cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charmonium states in the quark-gluon plasma

The possibility that c\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}c states remain bound even in the QCD plasma state is examined. Assuming that these states do exist, we calculate the thermal width due to the process J/\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}D\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}D and show that low-lying states might be detected. The relevance of this to heavy-ion experiments is discussed.
Predictors of Heterosexual College Students' Attitudes toward LGBT People.

This study identifies the predictors of U.S. heterosexual undergraduate and graduate college students’ attitudes toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a group rather than toward individual identities. Findings suggest that affirming LGBT attitudes are most strongly associated with liberal political ideology and whether one believes in biological causation of transgender identity. Understanding sexual orientation as biological and having LGB friends, LGB immediate family members, and transgender friends are also important, but to a lesser degree. Age, gender, and select races/ethnicities and select religious affiliations are marginally associated with LGBT attitudes. These findings clarify areas to target for improvement in campus climate for LGBT persons, and implications for campus programs and research are discussed.
Feature-based pairwise retinal image registration by radial distortion correction

Fundus camera imaging is widely used to document disorders such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Multiple retinal images can be combined together through a procedure known as mosaicing to form an image with a larger field of view. Mosaicing typically requires multiple pairwise registrations of partially overlapped images. We describe a new method for pairwise retinal image registration. The proposed method is unique in that the radial distortion due to image acquisition is corrected prior to the geometric transformation. Vessel lines are detected using the Hessian operator and are used as input features to the registration. Since the overlapping region is typically small in a retinal image pair, only a few correspondences are available, thus limiting the applicable model to an afine transform at best. To recover the distortion due to curved-surface of retina and lens optics, a combined approach of an afine model with a radial distortion correction is proposed. The parameters of the image acquisition and radial distortion models are estimated during an optimization step that uses Powell's method driven by the vessel line distance. Experimental results using 20 pairs of green channel images acquired from three subjects with a fundus camera confirmed that the afine model with distortion correction could register retinal image pairs to within 1.88±0.35 pixels accuracy (mean ± standard deviation) assessed by vessel line error, which is 17% better than the afine-only approach. Because the proposed method needs only two correspondences, it can be applied to obtain good registration accuracy even in the case of small overlap between retinal image pairs.
Older patients, multiple comorbidities, polymedication… should we treat everything?

Abstract In this narrative review, options for guiding medical decision-making in the care of elderly patients with multiple coexisting chronic diseases are discussed. Although older adults form a heterogeneous group, many seniors present with moderate to severe functional impairment, complex biomedical or psychosocial conditions and frailty. Multiple comorbidities are a frequent occurrence, leading to polymedication and an increased risk of iatrogenic disease. Recognizing the interactive and dynamic nature of these multiple concomitant conditions introduces complexity into the evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio of available therapies. Therapeutic guidelines for single disease entities do not usually account for possible multimorbidity. Sophisticated modeling of the dynamic nature of multiple comorbidities, drug-disease and drug-drug interactions, and their effect on the response to healthcare, are being published and will be helpful in deciding what should be treated and how. Furthermore, patient values, engagements and concerns should enter the medical decision-making process to ensure that the chosen therapeutic strategy is coherent, appropriate and likely to be followed.
Au/InSb(110) interface profiles from synchrotron-radiation and polar-angle-dependent x-ray photoemission.

High-resolution synchrotron-radiation photoemission and polar-angle-dependent x-ray photoemission have been used to examine the chemistry and atomic profile of the Au/InSb(110) interface. These results show considerable Au-induced disruption and atomic intermixing at low coverage. Mathematical simulations of the experimental polar profiles predict that the atomic densities of both In and Sb decrease exponentially with distance into the Au layer, with concentration gradients for Sb at both the buried interface and the surface due to Sb segregation. Comparisons with other Au-semiconductor interfaces suggest common interface behavior with differences related to substrate bond strengths and semiconductor atom solubilities in Au.
An Immersed Boundary Method for Calculating the Relative Viscosity of a Suspension of Rigid Particles

In this paper, we provide a numerical framework to calculate the relative viscosity of a suspension of rigid particles. A high-resolution background grid is used to solve the flow around the particles. In order to generate infinite number of particles in the suspension, a particle is placed in the center of a cubic cell and periodic boundary conditions are imposed in two directions. The flow around the particle is solved using the second-order accurate curvilinear immersed boundary (CURVIB) method [1]. The particle is discretized with triangular elements, and is treated as a sharp interface immersed boundary by reconstructing the velocities on the fluid nodes adjacent to interface using a quadratic interpolation method. Hydrodynamic torque on the particle has been calculated, to solve the equation of motion for the particle and obtain its angular velocity. Finally, relative viscosity of the suspension has been calculated based on two different methods: (1) the rate of the energy consumption and (2) bulk stress-bulk strain method. The framework has been validated by simulating a suspension of spheres, and comparing the numerical results with the corresponding analytical ones. Very good agreement has been observed between the analytical and the calculated relative viscosities using both methods. This framework is then used to model a suspension with arbitrary complex particles, which demonstrates the effect of shape on the effective viscosity.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Several measures of trophic structure applicable to complex food webs

Abstract A continuous measure of “trophic position” is introduced, based on average function of an ecosystem component. Two measures of trophic position variance are defined, and the ideas of trophic specialists and generalists are introduced. The analysis is based on a Markov chain model of energy flows. Along with a number of simple ecosystem structures, the model is also applied to data on the North Sea ecosystem. The model developed in this paper allows for describing in trophic level terms ecosystems which differ substantially from food chains. It is envisioned that such a description would play a useful role in the comparative analysis of ecosystems.
Pyrethroid insecticide tolerance in bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata, in the Mississippi Delta.

BACKGROUND: Pyrethroid insecticides have historically been effective for controlling bean leaf beetles in soybeans. Perceived field efficacy in the Mississippi Delta region has been lower over the past several years. Laboratory and field data were collected to determine whether there has been a reduction in pyrethroid insecticide susceptibility. RESULTS: Laboratory and field data both confirmed that control of bean leaf beetles with pyrethroid insecticides is poorer in the Delta regions of Mississippi and Louisiana than in all other regions tested. However, it was not possible to show that this reduced susceptibility changed over time. Furthermore, insect movement appeared to make insecticide susceptibility regional, so that localized insecticide applications had little impact on the susceptibility of successive generations. CONCLUSION: Lack of field control owing to low efficacy of pyrethroid insecticides against bean leaf beetle populations in the Delta region should be expected. Selection pressure on a regional basis may further decrease efficacy. Carbamate insecticides generally still provide high levels of control. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The Failure of the Foreign Bondholders Protective Council Experiment, 1934–1940

This article explores the contentious U.S. State Department–Foreign Bondholders Protective Council relationship in the context of interwar foreign economic policy and bureaucratic competition. U.S. officials created the council in 1933 to represent the interests of U.S. investors in the settlement of the numerous dollar bond issues that had gone into default. The article shows why the council failed to perform as U.S. officials expected and outlines the process by which they increasingly interposed themselves in debt negotiations. In doing so, it considers the limitations of using private organizations to accomplish the objectives of public policy.
SU-E-I-20: Dead Time Count Loss Compensation in SPECT/CT: Projection Versus Global Correction

Purpose: To compare projection-based versus global correction that compensate for deadtime count loss in SPECT/CT images. Methods: SPECT/CT images of an IEC phantom (2.3GBq 99mTc) with ∼10% deadtime loss containing the 37mm (uptake 3), 28 and 22mm (uptake 6) spheres were acquired using a 2 detector SPECT/CT system with 64 projections/detector and 15 s/projection. The deadtime, Ti and the true count rate, Ni at each projection, i was calculated using the monitor-source method. Deadtime corrected SPECT were reconstructed twice: (1) with projections that were individually-corrected for deadtime-losses; and (2) with original projections with losses and then correcting the reconstructed SPECT images using a scaling factor equal to the inverse of the average fractional loss for 5 projections/detector. For both cases, the SPECT images were reconstructed using OSEM with attenuation and scatter corrections. The two SPECT datasets were assessed by comparing line profiles in xyplane and z-axis, evaluating the count recoveries, and comparing ROI statistics. Higher deadtime losses (up to 50%) were also simulated to the individually corrected projections by multiplying each projection i by exp(-a*Ni*Ti), where a is a scalar. Additionally, deadtime corrections in phantoms with different geometries and deadtime losses were also explored. The same two correction methods weremore » carried for all these data sets. Results: Averaging the deadtime losses in 5 projections/detector suffices to recover >99% of the loss counts in most clinical cases. The line profiles (xyplane and z-axis) and the statistics in the ROIs drawn in the SPECT images corrected using both methods showed agreement within the statistical noise. The count-loss recoveries in the two methods also agree within >99%. Conclusion: The projection-based and the global correction yield visually indistinguishable SPECT images. The global correction based on sparse sampling of projections losses allows for accurate SPECT deadtime loss correction while keeping the study duration reasonable.« less
Abstract 842: Role of Galectin-3 in invasive and apoptotic properties of neuroblastoma cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood cancer derived from the neural crest stem cells. It generally progresses to an aggressive therapy resistant, fatal metastatic tumor. MYCN over-expression and amplification, and increased BDNF/TrkB signaling are used as signatures of high-risk NB. However, only about 25% of malignant tumors display these features. Thus, the identification of additional biomarkers and therapeutic targets is essential. Up-regulation of Galectin 3 (Gal-3), a multifunctional, carbohydrate binding cytokine has been extensively correlated with highly malignant behavior and poor prognosis of many cancers. However, the role of Gal-3 in NB is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of Gal-3 in a panel of NB cell lines and examined whether silencing of Gal-3 expression by means of a siRNA approach decreases their invasive properties, and increases their sensitivity to pro-apoptotic chemotherapeutic drug, fenretinide (4-HPR), a synthetic retinoid derivative. Materials and Methods: We utilized RT-PCR gene expression analysis, RNA interference approaches, western blot and immunofluorescence analysis, scratch technique, transwell Boyden chamber migration assay, colony forming assay, and cytokine antibody array screening to address these studies. Results: Gal-3 expression is differentially regulated in TrkB-positive, MYCN-amplified (SMS-KCNR and SK-N-BE) and TrkB-negative, non-MYCN-amplified (SK-N-AS, SK-N-SH, and SH-SY5Y) NB cell lines. Gal-3 expression was significantly higher in SK-N-AS cells that are of glial sub-lineage. Gal-3 was expressed both in cytoplasm and membrane. On the other hand, Gal-3 expression was relatively lower in less invasive, non-tumorigenic SK-N-SH cells. Silencing of Gal-3 by a small-interfering RNA against Gal-3 (Gal-3-SiRNA) decreased the colony forming potential, in vitro migratory and angiogenic abilities of SK-N-AS cells. Pre-treatment with Gal-3 SiRNA increased the sensitivity of SK-N-AS cells to 4-HPR induced apoptosis. Furthermore, exogenous Gal-3 treatment in neuroblast like Neuro-2a cells resulted in the up-regulation of IL-6 and phosphorylation of the pro-survival molecule AKT. Discussion: Our data suggest that Gal-3 mediates migratory and invasive phenotype of non-MYCN amplified NB derived cells possibly via regulating the IL-6 signaling and Akt phosphorylation. Silencing of Gal-3 may be potentially useful to suppress the resistance of NB cells to apoptosis. Citation Format: Umadevi V. Wesley, Esat Resad, Robert J. Dempsey. Role of Galectin-3 in invasive and apoptotic properties of neuroblastoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 842. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-842
Modelling of collision-induced absorption spectra

A simple formalism allows the computation of complete collision-induced translational-rotational-vibrational absorption spectra from interaction potential and induced dipole moment, with a precision of a few per cent and at a fraction (∼1/20) of the cost and complexity of full quantum line shape calculations. The reduced mass of the collisional complex and the temperatures must be sufficiently small so that the collisional pair may be considered a quantum system. A comparison of exact H2-He collision-induced absorption spectra with models generated according to the new prescription shows satisfactory agreement at temperatures from 50 to 300 K and suggests important applications, such as the modeling of radiative transfer in planetary atmospheres.
Exploration of the antidepressant potential of iprindole.

Abstract Iprindole, a tricyclic indole compound with an antidepressant activity was evaluated in an animal test model. In this test a potential antidepressant agent should potentiate the behavioral and cardiovascular effects of yohimbine, a naturally occurring indole alkaloid, in conscious dogs. For comparison, imipramine, a standard antidepressant drug was used. Iprindole was tested at a dose of 3, 9, and 15 mg per kg. It potentiated the behavioral and cardiovascular effects of yohimbine at a dose of 9 mg per kg. Iprindole failed to potentiate norepinephrine response in dogs; similar observations are reported in man. The results further confirm the validity of the present test for evaluation of potential antidepressant agents in conscious dog.
High-performance two-electrode electron gun lenses: Beyond the Butler gun

Abstract High-performance two-electrode electron gun lens designs with lower spherical and chromatic aberration coefficients than the Butler gun are presented. It is shown that the Butler gun is a specific solution to the general class of one-interval polynomial lenses of degree three. It is found that the higher-order (> 3) polynomial lenses have equipotential angles at the saddle points which differ from 54°44′08″. Reductions in aberration disks of 60% are possible using the new lenses instead of the Butler gun. Retarding-mode performance of the lenses is considered for potential application to low voltage microscopy. A simple design of a scanning gun microscope is considered.
Vehicle-trailer stability and handling control: a working system

In this paper, a combined feedforward and feedback control design approach is proposed with the aim of improving vehicle-trailer overall system stability while maintaining vehicle-like handling performance. While the feedforward control is designed mainly to improve system steady-state response, the feedback control is primarily designed to improve system transient response by 'decoupling' both vehicle and trailer such that each tracks a well-defined second-order reference model. Vehicle testing has been conducted to verify the proposed approach with results indicating that the proposed control method is very effective in achieving required stability while maintaining vehicle-like handling performance.
Future interconnect issues

We are just at the beginning of an exciting yet challenging future, where telecommunications, local area networking, computing and broadcasting will come together to provide new services for both businesses and residential consumers. The topics highlighted are just some of the issues we will need to get to grips with. The list is slightly computing centric but all are at least recognised, and many are being tackled in research laboratories, consortia and standards bodies across the industry. Much of the work in developing broadband standards such as ATM has been based on the traditional signalling paradigm for telephony. The issues of connection management, ATM traffic control, device mediation, services and user profiles, and corporate interconnect are addressed. (3 pages)
Marangoni instability in case of a non-uniform heat source

B, Marangoni number e(T, -7f variables defined by equations (7)-(10); convective heat-transfer coefficient; thermal conductivity of liquid; Riot number [hd/K]; dimensionless heat generation parameter as defined by equations (1) and (2); time; temperature; perturbation temperature; perturbation velocity in y-direction; Cartesian coordinate system.
Structural Basis for NHERF1 PDZ Domain Binding

The Na+/H+ exchange regulatory factor-1 (NHERF1) is a scaffolding protein that possesses two tandem PDZ domains and a carboxy-terminal ezrin-binding domain (EBD). The parathyroid hormone receptor (...
Quantum approach to classical statistical mechanics.

We present a new approach to study the thermodynamic properties of d-dimensional classical systems by reducing the problem to the computation of ground state properties of a d-dimensional quantum model. This classical-to-quantum mapping allows us to deal with standard optimization methods, such as simulated and quantum annealing, on an equal basis. Consequently, we extend the quantum annealing method to simulate classical systems at finite temperatures. Using the adiabat ic theorem of quantum mechanics, we derive the rates to assure convergence to the optimal thermodynamic state. For simulated and quantum annealing, we obtain the asymptotic rates of T (t) � (pN)/(kB log t) and (t) � (Nt) ¯ , for the temperature and magnetic field, respectively. Other annealing strategies, as well as their potential speed-up, are also discussed. PACS numbers: 45.10.-b, 05.70.-a, 03.65.Ge An outstanding issue in combinatorial optimization is the classification of problems according to their computationa l complexity. Typically, one defines a cost function that need s to be minimized and the question is how the number of resources (e.g., time) to determine the minimum scales with the problem size N . Long time ago it has been recognized that certain physics problems can be cast in this language. For example, it has been shown that the computation of the ground state energy (or the partition function) of classica l three-dimensional spin glasses belongs to the class of NPcomplete problems [1], i.e. there is no known algorithm that can find the solution with polynomial (in N ) resources. After all, the number of possible microscopic configurations of th e system increases exponentially with the system size N and, unless certain symmetries reduce the complexity, one has to search in an exponentially large state space. This simplific ation happens, for example, in the two-dimensional Ising spin glass [2] (or any planar graph or lattice).
A TOOL TO AUTOMATICALLY MAP IMPLEMENTATION-BASED TESTING TECHNIQUES TO CLASSES

The object-oriented (OO) paradigm provides several benefits during analysis and design of large-scale software systems, but scores lower in terms of testability. The low testability score for OO software is due mainly to the composition of OO systems exhibiting the characteristics of abstraction, encapsulation, genericity, inheritance, polymorphism, concurrency and exception handling. To address the difficulty of testing the features of a class, a plethora of implementation-based testing techniques (IBTTs) have been developed. However, no one IBTT has emerged as the preferred technique to test the implementation of a class. In this paper we present a technique that automatically identify those IBTTs that are most suitable for testing a class based on the characteristics of that class. Our approach uses a taxonomy of OO classes that is used to succinctly abstract the characteristics of a class under test (CUT). We have implemented a tool that automates the process of mapping IBTTs to a class. In addition to identifying the IBTTs that would be best suited for testing a class, our tool provides feedback to the tester facilitating the identification of the characteristics of the class that are not suitably tested by any of the IBTTs in the list. We provide results of a study supporting the notion that using more than on IBTT during testing improves test coverage of a CUT.
A coupled-cluster study of the photoelectron spectra of C−4

Abstract Many-body perturbation theory and coupled-cluster theory have been used to compute the vertical ionization potentials of linear and rhombic C − 4 and the vertical electron affinities of linear and rhombic C 4 . The ionization potentials of linear C −4 4 give a good account of the observed photoelectron spectrum.
Soldiers at Risk for Individual Readiness or Morale Problems during a Six-Month Peacekeeping Deployment to the Sinai:

Longitudinal data were examined to predict soldiers' morale, satisfaction with Army life, and the effects of family issues on performance of duties during an overseas deployment (Sinai peacekeeping force during the spring of 1995). Few variables were significant predictors of the outcome measures; however, rank, leaders' support for families, prior satisfaction with Army life and with information released about the deployment appeared to predict better outcomes during the deployment. Rank and leaders' support for families appeared to be more important for married soldiers while satisfaction with predeployment information seemed to be more important for single soldiers. Those who were worried about the effects of the deployment on their families also tended to report interference with their duty performance because of family concerns, but that effect was offset by perceived leaders' concern for families. In conclusion, it appears to the authors that the pre-existing factors studied had much less to do with...
Wnt signaling is sufficient to perturb oligodendrocyte maturation

The development of oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, is temporally and spatially controlled by local signaling factors acting as inducers or inhibitors. Dorsal spinal cord tissue has been shown to contain inhibitors of oligodendrogliogenesis, although their identity is not completely known. We have studied the actions of one family of dorsal signaling molecules, the Wnts, on oligodendrocyte development. Using tissue culture models, we have shown that canonical Wnt activity through β-catenin activation inhibits oligodendrocyte maturation, independently of precursor proliferation, cell death, or diversion to an alternate cell fate. Mice in which Wnt/β-catenin signaling was constitutively activated in cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage had equal numbers of oligodendrocyte precursors relative to control littermates, but delayed appearance of mature oligodendrocytes, myelin protein, and myelinated axons during development, although these differences largely disappeared by adulthood. These results indicate that activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway delays the development of myelinating oligodendrocytes.
Effects of Conformational Elasticity and Ion-Channel Interaction on Thermodynamic Equilibrium of Biomembranes

A theory of equilibrium states of a biomembrane with particles in its channels that takes into account "bilateral" channel-particle interactions has been developed within a thermodynamic scheme. The aim of the proposed theory is to explain the existence of the multiple steady states which have long been observed experimentally. The existence of such states is postulated in the majority of the current theories which kinetically describe transitions between such states. The governing equations have been derived from basic physics under the requirement that the conformation of the channel changes to minimize the system's free energy which includes the elastic conformation energy together with the electrostatic interaction between the (hydrated) ion and the channel. It has been shown that in certain regions of a control parameter such minimization can give rise to bifurcation of the equilibrium state, i.e. to the coexistence of at least two equilibrium states. The value of the control parameter can be changed by an external action (gating), which can be either mechanical, or electrical, or even thermal.
Do juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) use chemosensory cues to detect and avoid risky habitats in the wild

We examined whether juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the wild adjust their behaviour in response to chemical cues of predator activity during a 4-week period after emergence from gravel nests. In each of seven 75 m2 sites in Catamaran Brook, New Brunswick, Canada, we established three contiguous sections differing in perceived predator activity by releasing stream water in control sections, conspecific alarm cues in risky sections, and nothing in buffer sections in both 2006 and 2007. As predicted, the density of young-of-the-year (YOY) salmon tended to decrease in alarm cue sections, while it increased in control and buffer sections. After the 2-week manipulation in 2006, we switched treatments so that buffer sections became alarm cue sections and alarm cue sections became buffer sections for an additional 2-week period. After the switch, the number of YOY increased least in the new alarm cue sections and most in control and new buffer sections. In contrast with YOY, the density of age 1+ parr w...
Photosensitized damage to supercoiled plasmid DNA induced by 334-nm radiation in the presence of 2-thiouracil consists of alkali- and piperidine-labile sites as well as frank strand breaks.

Abstract— A covalently closed, supercoiled plasmid was irradiated with 334-nm ultraviolet radiation in the presence of the naturally occurring photosensitizer 2-thiouracil (s2Ura). After irradiation, some DNA samples were treated to reveal labile sites. Agarose gel electrophoresis was then used to resolve the unrelaxed supercoils from the relaxed forms, and the DNA bands were quantitated by fluorescence scanning. Irradiation of the plasmid in the absence of s2Ura induced small numbers of frank DNA strand breaks (FSB), alkali-labile sites (ALS), and piperidine-labile sites (PLS). The induction of each of these lesions was enhanced 30 times when s2Ura was present during aerobic irradiation. Anoxia, as well as the hydroxyl radical scavengers acetate and formate, inhibited the formation of all three lesion types. The relative proportions of the three lesion types produced by several DNA damaging treatments were measured. Hydrogen peroxide, γ-irradiation, and s2Ura photosensitization produced nearly identical damage proportions, with PLS: FSB ratios of 1.25:1, 0.78:1, and 0.84:1, respectively. Treatment with singlet oxygen [data from Blazek et al. (1989) Photochem. Photobiol. 48,607–613] produced much different proportions, with a PLS:FSB ratio of 4.1:1. These results may indicate a role for hydroxyl radical in s2Ura-photosensitized DNA damage.
Lamellar Ichthyosis: Long-Term Graft Studies On Congenitally Athymic Nude Mice

Whole-skin grafts from a patient with lamellar ichthyosis were maintained on athymic nude mice for periods of 6 weeks to 4 months with excellent preservation of all gross and histologic features of the disease. In recombinant grafts composed of lamellar ichthyosis epidermis and normal dermis grown for periods up to 87 days on nude mice, the abnormal epidermis retained all the features of lamellar ichthyosis. Similar results were found in recombinants of lamellar ichthyosis epidermis and dermis. In recombinant grafts of normal epidermis and lamellar ichthyosis dermis, the epidermis remained normal and did not become ichthyotic. These observations support the hypothesis that the defective gene in lamellar ichthyosis acts directly on the epidermis as opposed to acting indirectly through a systemic abnormality or through an effect on neighboring dermis.
Do Groups of Women Aged 50 to 75 Match the National Average Mammography Rate

Abstract Context: As mammography rates increase, an important question is how closely groups of women match or do not match the national-level, average screening percentage. Objective: This study employed a classification-tree methodology to combine individual risk factors from multiple logistic regression, in order to more comprehensively define groups of women less (or more) likely to be screened. Design/ Setting: This report was a secondary data analysis drawing on data from the 1992 National Health Interview Survey, Cancer Control Supplement (NHIS-CCS). Participants: Analyses examined mammography status of women aged 50–75 ( n = 1,727). Main Outcome Measure: The dependent variable was having a screening mammogram in the past 2 years. Multiple logistic regression (SUDAAN) was conducted first to select significant correlates of screening. A classification-tree analysis (CHAID subroutine of SPSS) was then used to combine the significant correlates into exclusive and exhaustive subgroups. Results: A total of 13 subgroups were identified, of which only six approximated the overall population screening rate. The lowest screening occurred in small clusters of women, which, when added together, formed a larger percentage of the population who were not screened within the past 2 years. Conclusions: Efforts to increase mammography may face the challenge of identifying relatively small pockets of women and addressing their individual barriers. Further work should be done to find efficient ways to combine individual risk factors into groups at risk for not being screened.
Beyond Vision, the Reality of Shatterproof Windows and the Demise of the Faxon Company

When vandals tried to break into my son's slightly used truck, they created a huge spiderweb effect on the driver's side window, but the glass remained intact. Evidently technology provides glass w...
How do brains evolve complexity? An essay.

Abstract A case can be made for the proposition that the most neglected aspect of biology is the evolution of complexity and for the assertion that the evolution of complex nervous systems—in short, of the brain—is an outstanding fact, manifesting a span of difference in grade of complexity from the simplest exemplars to the most advanced far greater than any other systems known except systems made up of many brains. The aim of this essay is not to make this case, which I take to be self-evident but to point out how little studied are the specifics defining the grades of complexity, in other words, the consequences of neural evolution. A major step in opening this field of study would be to recognize some way of measuring complexity, relevant to animal biology.
Z-domain numerical filter for removal of thermistor bolometer slow mode transients

It is important to maintain measurements of Earth Radiation Budget parameters from orbit. Such measurements require broadband radiance detectors such as bolometers or thermopiles that rely on the conversion of radiant energy into heat. This heat conversion/conduction results in a thermal detector typically having an exponential time lag of a few milliseconds. However, it is found that there is often a far slower 'slow mode transient' response of around 300ms because the detector mounting material tends to rise in temperature as heat flows out of the detector to its surroundings. Hence this can cause the detector response to a constant input of radiance to continue increasing by a further 1%, for up to half a second after initial exposure. Using analysis of the heat flow out from a bolometer and through its mounting, the Laplace domain impulse response of the detector is derived that includes both first and second time constant effects. Transformation to the Z domain then allows design of a numerical filter to remove the second time constant effect while retaining that of the first time constant. Restoration of the ideal detector response is shown to be advantageous when applied to the output of thermistor bolometers onboard the Cloud's and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES). It also allows more complete characterization of the response of such detectors using general calibration data. The design and use of such a filter is therefore highly applicable to any scanning bolometer or thermopile instrument with spurious slow mode effects.
The htx and ptx Operons of Pseudomonas stutzeri WM88 Are New Members of the Pho Regulon

The htx and ptx operons of Pseudomonas stutzeri WM88 allow for the use of the inorganic reduced phosphorus (P) compounds hypophosphite (P valence, +1) and phosphite (P valence, +3) as sole P sources. To support the proposed in vivo role for the htx and ptx operons, namely the use of phosphite and hypophosphite as alternative P sources, we used reporter gene fusions to examine their expression levels with respect to various P conditions. Expression of the htx and ptx operons was induced up to 17- and 22-fold, respectively, in cultures grown under phosphate starvation conditions relative to expression in medium with excess phosphate (Pi). However, the presence of the reduced P substrate hypophosphite, phosphite, or methylphosphonate, in addition to excess Pi, did not result in an increase in the expression of either operon. To provide further support for a role of the htx and ptx operons in Pi acquisition, we identified P. stutzeri phoBR homologs and constructed deletion mutants. Induction of the htx and ptx reporter gene fusions in response to growth on limiting Pi was abolished in ΔphoB, ΔphoR, and ΔphoBR mutants, demonstrating that htx and ptx expression is phoBR dependent. The putative LysR-type regulator encoded by ptxE has no apparent role in the expression of the htx and ptx operons, as no effect was observed on the level of induction of either operon in a ΔptxE mutant.
Evaluation and management of polymyositis

Polymyositis (PM) is one of the inflammatory myopathies, disorders characterized pathologically by the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in striated muscle. The principal clinical manifestation of PM is proximal muscle weakness. The cause of PM is unknown, but current evidence suggests that it is an autoimmune disorder. PM can affect people of any age, but most commonly presents between the ages of 50 to 70. PM is rarely seen in people younger than 18 years of age, and is twice as common among females than males. PM is more common in blacks than in whites. The overall prevalence of PM is 1 per 100,000. Muscle weakness may develop suddenly or more insidiously over a period of weeks to months. The classic symptom of PM is proximal weakness, which may manifest as difficulty holding the arms over the head, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair. Weakness of the striated muscle of the upper esophagus may result in dysphagia, dysphonia, and aspiration. The chest wall muscles may be affected, leading to ventilatory compromises. Involvement of cardiac muscle may lead to arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. Dermatomyositis (DM) is closely related to PM, and both are distinguished primarily by the occurrence of characteristic skin abnormalities in the former. PM and DM may be associated with a variety of malignancies. PM may also occur as part of the spectrum of other rheumatic diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease. Moreover, inflammatory myopathy may be caused by some drugs (procainamide, D-penicillamine), and viruses, most notably the retroviruses. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are the mainstays of therapy for PM. The principal goals of therapy are to improve strength and improve physical functioning. Many patients require treatment for several years. The 5-year survival rate for treated patients is in the order of 95%. Up to one-third of PM patients may be left with some degree of residual muscle weakness.
Adsorption of synthetic organic contaminants by carbon nanotubes: A critical review

In last ten years, a large number (80+) of articles regarding aqueous phase adsorption of a variety of synthetic organic compound (SOC) by CNTs were published in peer-reviewed journals. Adsorption depends upon the physicochemical properties of the adsorbates and CNTs as well as the background water chemistry. Among all properties reported in the literature, no parameter was reported as solely controlling SOC adsorption by CNTs. In this article, these contributing parameters were reviewed and the associated explanations were discussed. This comprehensive literature survey provides (i) a thorough CNT characterization summary, (ii) a discussion of adsorption mechanisms of SOCs by CNTs and (iii) a summary of the statistical adsorption model development efforts. It also includes discussions of agreements and differences in the literature, and identifies some research needs.
Precipitation as a Chain-Dependent Process.

Abstract A probabilistic model for the sequence of daily amounts of precipitation is proposed. This model is a generalization of the commonly used Markov chain model for the occurrence of precipitation. Methods are given for computing the distribution of the maximum amount of daily precipitation and the distribution of the total amount of precipitation. The application of this model is illustrated by an example, using State College, Pennsylvania, precipitation data.
In vivo cytogenetic activity of diphenylhydantoin in mice.

Diphenylhydantoin was tested in vivo in mice using a variety of cytogenetic endpoints to evaluate its genotoxicity. Injected doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg failed to increase the number of chromosome aberrations in marrow cells at 17 h post-treatment, and 37.5, 75 and 150 mg/kg doses were likewise ineffective at 36 h. SCEs were significantly increased by doses of 125 mg/kg (but not 250 mg) after 23 h and modestly, in relation to dose, at 42 h. No increase in the number of micronuclei among marrow PCEs was seen following single i.v. injections ranging from 0.1 to 20 mg/kg. Three daily i.p. injections of doses up to 70 mg/kg also failed to increase the number of micronuclei in either marrow or peripheral blood PCEs. Some cytotoxic effect was evident following relatively high doses.
Effect of acetaldehyde on fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis by hepatic mitochondria.

Abstract Acetaldehyde inhibited the oxidation of fatty acids by rat liver mitochondria as assayed by oxygen consumption and CO 2 production. ADP-stimulated oxygen uptake was more sensitive to inhibition by acetaldehyde than was uncoupler-stimulated oxygen uptake, suggesting an effect of acetaldehyde on the electron transport-phosphorylation system. This conclusion is supported by the decrease in the respiratory control ratio, associated with fatty acid oxidation. Acetaldehyde depressed ketone body production as well as the content of acetyl CoA during palmitoyl-1-carnitine oxidation. Acetaldehyde was considerably more inhibitory toward fatty acid oxidation than was acetate. Therefore, the inhibition by acetaldehyde is not mediated by acetate, the direct product of acetaldehyde oxidation by the mitochondria. Oxygen uptake was depressed by acetaldehyde to a slightly, but consistently, greater extent in the absence of fluorocitrate, than in its presence. This suggests inhibition of oxygen consumption from β-oxidation to acetyl CoA and that which arises from citric acid cycle activity. The inhibition of fatty acid oxidation is not due to any effect on the activation or translocation of fatty acids into the mitochondria. The depression of the end products of fatty acid oxidation (CO 2 , ketones, acetyl CoA) as well as the greater sensitivity of palmitate oxidation compared to acetate oxidation, suggests inhibition by acetaldehyde of β-oxidation, citric acid cycle activity, and the respiratory-phosphorylation chain. Neither the activities of palmitoyl CoA synthetase nor carnitine palmitoyltransferase appear to be rate limiting for fatty acid oxidation.
Silicate versus nitrate limitation in the equatorial Pacific estimated from satellite-derived sea-surface temperatures

Abstract Productivity in the equatorial Pacific may be limited by a variety of factors including the availability of either nitrate (NO 3 ) or silicate (Si(OH) 4 ). The large size of this oceanic region makes it difficult to obtain a synoptic view of the nutrient field in traditional ways to assess NO 3 or Si(OH) 4 limitation. However, since concentrations of both nutrients are correlated with temperature, we have been able to employ remotely-sensed sea-surface temperatures (SST) from AVHRR to estimate the variability of surface NO 3 and Si(OH) 4 concentrations, and the ratio of one nutrient to the other which can be used to evaluate nutrient limitation in a Liebig sense. Using zonal transects along the equator, nutrient concentrations obtained from AVHRR-SST data from 1987 and 1988 show Si(OH) 4 values to be typically less than NO 3 and NO 3 :Si(OH) 4 > 1, indicating Si(OH) 4 to be the limiting nutrient and the equatorial Pacific to be a HNLSLC (High Nitrate, Low Silicate, Low Chlorophyll) area. However, in warmer climatic conditions, i.e. during 1987—an El Nino year and in the western part of the equatorial swath, NO 3 falls to undetectable levels and is most likely the more limiting macronutrient. Data from 1988 for 15°N to 15°S, 180°W to 90°W shows maximal concentrations of both nutrients to occur to the south of the equator with the ratio values indicating Si(OH) 4 limitation to the south and NO 3 limitation to the north of the equator.
The C-terminus of human nucleotide receptor P2X7 is critical for receptor oligomerization and N-linked glycosylation.

Background The P2X7 receptor binds extracellular ATP to mediate numerous inflammatory responses and is considered a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for diverse inflammatory and neurological diseases. P2X7 contains many single nucleotide polymorphisms, including several mutations located within its intracellular C-terminal trafficking domain. Mutations within the trafficking domain result in attenuated receptor activity and cell surface presentation, but the mechanisms by which amino acid changes within this region promote altered P2X7 function have not been elucidated. Methods and Results We analyzed the amino acid sequence of P2X7 for any potential trafficking signals and found that P2X7 contains putative Arg-X-Arg ER retention sequences. Alanine substitutions near or within these sequences were constructed, and we determined that single mutation of R574 and R578 but not R576 or K579 attenuates P2X7-stimulated activation of ERK1/2 and induction of the transcription factors FosB and ΔFosB. We found that mutation of R578 within the trafficking domain to the naturally occurring Gln substitution disrupts P2X7 localization at the plasma membrane and results in R578Q displaying a higher apparent molecular weight in comparison to wild-type receptor. We used the glycosidase endoglycosidase H to determine that this difference in mass is due in part to the R578Q mutant possessing a larger mass of oligosaccharides, indicative of improper N-linked glycosylation addition and/or trimming. Chemical cross-linking experiments were also performed and suggest that the R578Q variant also does not form trimers as well as wild-type receptor, a function required for its full activity. Conclusions These data demonstrate the distal C-terminus of P2X7 is important for oligomerization and post-translational modification of the receptor, providing a mechanism by which mutations in the trafficking domain disrupt P2X7 activity and localization at the plasma membrane.
Seasonal dynamics of leaf- and root-derived C in arctic tundra mesocosms

Abstract We investigated contributions of leaf litter, root litter and root-derived organic material to tundra soil carbon (C) storage and transformations. 14 C-labeled materials were incubated for 32 weeks in moist tussock tundra soil cores under controlled climate conditions in growth chambers, which simulated arctic fall, winter, spring and summer temperatures and photoperiods. In addition, we tested whether the presence of living plants altered litter and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition by planting shoots of the sedge Eriophorum vaginatum in half of the cores. Our results suggest that root litter accounted for the greatest C input and storage in these tundra soils, while leaf litter was rapidly decomposed and much of the C lost to respiration. We observed transformations of 14 C between fractions even when total C appeared unchanged, allowing us to elucidate sources and sinks of C used by soil microorganisms. Initial sources of C included both water soluble (WS) and acid-soluble (AS) fractions, primarily comprised of carbohydrates and cellulose, respectively. The acid-insoluble (AIS) fraction appeared to be a sink for C when conditions were favorable for plant growth. However, decreases in 14 C activity from the AIS fraction between the fall and spring harvests in all treatments indicated that microorganisms consumed recalcitrant C compounds when soil temperatures were below 0 °C. In planted leaf litter cores and in both planted and unplanted SOM cores, the greatest amounts of 14 C at the end of the experiment were found in the AIS fraction, suggesting a high rate of humification or accumulation of decay-resistant plant tissues. In unplanted leaf litter cores and planted and unplanted root litter cores most of the 14 C remaining at the end of the experiment was in the AS fraction suggesting less extensive humification of leaf and root detritus. Overall, the presence of living plants stimulated decomposition of leaf litter by creating favorable conditions for microbial activity at the soil surface. In contrast, plants appeared to inhibit decomposition of root litter and SOM, perhaps because of microbial preferences for newer, more labile inputs from live roots.