures assessed social media use, including frequency and duration, subjective experiences of use, and emotional responses to use, as well as sleep disturbance and clinical symptom severity, including suicidal ideation, internalizing symptoms, and attention problems. Results revealed that more frequent negative emotional responses to social media use were linked to greater sleep disturbance and higher clinical symptom severity. Furthermore, sleep disturbance mediated the relation between negative emotional responses to social media and clinical symptom severity. While gender differences were revealed in characteristics of social media use, sleep disturbance, and clinical outcomes, the associations among these constructs did not vary across gender groups. Overall, these findings highlight sleep disturbance as a potential mechanism through which negative emotional experiences on social media may impact clinical symptoms in psychiatrically vulnerable youth.
RIBOSOMAL FRAMESHIFT AND FRAME-JUMP SITES AS CONTROL POINTS DURING ELONGATION

As the details of the interactions amongst tRNA, elongation factors, ribosomes and mRNA during the elongation phase of protein synthesis come into increasing focus, several new avenues for translational control have emerged. The recent advent of the high-level ribosomal frameshift site has opened up one such avenue for alternative events during the elongation and termination phases. These extreme cases of sequence-dependent variation in reading frame step size have also exposed a new lead into unsuspected interactions that occur during decoding and translocation. Analysis of ribosomal frameshifting is thus informative both from the standpoint of novel genetic control mechanisms, as well as illuminating new, and complex, macromolecular interactions occurring in protein synthesis.
The Emerging Role of Multiscale Methods in Turbulent Combustion

Turbulent combustion flows are governed by processes that span the range from atomistic scales to device (e.g. engine) scales and beyond (e.g. oil pool fires, thermo-nuclear flames in type Ia supernovae). The multiscale nature of turbulent combustion flows poses both challenges and opportunities. The challenges arise from the need to predict combustion phenomena that are governed by a broad range of scales. The opportunities arise because of the emergence of the multiscale science that permeates many fields, and which for turbulent combustion, has been motivated by the need to predict phenomena in new and evolving combustion technologies, advances in computational and applied mathematics, and the increasing availibility of computational resources. In this chapter, strategies and requirements for the multiscale modeling and simulation of turbulent combustion flows are discussed. The chapter serves as an introductory chapter to Part III of this book.
Abstract 486: BET protein inhibition by JQ1 blocks EWS-FLI1 activity in Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone cancer in children, with an estimated 5-year survival rate of 20% for metastatic cases. These tumors harbor the characteristic chromosomal translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12), which leads to expression of the oncogenic chimeric transcription factor, EWS-FLI1. EWS-FLI1 drives Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis, and is an attractive therapeutic target because it is expressed exclusively in tumor cells. However, directly targeting EWS-FLI1 has proved difficult. Thus, despite advances in our understanding of EWS-FLI1 function, treatment options remain limited, and to date, no targeted therapeutics have been developed. In this study, we investigated the effects of the epigenetic modifier drug, JQ1, on Ewing sarcoma pathogenesis. JQ1 is a small molecule inhibitor of the BET family of bromodomain proteins, which bind to acetylated histones and transcription factors to regulate gene expression. JQ1 selectively inhibits these acetylation-dependent BET protein interactions. Recent studies reveal that JQ1 has potent anti-neoplastic activity against multiple cancers, with c-MYC downregulation being a key mechanism by which it induces cell death in several tumor types. Because Ewing sarcoma cells express high levels of c-MYC, we predicted that they would be sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of JQ1. Our results demonstrate that JQ1 indeed inhibits growth of Ewing sarcoma cells, but unexpectedly, it does not function through inhibition of c-MYC. Using multiple patient-derived Ewing sarcoma cell lines, we find that JQ1 induces apoptosis as measured by PARP cleavage. Preliminary data further indicate that JQ1 suppresses growth of Ewing sarcoma xenografts in vivo. Mechanistic studies and microarray analysis reveal that JQ1 inhibits EWS-FLI1 activity, with multiple targets of the oncogene being rapidly downregulated upon JQ1 treatment. Studies are currently underway to identify the specific BET family members required for EWS-FLI1 function, and to determine the mechanism by which they regulate EWS-FLI1 activity. Given the emergence of numerous JQ1-derivative compounds targeting specific BET proteins, it is hopeful that this class of compounds may ultimately be used as targeted therapies for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma. Citation Format: Krista L. Bledsoe, Aaron Stonestrom, Stephan Kadauke, Laura Quick, Robert Young, Gerd A. Blobel, Margaret M. Chou. BET protein inhibition by JQ1 blocks EWS-FLI1 activity in Ewing sarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 486. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-486
VisBiz: a business process visualization case study

Business process management involves many parameters and relationships and is modeled as complex business process workflows. A common way to analyze the process data is by using flowcharts. Visual analysis of a largescale chart, however, is too complex. In this case study, we employ a novel visualization technique, called VisBiz. VisBiz reduces data complexity by automatically analyzing operational data and abstracting the most critical parameters that influence business process. The basic idea is to select the most relevant parameters and layout them on a "triple-attributes" circular graph based on their relationships and user domain knowledge. VizBiz transforms the attributes to nodes and the process flows to lines. VisBiz derives a new process flow matrix to link the process of multiple circular graphs as the analyst introduces more parameters for further analysis. The results of the real-world credit card fraud study show the significant advantages of this technique in finding fraud distribution patterns and root causes of frauds.
Spectral Correlation Hub Screening of Multivariate Time Series

This chapter discusses correlation analysis of stationary multivariate Gaussian time series in the spectral or Fourier domain. The goal is to identify the hub time series, i.e., those that are highly correlated with a specified number of other time series. We show that Fourier components of the time series at different frequencies are asymptotically statistically independent. This property permits independent correlation analysis at each frequency, alleviating the computational and statistical challenges of high-dimensional time series. To detect correlation hubs at each frequency, an existing correlation screening method is extended to the complex numbers to accommodate complex-valued Fourier components. We characterize the number of hub discoveries at specified correlation and degree thresholds in the regime of increasing dimension and fixed sample size. The theory specifies appropriate thresholds to apply to sample correlation matrices to detect hubs and also allows statistical significance to be attributed to hub discoveries. Numerical results illustrate the accuracy of the theory and the usefulness of the proposed spectral framework.
Thyroid neoplasms and coexistent thyroiditis. Observations on fifteen cases.

Abstract Fifteen cases of thyroiditis and coexisting neoplasia have been presented. A wide variety of tumors occurred with various types of thyroiditis. The chronic unclassified variety was more common in this series than Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We were not able to indict any specific cellular type in the thyroiditis process as the cell of origin of the neoplasm. It is our impression that thyroiditis does not exert any influence on the behavior of the neoplasm; the tumors generally following the expected course for the given neoplasm.
Amniotic fluid gas tensions

Abstract 1.1. The amniotic fluid pO 2 and pCO 2 have been determined in late pregnancy and in labor, both with normal pregnancies and in a group wherein the fetus was dead in utero. 2.2. It was not possible to correlate fetal arterial gas tensions with the amniotic fluid tensions. 3.3. The average gas tension in the amniotic fluid surrounding the dead fetus was normal. 4.4. The suggestion is made that a portion of gas in the amniotic fluid is contributed by the uterus via a chorioamnion transfen.
A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste

Are We Ready? . Public Health Since 9/11. By David Rosner and Gerald Markowitz . University of California Press, Berkeley, and Milbank Memorial Fund, New York, 2006. 210 pp. $45, £26.95. ISBN 9780520249202. Paper, $16.95, £9.95. ISBN 9780520250383. California/Milbank Books on Health and the Public Rosner and Markowitz consider the effects that 9/11, the anthrax attacks that followed, and preparations for the use of smallpox as a bioterror weapon have had on the public health infrastructure in the United States.
Soya-Bean Flowers: Nectary Ultrastructure, Nectar Guides, and Orientation on the Flower by Foraging Honeybees

SummarySoya-bean flowers possess most, if not all, of the anatomical adaptations characteristic of entomophilous plant species. A description of the flower is presented, based on photomicrographs and scanning electron micrographs. Specifically described and illustrated are: nectar guides, including those differentiated by ultraviolet light; the tongue channel and tongue guides; the ultrastructure of a highly developed nectary. The structure of the flower ensures that most foraging honeybees will contact an exposed sexual column with their ventral or facial hairs, thus effecting the transfer of pollen.
Electronic Raman scattering

This paper briefly reviews some aspects of electronic Raman scattering in simple semiconductors. Emphasis is placed on the strength of the scattering as predicted by the f-sum rule. The mechanism for light scattering by free and bound electrons in a many-valley semiconductor is outlined. Data are presented from two systematic studies of the dependence of the spectrum on donor concentration, from Doehler et al on Ge(As) and from Jain and Klein on Si(P). The gross features of the spectra may be understood in terms of a new sum rule, valid for all concentrations. It shows that the strength of the light scattering is a direct manifestation of the shortrange, central-cell, donor potential.
Minimal clinically important difference for change in comfortable gait speed of adults with pathology: a systematic review

Rationale, aims and objectives Walking speed is an important performance variable, but information on the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the measure has not been consolidated. In this review, we aimed to summarize information on the MCID for change in comfortable gait speed measurements for patients with pathology. Methods Relevant literature was identified by searches of four databases (PubMed, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL and Scopus), hand searches and consultation with an expert. Inclusion required that articles reported a MCID for comfortable gait speed measurements. Articles were excluded if the MCID was not determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Articles were abstracted for information on participants, interventions, gait speed documentation and the determination of MCID. Quality was assessed using a hybrid 9-item (0-18 point) instrument. Results Seven articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The populations studied included stroke (n = 3), hip fracture (n = 2), multiple sclerosis (n = 1) and mixed (n = 1). Using 13 different anchors the studies reported MCIDs of 0.08-0.26 m s(-1) . All but three of these MCIDs were between 0.10 and 0.20 m s(-1) . All MCIDs for which the area under the ROC curve exceeded 0.70 were between 0.10 and 0.17 m s(-1) . Conclusions Changes in gait speed of 0.10 to 0.20 m s(-1) may be important across multiple patient groups.
Voltammetry and electron-transfer dynamics in a molecular melt of a 1.2 nm metal quantum dot.

New molecular melts of nanoparticles have been obtained by place exchanging thiolated poly(ethyleneglycol, MW = 350) ligands into the monolayer shells of the quantum dot nanoparticle Au38(phenyleth...
Lot sizing problems with strong set-up interactions

We address the problem of coordinated replenishment of products when the products can be produced only in fixed proportion to each other. Such problems commonly arise in the manufacture of sheet/plate metal parts or die-cast parts. The problem is a variant of the well-known Joint Replenishment Problem. We call this problem the Strong Interaction Problem (SIP). After giving a mathematical formulation of the problem, we show that the general problem is NP-hard. An important variant of the problem, in which products are unique to a family, is shown to be polynomially solvable. We present several lower bounds, an exact algorithm and a heuristic for the problem. Computational testing on randomly generated problems suggests that our exact algorithm performs very well when compared with a commercially available integer programming solver. The heuristic method also gives good solutions.
Retention Initiative for Unscheduled Sophomores and Unscheduled Readmits

The retention initiative described in the study was performed at a comprehensive public university in northwestern Pennsylvania that offers associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees, and enrolls approximately 6,000 students. In an attempt to increase student retention, phone calls were made to: 1) non-returning sophomores, and 2) students who had applied for readmission to the University after a hiatus. The purpose of the phone calls was to facilitate the students' registration for classes, and thus, their return to campus. This strategy proved effective as a retention device and it provided useful information regarding local reasons for non-return, as well as recommendations for changes in University procedures that could increase student retention. Cross-divisional cooperation is noted as critical to student retention.
Multigenerational exposure to dietary zearalenone (ZEA), an estrogenic mycotoxin, affects puberty and reproduction in female mice

This study investigated potential cumulative effects of multiple pregnancy and multigenerational exposure to dietary ZEA (0, 0.8, 4, or 20 ppm) on female puberty and reproduction in C57BL/6J mice. Multiple pregnancies did not significantly affect litter size or offspring puberty. Significant effects were observed in 20 ppm ZEA-treated females: advanced puberty onset in F0, F1, and F2 generations; decreased implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and litter size, and increased pregnancy gap and gestation period in F1 and F2 generations; and reduced fertility index in F2 generation. F3 females from 0 and 20 ppm groups were split into 0 or 20 ppm ZEA diets at weaning, with advanced puberty onset seen in 0-20 and 20-20 groups and decreased implantation rate observed in 20-20 group. In summary, 20 ppm dietary ZEA advanced puberty onset without obvious cumulative effect and impaired fertility with multigenerational cumulative effect, which could be partially alleviated upon exposure cessation.
An immunochemical study of the different proteins in the beta and gamma crystallin families.

Abstract The crystallins isolated from calf lens cortex were separated by gel filtration on Bio-gel A 0·5 m columns. Immunoelectrophoretic and immunodiffusion analysis of these crystallins demonstrated complete separation of the α-crystallins (fraction 1), various β-crystallins (fractions 2, 3 and 4) and γ-crystallins (fractions 5 and 6). The presence of at least seven different β-crystallin proteins (in terms of different genetic products) were established. The high molecular weight β-crystallins (fraction 2) contained proteins I and II, which were absent from the low molecular weight β-crystallins (fraction 4). Conversely, the low molecular weight β-crystallins contained protein VII, which was absent from the high molecular weight fraction, β-Crystallins III, V and VI were present in both of these factions. The medium molecular weight β-crystallins (fraction 3) contained proteins III through VII. Both the high (fraction 5) and the low (fraction 6) molecular weight γ-crystallins contained proteins I and II. The use of Bio-gel A 0·5 m columns yielded better separation of α-from β-crystallins than did the Sephadex G-200 columns. This difference may have resulted from more efficient dissociation of α-β crystallin complexes on the Bio-gel A 0·5 m than on the Sephadex G-200.
Physical Modeling of Slag Foaming for Various Operating Conditions and Slag Compositions

The present study is concerned with steady-state slag foaming. First, the various models presented in the literature are briefly reviewed and their accuracy in predicting steady-state foam thickness is evaluated by using a wide range of experimental data. Then, a correlation is developed by applying the Buckingham's Pi theorem to variables commonly used in previous studies on slag foaming. However, the concept of foaminess has been disregarded as it is an idealization that is not supported by experimental evidences. A power type of law has been assumed between the four dimensionless numbers derived. The empirical coefficients are obtained using experimental data reported in the literature. They cover a wide range of operating conditions and foaming fluids with appreciably different chemico-physical properties. The predictions of the correlations compares well with experimental data. The dimensionless numbers derived from the Buckingham's Pi theorem and the associated empirical coefficients are found to be similar to those obtained by performing a dimensional analysis of the governing equation for the transient foam thickness which could not be predicted a priori. Finally, the dependency of the average bubble radius with surface tension is discussed. Overall, the predicted thickness decreases with increasing surface tension thus satisfying basic thermodynamics considerations.
3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one is the only active anesthetic steroid in anesthetized mouse brain

It was demonstrated that the anesthetic steroid 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one mediates the loss of the righting response (LRR) in mice, in contrast to its metabolites, which are formed in vivo. To reach these conclusions, it was necessary to quantitate levels for 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one and its metabolites at the time of LRR. Methods were used that blocked the production of essentially all of the metabolites. Chromatography of brain extracts by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography after anesthesia with 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-[3H]pregnan-20-one showed only a single peak that corresponded to 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-[3H]pregnan-20-one.
Monkeys with unilateral ventromedial tegmental lesions of the brain stem: models for Parkinson's disease and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

Abstract 1. Monkeys with surgical unilateral ventromedial tegmental lesions of the brain stem served as models for investigating abnormalities in Parkinson's disease and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. 2. The animals exhibited some neurological deficits which are similar to those observed in Parkinson's disease or Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. 3. In monkeys with unilateral ventrolateral tegmental lesions, the levels of dopamine and the activities of catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes were reduced on the lesion side of the striatum, and hypokinesia and tremor developed on the contralateral extremities. 4. Dopa or dopamine agonists relieve tremor and evoke abnormal involuntary movements which are similar to the responses observed in patients with Parkinson's disease. 5. The antitremor effect of Dopa is potentiated by catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition, suggesting a therapeutic potential for these types of agents. 6. Evidence was obtained that stimulation of D 2 dopamine receptors by selective dopamine agonists exerts antitremor activity and evokes abnormal involuntary movements. 7. Combined administration of D 1 and D 2 dopamine agonists seems to enhance the antitremor activity. 8. Partial dopamine agonists exert antitremor activity and produce less severe abnormal involuntary movements than full dopamine agonists. 9. In a group of monkeys with unilateral ventromedial tegmental lesions of the brain stem the administration of mixed D 1 /D 2 dopamine agonists results in the occurrence of self-biting behavior of the forelimb digits and spasticrty of the hindlimbs and these symptoms are similar to those observed in patients with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome 10. The self-biting behavior seems to be associated with the stimulation of central D 1 dopamine receptors and therefore the possible involvement of dopamine neuronal abnormalities in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome deserves further investigation.
Design concepts for an on-board parallel image processor

Abstract A compact parallel image processing system concept has been developed. The main features of this system is the use of off-axis paraboloidal mirror segments as collimating, Fourier transforming and image reconstructing elements, and the use of a GaAs laser diode as the coherent radiation source. Preliminary experiments to demonstrate the usefulness of this system have been performed.
Engineering Applications of Phase Behavior of Crude Oil and Condensate Systems (includes associated papers 16046, 16177, 16390, 16440, 19214 and 19893 )

Fluid samples must be taken early in the life of a reservoir to obtain samples truly representative of the reservoir fluid. They should be taken only after a carefully planned well conditioning and testing program. When the PVT data obtained from these samples are used, care should be taken to adjust FVF's and gas/oil ratios (GOR's) for surface separator conditions.
Developing Business-Ready Marketing Professionals: The Strategic Focus of the Asian International Marketing (AIM) Program

This article describes a unique, hands-on international marketing program that uses an international consultancy model to train market researchers in the university classroom to conduct world-class market research for foreign firms. The focus is on developing business-ready marketing professionals who can excel in today's fast-paced, global business environment.
The advocacy imperative

![Figure][1] . . . the secret to our future success, and to the longevity of our profession, lies in our ability to work together, as a team, within ASHP and with others outside the Society. I have been looking forward to talking to you today for several reasons. The first, of course, is
Excision curettage and allografting of giant cell tumor.

Between 1987 and 1994 we followed 22 patients with giant cell tumors involving the long bones. Their average age was 31 years (range 17–50 years). Five patients had grade II tumors and the other 17 grade III lesions. The average volume of lesions after curettage was 231 ml (range 56–450 ml). All of the patients underwent a modified excisional curettage, and the cavity was filled with deep-frozen allogeneic corticocancellous bone graft with supplementary fixation. Two patients developed postoperative complications including a superficial wound infection in one case and a traumatic tibial plateau fracture in one case. The overall outcome was good or excellent in 91% of the patients (i.e., 20/22 cases). There was no degenerative joint arthritis and, surprisingly, no instance of tumor recurrence. Allograft infection and fracture were not present. An allogeneic cortical strut with cancellous bone graft can be used safely and is effective for grafting cavitary lesions created after complete removal of the tumor.
In VitroTranscriptional Activation of p21 Promoter by p53

The tumor suppressor p53 can control cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest. This is effected, at least in part, by transcriptional activation of p21 gene, a cell cycle inhibitor. Here in vitro transcription assay for p21 has been established. The assay recapitulates activation of p21 promoter mediated by p53 in vitro. Thus this in vitro assay will allow to study how transcriptional regulation of p21 can be linked to cell cycle controls during development and neoplastic transformation processes.
Resolution of finite fuzzy relation equations

Abstract General schemes for solving fuzzy relation equations with finite sets are derived in this paper. The relationship between the results derived here and those of previous publications regarding this subject is also discussed.
Hepatitis C virus NS3 RNA helicase domain with a bound oligonucleotide: the crystal structure provides insights into the mode of unwinding

Abstract Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major health concern as it is responsible for a significant number of hepatitis cases worldwide. Much research has focused on the replicative enzymes of HCV as possible targets for more effective therapeutic agents. HCV NS3 helicase may provide one such suitable target. Helicases are enzymes which can unwind double-stranded regions of DNA or RNA in an ATP-dependent reaction. The structures of several helicases have been published but the structural details as to how ATP binding and hydrolysis are coupled to DNA unwinding are unknown. Results: The structure of the HCV NS3 RNA helicase domain complexed with a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide has been solved to 2.2 a resolution. The protein consists of three structural domains with the oligonucleotide lying in a groove between the first two domains and the third. The first two domains have an adenylate kinase like fold, including a phosphate-binding loop in the first domain. Conclusions: HCV NS3 helicase is a member of a superfamily of helicases, termed superfamily II. Residues of NS3 helicase which are conserved among superfamily II helicases line an interdomain cleft between the first two domains. The oligonucleotide binds in an orthogonal binding site and contacts relatively few conserved residues. There are no strong sequence-specific interactions with the oligonucleotide bases.
Size matters: comparing stable isotope ratios of tissue plugs and whole organisms

Stable isotope analysis provides an integrated measure of diet source and trophic position and is becoming an increasingly popular tool in studies of food web structure and function. However, stable isotope analysis can require sacrificing whole organisms, which is not always practical or ethical. As an alternative, biopsy punches cause minimal mortality in fish and provide enough sample for stable isotope analysis. Researchers commonly use smaller tissue samples for stable isotope analysis. Such analyses rely on the untested assumption that the stable isotope ratios from small tissue samples are representative of whole organism stable isotope ratios. Here we test this assumption by comparing stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) from tissue plugs and whole organisms over a range of fish sizes. We show that plugs from fish smaller than approximately 90 mm total length introduce a positive bias in δ15N. For larger fish, plugs provide a reliable and accurate means of measuring δ15N and δ13C, with the caveat that they introduce some variability in δ13C. Inclusion of overlying skin did not affect stable isotope measurements in our tissue samples.
The complement genes

The structure, organization and control of the expression of complement genes is now being studied at the RNA and DNA levels. This work was prompted by recognized genetic polymorphisms and complement deficiencies in humans and animals. Here Harvey Colten discusses progress towards an understanding of the molecular basis of these variants and abnormalities.
Acoustic phonon bottleneck in quantum dots: role of deformation variation of electron effective mass

Abstract We demonstrate that phonon-induced variation of electron effective mass leads to a substantial increase of the electron–acoustic phonon interaction in semiconductor quantum dots. The contribution of this mechanism to electron scattering depends on a shape of the nanostructure. For dots of small sizes it exceeds the contribution of the conventional deformation potential and it prevents the reduction of the electron relaxation rate with decreasing dot size as predicted by the conventional theory.
Factors associated with non-attendance at pediatric subspecialty asthma clinics

Background. Children with Medicaid insurance are less likely to receive subspecialty asthma care than non-Medicaid patients. However, it is not clear if such disparities are due to non-attendance at scheduled visits by patients. Objective. To determine factors associated with non-attendance at scheduled visits for pediatric subspecialty asthma care. Design/Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of children with scheduled visits at three asthma clinics during a 12-month period. Our outcome of interest was patient non-attendance for a scheduled visit, controlling for age, gender, new patient status, type of insurance, severity of illness, distance to clinic, clinic site, month, and weekday of scheduled visit. We used logistic regression for multivariate comparisons and controlled for clustering effects for children with multiple scheduled visits. Results. There were 1236 scheduled visits for 857 unique patients. Median age: 7 years (IQR 3–11); median distance traveled: 24 miles (IQR 13–41); 20% had M...
Removing the fuzziness from the fuzzy front-end of service innovations through customer interactions

Abstract Customer interaction in new service development has a positive impact on the performance of new services. In addition, prior studies recognize the importance of the fuzzy front-end stages of new service development. Yet, the researchers have not taken the next step to explore the relationship between these two key areas of service innovation. To address this critique of the literature, the process of customer interaction in the fuzzy front-end of new service development is investigated by conducting a rigorous qualitative field research involving 26 financial services firms. The findings suggest that the fuzzy front-end can be much less ‘fuzzy’ if customers are involved in the front-end stages of new service development.
Testing sagebrush allometric relationships across three fire chronosequences in Wyoming, USA

Abstract Aboveground and coarse root allometric relationships were tested across three mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata var. vaseyana (Rydb.) chronosequences at three stages of recovery from fire (establishment, expansion, and mature) in Wyoming, USA. Big sagebrush shrubs dominate North American rangelands and are critical components of habitat for threatened species such as sage grouse. There were no differences in regression relationships estimating biomass over space and time, which reduces the need to destructively sample sagebrush for local studies and supports regional carbon modeling and biomass estimates. Crown volume (CV) explained the most variability (R2>0.75) in aboveground biomass, and crown area (CA) explained the most variability for coarse roots (R2>0.87). Analyses supported both the 1 4 and 2 3 power universal scaling rules between leaf and stem biomass, but did not support global models of seed plant reproductive part biomass. This study provides compelling evidence that simple field measurements may be used to estimate biomass over large regions and that universal scaling rules are valid for semiarid shrubs.
The ecology and evolution of host-plant resistance to insects.

Abstract Genetic techniques have yielded new insights into plant—herbivore coevolution. Quantitative genetic tests of herbivory theory reveal that in some cases insect herbivores impose selection on resistance traits. Also, some resistance traits are costly while others appear not to be, and genetic models can explain these results. Genetic variation in plant resistance influences insect community structure by modifying interactions of herbivores with competitors and natural enemies. Therefore, models of multispecies coevolution are more realistic than pairwise coevolutionary models. Ecological genetics will facilitate further theoretical and empirical exploration of multispecies coevolution of plants and herbivores.
A randomized trial to evaluate primary care clinician training to use the Teachable Moment Communication Process for smoking cessation counseling

Abstract Objective To implement and evaluate the impact of a Teachable Moment Communication Process (TMCP) training intervention on clinicians' smoking cessation counseling behaviors in practice. Method Using a group randomized trial, 31 community-based, primary care clinicians in Northeast Ohio received either TMCP training or an attention control (2010–2012). TMCP training consisted of two, three-hour sessions involving didactic instruction, skill practice with standardized patients, and coaching. Clinician performance of TMCP elements was assessed by coding audio-recordings of routine visits with smokers at baseline and post-intervention (n = 806). Results Baseline performance of all TMCP elements was similar in the two groups. After the intervention, TMCP-trained clinicians were more often observed advising patients to quit while linking smoking to the patient's concern (58% vs. 44%, p = 0.01), expressing optimism (36% vs. 3%, p Conclusion The intervention significantly changed the content of clinicians' smoking cessation communication in ways consistent with the TMCP model for health behavior change.
Vibrational circular dichroism of A-, B-, and Z-form nucleic acids in the PO2-stretching region

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra were measured for H2O solutions of several natural and model DNAs (single and double strands, oligomers and polymers) in the B-form, poly(dG-dC)-poly(dG-dC) in the Z-form, and various duplex RNAs in an A-form over the PO2-stretching region. Only the symmetric PO2 stretch at approximately 1075 cm-1 yields a significant intensity VCD signal. Differences of the PO2-stretching VCD spectra found for these conformational types are consistent with the spectral changes seen in the base region, but no sequence dependence was seen in contrast to VCD for base modes. The B to Z transition is accompanied by an inversion of the PO2- VCD spectra, which is characteristic of the change in the helical sense of the nucleic acid backbone. A-RNAs give rise to the same sense of couplet VCD as do B-DNAs but have a somewhat different shape because of overlapping ribose modes. These PO2- VCD spectral characteristics have been successfully modeled using simple dipole coupling calculations. The invariability of the symmetric PO2- stretching mode VCD spectra to the base sequence as opposed to that found for the C = O stretching and base deformation modes is evidence that this mode will provide a stable indication of the DNA helical sense.
Pediatric and Adolescent Synovial Sarcoma: Multivariate Analysis of Prognostic Factors and Survival Outcomes

Treatment of synovial sarcoma (SS) is challenging because of its unpredictable clinical behavior. We reviewed our institutional experience with pediatric SS to identify prognostic indicators and survival outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric/adolescent patients (age 5 cm, or ≥10 cm) (P = 0.001) and depth (P = 0.03) correlated with decreased OS. Primary tumor location in the upper extremity correlated with increased OS when compared with lower-extremity and central lesions (P = 0.05). Bone and/or neurovascular invasion negatively impacted survival (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (trichotomized) was the dominant and sole factor in discriminating survival risk. Neither radiotherapy nor chemotherapy correlated with improved 5-year survival. Tumor size, depth, invasion, and primary location affect survival in pediatric SS. The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for SS warrants future study.
The α1 Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist Prazosin Reduces Heroin Self-Administration in Rats with Extended Access to Heroin Administration

Abstract Previous studies have reported that noradrenergic antagonists alleviate some of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal and dependence. Clinical studies also have shown that modification of the noradrenergic system may help protect patients from relapse. The present study tested the hypothesis that a dysregulated noradrenergic system has motivational significance in heroin self-administration of dependent rats. Prazosin, an α1-adrenergic antagonist (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg, i.p.), was administered to adult male Wistar rats with a history of limited (1 h/day; short access) or extended (12 h/day; long access) access to intravenous heroin self-administration. Prazosin dose-dependently reduced heroin self-administration in long-access rats but not short-access rats, with 2 mg/kg of systemic prazosin significantly decreasing 1 h and 2 h heroin intake. Prazosin also reversed some changes in meal pattern associated with extended heroin access, including the taking of smaller and briefer meals (at 3 h), while also increasing total food intake and slowing the eating rate within meals (both 3 h and 12 h). Thus, prazosin appears to stimulate food intake in extended access rats by restoring meals to the normal size and duration. The data suggest that the α1 adrenergic system may contribute to mechanisms that promote dependence in rats with extended access.
Continuities in marital violence.

Marital violence studies of clinical populations of battered women indicate that, over time, violence becomes an habitual strategy for resolving conflicts resulting in escalation in frequency and severity of violence. This study examines the issue of continuity of marital violence among a national probability sample of female victims and male offenders. Findings indicate that among the general population, approximately one-half of all marital violence is suspended over a three-year period. Predictors of marital violence continuity were also investigated in an exploratory way.
Intelligent robotic systems: control and cooperation

In this paper, we discuss development of useful intelligent systems, emphasizing an integrated systems perspective. In particular we will highlight two important ideas. The first is associated with the sensor-based control, for realizing effective and robust approaches for processing and analysis of sensory information associated with the state of the environment and the state of the intelligent system for reflexive and deliberative tasks. The second is associated with cooperation, for developing teams consisting of heterogenerous and complementary intelligent modules. The aim is to develop useful and effective intelligent systems involving teams of players which are either all robotic devices or some robotic and some human.
Effects of Pertussis Toxin and Gα-Protein-Specific Antibodies on Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis in Rat Brain Membranes after Cholinergic Denervation and Hippocampal Sympathetic Ingrowth

Abstract Cholinergic denervation of the hippocampal formation, via medial septal lesions, induces peripheral noradrenergic fibers, originating from the superior cervical ganglion, to grow into the hippocampus. We have previously reported that cholinergic denervation and hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth differentially affect guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)- as well as guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) + carbachol-stimulated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, suggesting an alteration in G proteins and/or the entire receptor complex. To examine the type of G protein which may be involved in these effects, rat dorsal hippocampal membranes were preincubated with pertussis toxin in the presence of guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) and guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) + carbachol. Pertussis toxin reduced guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) in all groups, while guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) + carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was reduced in controls and animals without sympathetic ingrowth but not in animals with hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth. This suggests that pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins may be involved in the mediation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. To confirm this hypothesis, membranes were preincubated with antibodies to Gαo and Gq/11. The Go antibody significantly decreased guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) in all groups, while guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) +carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was reduced only in hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth. Impairment of guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) and carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was also decreased in all groups when preincubated with Gq/11 antibody. To determine whether hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth or cholinergic denervation altered the concentration of various G proteins, immunoblotting methodology was utilized. Gq/11 concentrations were found to be equivalent among groups. The density of Go1, Go2, and Go3 isoforms was significantly increased in the cholinergic denervation, while in the hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth only group Go3 was significantly increased. When assessed as total Go protein, density was increased significantly only in the cholinergic denervation group. Overall, these results suggest that hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth and cholinergic denervation induce alterations in phosphoinositide hydrolysis through both the Gq/11 and the Go proteins and that the coupling between muscarinic receptor and G protein is the possible site which affects changes in phosphoinositide turnover. Our results also suggest that cholinergic denervation and hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth may mediate phosphoinositide hydrolysis through an effect on different isoforms of the same G protein.
Guidelines for effective integration of information technology in the care of HIV-infected populations.

BACKGROUND Although information technology (IT) plays an increasingly important role in the delivery of healthcare, specific guidelines to assist human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care settings in adopting IT are lacking. METHODS Through the experiences of six Special Projects of National Significance - (SPNS) funded HIV-specific IT interventions, key considerations prior to adoption and evaluation of IT are presented. The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines to consider prior to adoption and evaluation of IT in HIV care settings. RESULTS Six sites conducted comprehensive evaluations of IT interventions between 2002 and 2005, encompassing care delivered to 24,232 clients by 700 providers. Six key considerations prior to adoption of IT in HIV care delivery were identified, including IT and programmatic capacity, expectations, participation, organizational models, end-user types, and challenges. Specific evaluation techniques included implementation assessment, formative evaluation, cost studies, outcomes evaluation, and performance indicators. Grantee experiences are used to illustrate key considerations. DISCUSSION With proper preparation, even resource-poor HIV care delivery programs can successfully adopt IT.