cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of event positioning algorithm on performance of a whole-body PET scanner using one-to-one coupled detectors.

The advent of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) has introduced the possibility of increased detector performance in commercial whole-body PET scanners. The primary advantage of these photodetectors is the ability to couple a single SiPM channel directly to a single pixel of PET scintillator that is typically 4 mm wide (one-to-one coupled detector design). We performed simulation studies to evaluate the impact of three different event positioning algorithms in such detectors: (i) a weighted energy centroid positioning (Anger logic), (ii) identifying the crystal with maximum energy deposition (1st max crystal), and (iii) identifying the crystal with the second highest energy deposition (2nd max crystal). Detector simulations performed with LSO crystals indicate reduced positioning errors when using the 2nd max crystal positioning algorithm. These studies are performed over a range of crystal cross-sections varying from 1 × 1 mm2 to 4 × 4 mm2 as well as crystal thickness of 1 cm to 3 cm. System simulations were performed for a whole-body PET scanner (85 cm ring diameter) with a long axial FOV (70 cm long) and show an improvement in reconstructed spatial resolution for a point source when using the 2nd max crystal positioning algorithm. Finally, we observe a 30-40% gain in contrast recovery coefficient values for 1 and 0.5 cm diameter spheres when using the 2nd max crystal positioning algorithm compared to the 1st max crystal positioning algorithm. These results show that there is an advantage to implementing the 2nd max crystal positioning algorithm in a new generation of PET scanners using one-to-one coupled detector design with lutetium based crystals, including LSO, LYSO or scintillators that have similar density and effective atomic number as LSO.
The Effect of Labor Migration and Remittances on Children's Education Among Blacks in South Africa

This paper studies the effect of remittances sent home by South African Black labor migrants on children’s schooling. We use cross-sectional data from the 1993-1994 Integrated Household Survey and panel data from 2002 and 2003 South African Labor Force Survey. We find that both labor migration and the likelihood of sending remittances home are much more prevalent among Blacks than among other racial groups, and thus restrict our study of the impact of migration and remittances on children’s education to Blacks. Receipt of remittances substantially increases the likelihood that children are in school, through three pathways: increased household educational spending, reduced child labor, and mitigation of the negative effect of parental absence due to out-migration. Also, remittances sharply differentiate labor migrant households. Children in households without remittances are disadvantaged compared to recipient households, and in some respect are even worse-off than their counterparts in nonmigrant households, primarily due to the deleterious effect of parental out-migration with no economic compensation. Sensitivity tests using fixed-effect and random-effect modeling show that the effect of labor migration and remittances is robust to unobserved heterogeneity and relatively consistent across subsamples and independent samples over time, although the negative effect of living in households with out-migrants but no remittances is substantially by 2002-2003, due at least in part to relaxed migration policies after the breakdown of apartheid. The paper also assesses the social consequences of remittances. We find that remittances help reduce intra-familial gender inequalities as well as inter-familial SES inequalities in schooling.
Introduction to Computer Science

A computer can be defined as a machine capable of performing a set of well-defined functions. Modern computers are electronic devices. However, the first computing devices were mechanical in nature! If s the particular set of functions that the computer performs that separates it from microwave ovens or stereos, which are also electronic devices that perform well-defined functions.
Associations Between Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of Asthma Control and Psychosocial Symptoms.

There is growing emphasis on using patient-reported outcome measures to enhance clinical practice. This study was a retrospective review of scores on the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) and t...
Equilibrium sediment exchange in the earth’s critical zone: evidence from sediment fingerprinting with stable isotopes and watershed modeling

The equilibrium sediment exchange process is defined as instantaneous deposition of suspended sediment to the streambed countered by equal erosion of sediment from the streambed. Equilibrium exchange has rarely been included in sediment transport studies but is needed when the sediment continuum is used to investigate the earth’s critical zone. Numerical modeling in the watershed uplands and stream corridor simulates sediment yield and sediment source partitioning for the Upper South Elkhorn watershed in Kentucky, USA. We simulate equilibrium exchange when upland-derived sediment simultaneously deposits to the streambed while streambed sediments erode. Sediment fingerprinting with stable carbon isotopes allowed constraint of the process in a gently rolling watershed. Carbon isotopes work well to partition upland sediment versus streambed sediment because sediment deposited in the streambed accrues a unique autotrophic, i.e., algal, fingerprint. Stable nitrogen isotopes do not work well to partition the sources in this study because the nitrogen isotope fingerprint of algae falls in the middle of the nitrogen isotope fingerprint of upland sediment. The source of sediment depends on flow intensity for the gently rolling watershed. Streambed sediments dominate the fluvial load for low and moderate events, while upland sediments become increasingly important during high flows and extreme events. We used sediment fingerprinting results to calibrate the equilibrium sediment exchange rate in the watershed sediment transport model. Our sediment fingerprinting and modeling evidence suggest equilibrium sediment exchange is a substantial process occurring in the system studied. The process does not change the sediment load or streambed sediment storage but does impact the quality of sediment residing in the streambed. Therefore, we suggest equilibrium sediment exchange should be considered when the sediment continuum is used to investigate the critical zone. We conclude the paper by outlining future research priorities for coupling sediment fingerprinting with watershed modeling.
An Integrated Model of Regulation for Applied Settings

A growing body of research explores the ways in which regulatory skills are important contributors to school readiness, school success, and other positive developmental outcomes in childhood and throughout the lifespan. Research and theory suggest that children with strong regulatory skills may be better equipped to manage the complex academic, social, and emotional demands of early learning and school environments; and alternatively, deficits in regulatory skills can lead to problems in school adjustment, academic outcomes, and other measures of well-being. In this paper, we bring together two regulation-related research traditions: executive function (EF) and effortful control (EC). We highlight the common features of EF and EC and their key differences. Building on findings from these two research traditions, we propose an integrated model of regulation for school-based interventions and other applied settings that can serve as an organizing framework for a broad set of skills across the cognitive, social, and emotion domains that are critical to school success. Using a developmental psychopathology framework, we illustrate how an integrated model of regulation can inform more nuanced and targeted approaches to research, policy, and intervention for both special and universal populations. We end the paper with a set of recommendations for the next decade of developmental and prevention research focused on self-regulation.
The Second Cohomology with Symplectic Coefficients of the Moduli Space of Smooth Projective Curves

Each finite dimensional irreducible rational representation V of the symplectic group Sp_{2g} determines a generically defined local system \V over the moduli space M_g of genus g smooth projective curves. We study H^2(M_g;\V) and the mixed Hodge structure on it. Specifically, we prove that if g>5, then the natural map IH^2(MS_g;\V)-->H^2(M_g;\V) is an isomorphism where MS_g is the Satake compactification of M_g. Using the work of Saito we conclude that the mixed Hodge structure on H^2(M_g;\V) is pure of weight 2+r if \V underlies a variation of Hodge structure of weight r. We also obtain estimates on the weight of the mixed Hodge structure on H^2(M_g;\V) for 2<g<6. Results of this article can be applied in the study of relations in the Torelli group T_g.
Power Factor Correction in Feeders With Distributed Photovoltaics Using Residential Appliances as Virtual Batteries

Thermostatically controlled residential appliances have built-in thermodynamic storage that, even within a narrow temperature band that does not degrade the comfort level of occupants, can be used to provide a variety of value streams to power system operators and customers. In this paper, residential air conditioners and electric water heaters are used to improve feeder power factor in a distribution system where photovoltaic systems cause the feeder power factor to dip daily, increasing losses. Improving distribution feeder power factor improves the efficiency of the transmission and bulk generation systems. A daily optimal dispatch regime is used to maximize the daily minimum feeder power factor. Following this regime, electric water heaters cool off in preparation for a low-feeder-power-factor event, turn on to improve the power factor during the event and return to a neutral condition after the event. Air conditioners, which have a power factor lower than the feeder overall, are optimally dispatched in the inverse pattern. Using a model of a real commercial and residential distribution feeder in the western United States, the optimal dispatch of virtual batteries is shown to be capable of improving the daily minimum power of that feeder by as much as 0.026. The power factor correction and optimal dispatch techniques are based on a robust virtual battery framework, making them portable to other applications, such as volt-var optimization and transactive energy systems.
Assessing changes in attitudes toward engineering and biomechanics resulting from a high school outreach event

National Biomechanics Day aims to introduce students to the emerging field of biomechanics and improve their perception of engineering and engineers. This quantitative study examines participants' attitude changes following one such event. By prioritizing increasing excitement and engagement over teaching content, we anticipate that students' opinions of engineering and biomechanics will improve following the event. Pre- and post-test surveys consisting of Likert scale and semantic differential (SD) items assessed changes in three key areas: self-identity as a scientist and engineer, attitudes toward engineering, and attitudes toward biomechanics. Based on unpaired and paired student responses, we found significant gains in all three areas. Students agreed more strongly with statements regarding whether they saw themselves as scientists and engineers, and they had improved attitudes toward engineering in general and biomechanics specifically. The SD scales also reflected improved opinions of both science and biomechanics. These more positive attitudes could eventually lead to more students recruited to study a variety of engineering disciplines, ultimately addressing the ongoing national shortage of qualified engineers.
Integrating intelligent compaction technology and modulus-based testing for design verification

The drive towards the adoption of mechanistic pavement design methodologies has led to the adoption of stiffness-based tests by several state highway agencies for earthwork quality control and poss...
Relationships of Sleep Duration, Midpoint, and Variability with Physical Activity in the HCHS/SOL Sueño Ancillary Study.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Short and long sleep duration, later sleep midpoint, and greater intra-individual sleep variability are associated with lower physical activity, but previous research lacks objective and concurrent assessment of sleep and physical activity. This cross-sectional study examined whether sleep duration, midpoint, and variability in duration and midpoint were related to wrist actigraphy-measured physical activity. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 2156 Hispanics/Latinos in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sueno Ancillary Study. METHODS Participants wore Actiwatch devices to measure sleep and physical activity via the wrist for ≥5 days. Physical activity was defined as minutes/day in the upper quartile of the sampling distribution's non-sleep activity, capturing light to vigorous physical activity. RESULTS An inverse linear relationship between sleep duration and physical activity was found such that each additional sleep hour related to 29 fewer minutes of physical activity (B = -28.7, SE = 3.8), p < .01). Variability in sleep midpoint was also associated with physical activity; with each 1-hr increase in variability there were 24 more minutes of physical activity (B = 24.2, SE = 5.6, p < .01). In contrast, sleep midpoint and variability in duration were not associated with physical activity. Sensitivity analyses identified an association of short sleep duration and greater variability in sleep duration with greater accelerometry-derived moderate-to-vigorous physical activity measured at the HCHS/SOL baseline (M = 2.1 years before the sleep assessment). CONCLUSIONS Findings help clarify inconsistent prior research associating short sleep duration and sleep variability with greater health risks but also contribute novel information with simultaneous objective assessments.
Incidental secondary findings in hemorrhoidectomy specimens: a 16-year experience from a single academic center.

Summary Hemorrhoidectomy specimens serve as an excellent resource for study of incidental anal pathology. Detection of most incidental findings is quite rare, although diagnosing clinically significant lesions can have profound impact on the clinical follow-ups. While there are many case reports of incidental findings in hemorrhoidectomy specimens, there are few large studies focused on this topic. The aim of this study was to describe the spectrum and likelihood of detecting incidental findings in hemorrhoidectomy specimens. We reviewed all hemorrhoidectomy specimens that showed incidental clinically significant diagnoses over a 16-year period (2003–2019) for this study. Patient's age, sex, and significant clinical history (Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status, precursor lesions, other malignancy) were recorded from clinical notes. We identified incidental clinically significant findings in 72 of 1612 (4.5%) specimens. We identified 7 incidental malignancies (squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, mixed adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, melanoma), 54 anal intraepithelial neoplasias (AINs), and 11 benign findings (melanocytic lesions, colorectal polyps, angiokeratoma, infectious/inflammatory). Within the AIN group, the detection of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) remained steady; there was a recent, sustained rise in detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), with more cases showing HSILs (2.6%) than only LSILs (0.7%). In 72.2% of patients, the incidental secondary finding represented a first diagnosis for that entity in the anal canal. Thirty seven percent of patients with anal dysplasia in the hemorrhoidectomy specimen had a prior diagnosis of squamous dysplasia in the anogenital tract. Overall, significant incidental findings were detected in 4.5% (72/1612) of hemorrhoidectomies, supporting routine histological examination of these specimens.
Insulin resistance is mechanistically linked to hepatic mitochondrial remodeling in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abstract Objective Insulin resistance and altered hepatic mitochondrial function are central features of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the etiological role of these processes in disease progression remains unclear. Here we investigated the molecular links between insulin resistance, mitochondrial remodeling, and hepatic lipid accumulation. Methods Hepatic insulin sensitivity, endogenous glucose production, and mitochondrial metabolic fluxes were determined in wild-type, obese (ob/ob) and pioglitazone-treatment obese mice using a combination of radiolabeled tracer and stable isotope NMR approaches. Mechanistic studies of pioglitazone action were performed in isolated primary hepatocytes, whilst molecular hepatic lipid species were profiled using shotgun lipidomics. Results Livers from obese, insulin-resistant mice displayed augmented mitochondrial content and increased tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activities. Insulin sensitization with pioglitazone mitigated pyruvate-driven TCA cycle activity and PDH activation via both allosteric (intracellular pyruvate availability) and covalent (PDK4 and PDP2) mechanisms that were dependent on PPARγ activity in isolated primary hepatocytes. Improved mitochondrial function following pioglitazone treatment was entirely dissociated from changes in hepatic triglycerides, diacylglycerides, or fatty acids. Instead, we highlight a role for the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin, which underwent pathological remodeling in livers from obese mice that was reversed by insulin sensitization. Conclusion Our findings identify targetable mitochondrial features of T2D and NAFLD and highlight the benefit of insulin sensitization in managing the clinical burden of obesity-associated disease.
Regular and bistable steady-state superradiant phases of an atomic beam traversing an optical cavity

We investigate the different photon emission regimes created by a pre-excited and collimated atomic beam passing through a single mode of an optical cavity. In the regime where the cavity degrees of freedom can be adiabatically eliminated, we find that the atoms undergo superradiant emission when the collective linewidth exceeds the transit-time broadening. We analyze the case where the atomic beam direction is slanted with respect to the cavity axis. For this situation, we find that a phase of continuous light emission similar to steady-state superradiance is established providing the tilt of the atomic beam is sufficiently small. However, if the atoms travel more than half a wavelength along the cavity axis during one transit time we predict a dynamical phase transition to a bistable superradiant regime. In this phase the atoms undergo collective spontaneous emission with a frequency that can be either blue or red detuned from the free-space atomic resonance. We analyze the different superradiant regimes and the quantum critical crossover boundaries. In particular we find the spectrum of the emitted light and show that the linewidth exhibits features of a critical scaling close to the phase boundaries.
Horizon-induced optimism as a gateway to earnings management

Recent work in accounting suggests that managerial optimism can lead managers to escalate income‐increasing earnings management. In this paper, I examine how a fundamental attribute of the earnings management setting—the amount of time between the earnings management decision and the future reversal—serves as one potential source of managerial optimism. I conduct two experiments to test whether the amount of time between the earnings management decision and the future reversal systematically induces optimism that increases participants’ propensity to engage in behavior that is analogous to accruals‐based earnings management and to real earnings management, holding constant incentives, agency frictions, and the information environment. My results indicate that, independent of their innate optimism, the time between the earnings management decision and the future reversal likely encourages managers to overestimate their ability to compensate for current‐period earnings management through strong future performance. This optimism, in turn, likely increases managers’ propensity to engage in both forms of earnings management. Les travaux recents en comptabilite laissent croire que l'optimisme des gestionnaires peut les amener a intensifier la gestion du resultat a la hausse. L'auteur se demande en quoi une caracteristique fondamentale du contexte de la gestion du resultat — soit le temps ecoule entre la decision de gestion du resultat et la resorption ulterieure des consequences de cette decision — serait une source potentielle d'optimisme des dirigeants. L'auteur procede a deux experiences destinees a verifier si le temps ecoule entre la decision de gestion du resultat et la resorption ulterieure induit systematiquement un optimisme qui accroit la propension des participants a adopter un comportement apparente a celui de la gestion du resultat fondee sur les regularisations et de la gestion du resultat reel, lorsque sont maintenus constants les incitatifs, les frictions associees a la delegation et l'environnement informationnel. Les resultats de l'analyse indiquent que, peu importe l'optimisme inne des gestionnaires, le temps ecoule entre la decision de gestion du resultat et la resorption ulterieure est susceptible de les inciter a surestimer leur capacite de compenser la gestion du resultat de l'exercice courant grâce a une solide performance future, optimisme qui risque, a son tour, d'accroitre leur propension a se livrer aux deux formes de gestion du resultat.
Antibodies with potent and broad neutralizing activity against antigenically diverse and highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants

The emergence of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) that are resistant to therapeutic antibodies highlights the need for continuing discovery of broadly reactive antibodies. We identify four receptor-binding domain targeting antibodies from three early-outbreak convalescent donors with potent neutralizing activity against 12 variants including the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 VOCs. Two of them are ultrapotent, with sub-nanomolar neutralization titers (IC50 <0.0006 to 0.0102 μ g/mL; IC80 < 0.0006 to 0.0251 μ g/mL). We define the structural and functional determinants of binding for all four VOC-targeting antibodies, and show that combinations of two antibodies decrease the in vitro generation of escape mutants, suggesting potential means to mitigate resistance development. These results define the basis of therapeutic cocktails against VOCs and suggest that targeted boosting of existing immunity may increase vaccine breadth against VOCs.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Government

A diverse workforce may be achieved through policy and law, but retention depends on an inclusive environment. A call for action, this chapter encourages readers to take a leadership role to ensure diversity and inclusion for government and non-profit organizations. Resources are provided for current and future leaders.
Sensitivity of unilateral- versus bilateral-onset spike-wave discharges to ethosuximide and carbamazepine in the fluid percussion injury rat model of traumatic brain injury.

Unilateral-onset spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in rats have been used to model complex partial seizures in human posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE), compared to bilateral-onset SWDs thought to reflect hum...
ESD Co-Design ofmm-Wave RF Switch in 22nm SOI

This paper reports the first co-design analysis study of 28GHz broadband single-pole double-throw (SPDT) distributed travelling wave RF switches with 9KV on-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection implemented in a foundry 22nm fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) CMOS technology. Aiming for highly reliable above-6GHz 5G mobile systems, this 28GHz SPDT switch covers the n257 and n258 bands of 5G systems. Impacts of ESD-induced parasitic effects and ESD-RFIC co-design technique for millimeter wave (mm-wave) switches were characterized. Si results confirm that ESD-Switch co-design is critical to mm-wave switch designs, e.g., improving the switch insertion loss (IL) by ~4dB for the 28GHz SPDT travelling wave switches fabricated.
Von außen gesehen

Das man als Physiker oder Ingenieur etwas von Mathematik verstehen sollte, hat sich herumgesprochen. Das sich Okonomen oder Biologen immer haufiger mit der Notwendigkeit konfrontiert sehen, ihre Mathematikkenntnisse aufzufrischen, ist ebenfalls bekannt. Auch in der Soziologie, der Psychologie, der Medizin und der Linguistik hat die Mathematik an Boden gewonnen. Selbst in der Geschichte hat sie — unter dem Decknamen Kliometrie — Einzug gehalten, sehr zum Unbehagen von traditionsverwurzelten Historikern. Wie ist das alles zu erklaren? Was gibt der Mathematik ihre Macht? Wieso funktioniert sie uberhaupt?
Commercial motor vehicle driver obstructive sleep apnea screening and treatment in the United States: an update and recommendation overview

No regulatory mandate exists in the United States (U.S.) for comprehensive obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk assessment and stratification for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements are outdated and depend largely on subjective report, a less reliable strategy in an occupational setting. Without FMCSA standards, sleep specialists, occupational medical examiners and employers rely on a collection of medical consensus recommendations to establish standards of care. These recommendations advise OSA risk assessment through a combination of focused medical history, physical examination, questionnaires, and accident history, which increase OSA detection compared to current FMCSA standards. For those diagnosed with OSA, consensus-based risk stratification helps identify CMV drivers who may benefit from OSA treatment and establish minimum standards for assessing treatment efficacy and adherence. Unfortunately no consolidated recommendation exists; rather, publications span medical and governmental literature in a patchwork fashion that no longer fully reflect current practice due to subsequent advances in OSA diagnosis, treatment, and technology. Based on searches of medical literature, internet materials, and reference lists from existing publications, an overview and discussion of key published recommendations regarding OSA assessment and treatment in CMV operators is provided. Suggestions for incorporating these recommendations into clinical sleep medicine practice in the U.S. are presented. The challenge for sleep specialists is maintaining the delicate balance between recommendations impacting standard of care and associated medico-legal impact with stakeholder interests from medical, regulatory, industry and public perspectives while providing high quality and efficient care. Language: en
Abstract P105: Sleep Disordered Breathing and Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Adolescents - Penn State Child Cohort (PSCC) Study

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) in a population-based sample of adolescents. Methods: We used available data from 400 adolescents who completed the follow up examinations in the population-based PSCC study. 1-night polysomnography was used to assess apnea hypopnea index (AHI). AHI was used to define no-SDB (AHI<1), mild SDB (1≤AHI<5), and moderate SDB (AHI≥5). CAM was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis of beat-to-beat normal R-R intervals from a 39-hour high resolution Holter ECG. The HRV indices in frequency domain [high frequency power (HF), low frequency power (LF), and LF/HF ratio] and time domain [standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN), and the square root of the mean squared difference of successive normal RR intervals (RMSSD), and heart rate (HR)] were calculated on a 30-minute basis (78 repeated measures). Mixed-effects models were used to assess the SDB and HRV relationship. Result...
A study on discrete wavelet transform implementation for a high level synthesis tool

Actually, the error from the fixed-point implementation is not taken in account in the high level synthesis tools. The processing signal algorithms are implemented without quality evaluation. This paper presents a fixed-point implementation methodology applied to the Discrete Wavelet Transform.
Alignment Mask Design and Image Processing for the Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) at the National Ignition Facility

The Advance Radiographic Capability (ARC) at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a laser system that employs up to four petawatt (PW) lasers to produce a sequence of short pulses that generate X-rays which backlight high-density inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets. ARC is designed to produce multiple, sequential X-ray images by using up to eight back lighters. The images will be used to examine the compression and ignition of a cryogenic deuterium-tritium target with tens-of-picosecond temporal resolution during the critical phases of an ICF shot. Multi-frame, hard-X-ray radiography of imploding NIF capsules is a capability which is critical to the success of NIF's missions. As in the NIF system, ARC requires an optical alignment mask that can be inserted and removed as needed for precise positioning of the beam. Due to ARC’s split beam design, inserting the nominal NIF main laser alignment mask in ARC produced a partial blockage of the mask pattern. Requirements for a new mask design were needed. In this paper we describe the ARC mask requirements, the resulting mask design pattern, and the image analysis algorithms used to detect and identify the beam and reference centers required for ARC alignment.
Phenyl t‐Butyl Ether, Method II

Phenyl t-butyl ether, Method II product: phenyl t-butyl ether Keywords: arylation
Clinical Patterns In NT5C1A Antibody Positive Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis Patients Compared To Seronegative Patients (S26.007)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical patterns in seropositive sIBM patients (antibodies to NT5C1A antigen) vs. those sIBM patients without this antibody. BACKGROUND: Recent advances have potentially led to further understanding of the pathogenesis of sporadic IBM, including demonstration of clonal immunoglobulin transcripts inside rimmed vacuoles, plasma cell infiltrates and most recently a specific antibody, present in up to 70% of sIBM patients. DESIGN/METHODS: Serological testing for NT5C1A antibody was done through Washington University (St. Louis Neuromuscular Laboratory) on all consecutive sIBM patients presenting to our clinic over the last six months. Clinical details of these patients were reviewed and functional data prospectively collected. Values were expressed as mean ± SD. Significance on unpaired t-tests was defined a priori at p<0.05. RESULTS: In the 15 patients tested thus far, there is a male predominance in the seronegative patients (M:F ratio 4:5 in seropositive vs. 5:1 in seronegative; p<0.15). Mean age at onset was 55.89 ± 5.64 years in seropositive vs. 63.33 ± 10.56 years in the seronegative group (p=0.09). Dysphagia was significantly more prevalent in seropositive patients (7/9 vs. 1/6; p<0.01). Odds of having dysphagia were 17 fold increased in seropositive patients (OR 17.5, 95% CI 1.222 to 250.5). Serum CK levels were 438.5 ± 326.4 IU/L in the seropositive vs. 523.2 ± 392.2 IU/L in the seronegative patients (p=0.68) and the IBMFRS score was 26 ± 3.36 in seropositive vs. 28.67 ± 6.50 in seronegative patients (p=0.50). Data on other functional tests (MRC sum score, handgrip, pinch, pegboard, 6 minute walk, modified Rankin score, neuromuscular QOL, forced vital capacity, and get up and go testing) are being collected and will be presented. CONCLUSIONS: Seropositive sIBM patients are likely to present almost a decade earlier and are significantly more likely to have dysphagia than seronegative patients. Disclosure: Dr. Goyal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pedouim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Enam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mozaffar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mozaffar has received personal compensation for activities with California Stem Cell Inc., NuFactor, Crescent-Walgreens, CSL Behring, Crescent Healthcare, Genzyme Corporation, Baxter, and Grifols. Dr. Mozaffar has received clinical research support from Cytokinetics, Neuraltus, Biogen Idec, Alexion, FDA, Cytokinetics, Amicus, Genzyme Corporation and Avanir Pharmaceuticals.
Group actions and group extensions

In this paper we study finite group extensions represented by special cohomology classes. As an application we obtain some restrictions on finite groups which can act freely on a product of spheres or on a product of real projective spaces. In particular, we prove that if (Z/p) acts freely on (S), then r ≤ k.
Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers

This guide overviews several important rules for writing economics research papers. It focuses on three important pillars of economics writing: research, organization, and analysis. Economic research entails the use of state-of-the-art methods and data from any of a number of standard statistical sources or surveys. Organization entails organizing ideas coherently and persuasively, outlining the paper, and professional formatting. The final part focuses on the importance of analysis for economics writing: statistical or econometric analysis takes data and reports useful numerical summaries used to shed light on empirical relationships between important economic variables, test various economic models, or make predictions for the future.
Fast and compact volume rendering in the compressed transform domain

Potentially, data compression techniques may have a broad impact in computing not only by decreasing storage and communication costs, but also by speeding up computation. For many image processing applications, the use of data compression is so pervasive that we can assume the inputs and outputs are in a compressed domain, and it is intriguing to consider doing computations on the data entirely in the compressed domain. We speed up processing by doing computations, including dot product and convolution on vectors and arrays, in a compressed transform domain. To do this, we make use of sophisticated algebraic techniques for evaluation and interpolation of sparse polynomials. We illustrate the basic methodology by applying these techniques to image processing problems, and in particular to speed up the well known splatting algorithm for volume rendering. The splatting algorithm is one of the most efficient of existing high quality volume rendering algorithms; it takes as input three dimensional volume sample data of size N/sup 3/ and outputs an N/spl times/N image in O(N/sup 3/f) time, where f is a parameter known as footprint size (which often is hundreds of pixels in practice). Assuming that the original sample data and the resulting image are stored in the transform domain and can be lossily compressed by a factor /spl rho/ with small error, we show that the rendering of the image can be done entirely in the compressed transform domain in decreased time O(/spl rho/N/sup 3/ log N). Hence we obtain a significant speedup over the splatting algorithm when f/spl Gt//spl rho/ log N.
Inhaled Carbon Monoxide Protects against the Development of Shock and Mitochondrial Injury following Hemorrhage and Resuscitation

Aims Currently, there is no effective resuscitative adjunct to fluid and blood products to limit tissue injury for traumatic hemorrhagic shock. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of inhaled carbon monoxide (CO) to limit inflammation and tissue injury, and specifically mitochondrial damage, in experimental models of hemorrhage and resuscitation.
A large Alu-mediated deletion, identified by PCR, as the molecular basis for glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII).

Glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from inherited deficiency of the enzyme lysosomal acid α-glucosidase. Over 40 different mutations have been described but no large deletions have been previously identified. We now describe a homozygous large (9-kb) deletion extending from IVS15 to 4 kb downstream of the terminal exon (exon 20), detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. The deletion was initially suspected because of failure to amplify a contiguous group of exons by PCR. We hypothesized an Alu/Alu recombination, based on our prior demonstration by Southern blotting of Alu elements in the regions potentially flanking the deletion. Additional sequence analysis of genomic fragments confirmed the presence of Alu elements and allowed the design of flanking primers for PCR amplification. Amplification resulted in a smaller than normal fragment (0.7 vs 10 kb) in homozygosity in the proband and in heterozygosity in her parents. Cloning and sequencing of the smaller than normal 0.7-kb deletion fragment revealed an Alu/Alu deletion junction. In heterozygosity this deletion would not be detected by currently standard PCR mutation detection methods. Based on other Alu-mediated deletions, this deletion is likely to be recurrent and should be screened for in all non-consanguineous GSDII patients, particularly when only one mutation has been identified and none of the 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the deleted region are heterozygous. These observations also suggest that initial characterization of genes at disease-causing loci should include a search for Alu and other repetitive elements to facilitate subsequent PCR-based mutation analysis.
Isobutane chemical ionization mass spectrometry of dipeptides.

The isobutane chemical ionization mass spectra of 25 dipeptides have been determined. All of the peptides gave spectra useful for identification and sequencing. The spectra of most peptides showed two or three sequence ions (an N-amide, an N-imine, and/or a (C-amino acid +1)+ ion) and every spectrum showed at least one sequence ion. Peptides containing Ile or Leu could not be differentiated by this method. Peptides containing Ser or Thr gave ions at (M+l)+ and useful sequence ions. Peptides containing Asp or Glu generally did not produce (M+l)+ ions, but the spectra of these peptides were still useful for sequencing.
CT scan-based modelling of anastomotic leak risk after colorectal surgery

Prolonged ileus, low-grade fever and abdominal discomfort are common during the first week after colonic resection. Undiagnosed anastomotic leak carries a poor outcome and computed tomography (CT) scan is the best imaging tool for assessing postoperative abdominal complications. We used a CT scan-based model to quantify the risk of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery.
Atmospheric Evolution of the Terrestrial Planets

The major atmospheric gases on Earth, Venus, and Mars were probably CO[sub 2], H[sub 2]O, and N[sub 2]. Most of the Earth's CO[sub 2] is tied up in minerals such as limestone, and Venus has lost most of its H[sub 2]O, leaving the CO[sub 2] in the atmosphere. Much of Mars' atmosphere may have been eroded in impacts by large meteoroids early in solar-system history. Noble gases are very underabundant everywhere, and must have been lost during an early period; they were probably dragged along during rapid loss of massive amounts of hydrogen. The tenuous atmospheres of Mercury and the moon have lifetimes of a few days or less and must be continuously replenished from internal or external sources.
Lysyl Oxidase Propeptide Sensitizes Pancreatic and Breast Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis

RAS mutations or its activation by upstream receptor tyrosine kinases are frequently associated with poor response of carcinomas to chemotherapy. The 18 kDa propeptide domain of lysyl oxidase (LOX-PP) released from the secreted precursor protein (Pro-LOX) has been shown to inhibit RAS signaling and the transformed phenotype of breast, pancreatic, lung, and prostate cancer cells in culture, and formation of tumors by Her-2/neu-driven breast cancer cells in a mouse xenograft model. Here, we tested the effects of LOX-PP on MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells, driven by mutant RAS. In MIA PaCa-2 cells in culture, LOX-PP attenuated the ERK and AKT activities and decreased the levels of the NF-κB p65 and RelB subunits and cyclin D1, which are activated by RAS signaling. In mouse xenograft growth, LOX-PP reduced growth of tumors by these pancreatic cancer cells, and the nuclear levels of the p65 NF-κB subunit and cyclin D1 proteins. While biological agents attenuate tumor growth when used alone, often they have additive or synergistic effects when used in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, we next tested the hypotheses that LOX-PP sensitizes pancreatic and breast cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. Purified LOX-PP enhanced the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin in pancreatic and breast cancer cells, as judged by ATP production, Cell Death ELISA assays, caspase 3 activation, PARP cleavage, and Annexin V staining. Thus, LOX-PP potentiates the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin on breast and pancreatic cancer cells, warranting additional studies with a broader spectrum of current cancer treatment modalities.
Pressure drop and friction factor in helical heat exchangers under nonisothermal and turbulent flow conditions

This study involved the determination of pressure drop and friction factor (f) in helical heat exchangers under turbulent flow conditions. The experiments were conducted in helical heat exchangers, with coils of two different curvatures ratios (d/D = 0.114 and 0.078) at various flow rates (9.46 x 10 -5 - 6.31 x 10 -4 m 3 /s) and end-point temperatures (20, 93.3, 121, 149C). The computed friction factor (f) in the helical heat exchanger was compared to published correlations, and it was found that the experimental data was in good agreement with them. In addition, correlations to determine pressure drop based on the Reynolds number, curvature ratio, and temperature were developed.
Geographical problems of allocation in the Soviet fuel supply

Abstract This article examines the major problems facing Soviet planners in meeting fuel demand for boiler and furance uses in the USSR — the most flexible sector of the energy economy where direct substitution among energy sources is technically and economically at its most feasible. Data limitations and the interdependent nature of the whole fuel economy make the consistent rigid separation of this sector impossible and unprofitable. Accordingly, some attention is given to the fuel mix as a whole and to aggregate energy projections and questions of policy. (Coke is not covered.)
Thymosin modulation of regulatory T cell function.

Fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) isolated from healthy human donors and activated with concanavalin A (Con A) induced suppression of the proliferation response to Con A in an allogeneic mixed leukocyte culture reaction (MLC). When PBM were incubated in media alone for 24 hr prior to Con A activation of suppressor cells there was a significant decrease in the suppressive response. PBM incubated in the presence of thymosin for 24 hr prior to Con A activation of the suppressor cells promoted a further augmentation of mitogen-induced proliferation. When PBM were incubated with thymosin in the absence of Con A activation of suppressor cells, enhancement of proliferation was observed in the MLC. These experiments suggest that thymosintreated PBM from healthy donors promote a helper rather than suppressive effect on mitogen-induced proliferation of allogeneic responder lymphocytes.
Latency of asbestos disease among insulation workers in the United States and Canada

Two thousand two hundred seventy-one deaths were recorded among 17,800 asbestos insulation workers observed from January 1, 1967-December 31, 1976. There was little increase in cancer deaths or of asbestosis in less than 15-19 years from onset of employment. In general, though, the period of clinical latency was 2-4 decades or more and there were important differences among the several asbestos-associated diseases. Lung cancer peaked at about 30-35 years from onset and asbestosis at 40-45 years. Each tended to decline in incidence afterwards. Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma reached their highest incidence later than lung cancer, but the incidence did not decline. In studies of effects of asbestos exposure, it appears advantageous to observe for at least 35-40 years or more from onset of exposure and to analyze the experience in duration-from-onset categories. If this is not possible, only the very limited early effects will be identified and the full import of the exposure may not be appreciated.
Isopiestic studies of aqueous solutions at elevated temperatures VI. LiCl and CsCl

Isopiestic measurements have been made for LiCl(aq) and CsCl(aq) over the temperature range 382.96 to 473.61 K. NaCl(aq) served as the reference electrolyte for the calculation of osmotic coefficients and the molalities ranged from about 0.6 to 6 mol kg−1, for NaCl(aq). An ion-interaction model gave an excellent fit to the experimental osmotic coefficients with a standard error of fit ranging from 0.0004 to 0.0016 in the osmotic coefficient. Parameters obtained from the fit were used to calculate the activity coefficients. The osmotic and activity coefficients both decreased with increasing temperature over this temperature range. LiCl(aq) is somewhat unusual among the alkali-metal chlorides in that the osmotic (and activity) coefficient is much more dependent on molality at the higher molalities and there is no maximum between 273.15 and 373.15 K in the osmotic coefficient as a function of temperature. For both LiCl(aq) and CsCl(aq) there is an excellent correlation between the isopiestic results and the vapor pressures of Lindsay and Liu. Existing electrochemical results between 283.15 and 343.15 K are consistent with our calculated activity coefficients for CsCl(aq).
Non-Radial Pulsations in White Dwarf Stars

Five more oscillating white dwarf stars have been discovered. The data now available from these and other sources support an explanation of observed oscillations in dwarf novae in terms of g-mode pulsations.
Differential changes in rat brain tryptophan, serotonin and tyrosine levels following acute aflatoxin B1 treatment

Abstract Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated acutely (12-h) with aflatoxin B 1 (100 μg/kg i.p.) or vehicle (10% acetone in 0.9% NaCl) and regional brain levels of tryptophan, serotonin and tyrosine were assayed. Brainstem but not cerebellar or cortical tyrosine levels were decreased in aflatoxin B 1 -treated rats. Brain tryptophan was increased in all 3 brain regions by acute aflatoxin B 1 treatment, while serotonin levels were unaltered in the cerebellum and cortex and decreased in the brainstem. These experiments indicate that acute aflatoxin B 1 treatment differentially alters brain amino acids and serotonin and that changes in brain tryptophan, the serotonin precursor, do not parallel changes in brain serotonin.