cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TFEC can function as a transcriptional activator of the nonmuscle myosin II heavy chain-A gene in transfected cells.

ABSTRACT : Transcription of the human nonmuscle myosin II heavy chain-A (NMHC-A) gene is regulatedvia multiple elements located in intron 1, including element F which contains an E-box. In this study wehave identified and characterized the factors that are capable of binding to element F. Yeast one-hybridscreening using element F allowed isolation of cDNAs encoding transcriptional factors TFEC, TFE3, andUSF2, each of which contains basic helix-loop-helix and leucine zipper motifs. Furthermore, cDNAcloning by polymerase chain reaction yielded cDNAs for two TFEC isoforms, designated TFEC-l andTFEC-s, which are generated by alternative pre-mRNA splicing. In addition to these four factors, USF1,which is known to share the same DNA binding elements with USF2, was isolated for comparison.Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and cotransfection studies of the expression constructs with reportergene constructs revealed that the above five factors have different binding activities for element F withdifferent transactivation potencies. USF1 and USF2 demonstrate the highest binding activity to elementF, yet show the lowest element F-dependent transactivation. TFE3 has a high transactivation potency butthe lowest binding activity. TFEC-l demonstrates a high binding activity with the highest transactivationpotency, whereas TFEC-s has the same binding activity as TFEC-l with intermediate transactivation. Wealso demonstrate that an N-terminal activation domain exists only in TFEC-l, whereas a C-terminalactivation domain is common to both the l and s isoforms. This study provides the first evidence ofTFEC being an activator of transcription, with two separate activation domains.Myosin is a family of mechanochemical proteins thatcontain a conserved ˘80 kDa motor domain which can bindto actin, hydrolyze ATP, and translocate along actin filaments(1, 2). Conventional myosin (myosin II in the classificationof the myosin superfamily) consists of a pair of heavy chains(˘200 kDa) and two pairs of light chains (15-20 kDa).Myosin II is present in all eukaryotic cells and appears tobe involved in diverse cellular contractile and motileprocesses, such as muscle contraction, cytokinesis, cellmigration, and cell attachment (3). In higher organisms,different types of cells contain different isoforms of myosinII that contain different myosin II heavy chains (MHCs).
Ceremonial Degradation of a Doctoral Candidate: An Essay on the Social Situation of Graduate Student Ethnographers and Other Inmates

The recruit comes into the establishment with a conception of himself made possible by certain stable social arrangements in his home world. Upon entrance, he is immediately stripped of the support provided by these arrangements. In the accurate language of some of the oldest total institutions, he begins a series of abasements, degradations, humiliations, and profanations of the self. His self is systematically, if often unintentionally, mortified. He begins some radical shifts in his moral career, a career composed of the progressive changes that occur in the beliefs that he has concerning himself and the significance of others. (Goffman 1961: 14)
FINITE-ELEMENT MODELING OF RED MAPLE GLUED-LAMINATED T-BEAMS AND BRIDGE BEHAVIOR

Finite-element modeling methods are presented using an existing finiteelement program to (1) predict the stiffness increase, due to the addition of deck panels, for red maple glued-laminated (glulam) T-beam assemblies relative to beams with no deck panels; and (2) predict the midspan beam deflection for a red maple glulam longitudinal stringer-transverse deck bridge for two loading conditions (one lane loaded and two lanes loaded). The red maple T-beam stiffness increase was determined for T-beams assembled with and without gaps between deck panels. The T-beam stiffness increase was predicted to within 5 percent for T-beams assembled with gaps between deck panels and to within 3 percent for T-beams assembled with no gaps between deck panels. Red maple glulam longitudinal stringer-transverse deck bridge maximum midspan beam deflections were predicted to within 6 percent for one-lane loading and to within 7 percent for two-lane loading.
Extramural coronary arteries in adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease

Dilatation and tortuosity of extramural coronary arteries are prevalent in cyanotic congenital heart disease. Two pathogenetic variables are operative, namely endothelial vasodilator substances and medial structural abnormalities.
A Technique for Performing Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients with Zenker's Diverticulum

A patient with a large Zenker's diverticulum and narrow, angulated passageway successfully underwent transesophageal echocardiography using a pediatric endoscope, short esophageal over-tube, and a pediatric transesophageal echocardiographic probe.
Prostate biopsy perineural invasion is not independently associated with positive surgical margins following radical retropubic prostatectomy

Perineural invasion (PNI) in prostate cancer has been associated with poor prognosis. We sought to determine whether biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP) PNI are associated with adverse outcomes. A secondary objective was to determine whether prostate biopsy PNI should alter surgical technique. Patients were categorized by PNI on biopsy and RP specimens. Associations between PNI, clinicopathologic characteristics, and biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates were assessed. A total of 2,500 patients undergoing open RP by a single-surgeon from 1999 to 2011 were analyzed. In unadjusted univariate analyses, biopsy PNI was significantly associated with Gleason score, clinical stage, positive surgical margins, extraprostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), positive lymph nodes, and BCR (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, EPE (p < 0.001), and SVI (p = 0.022) remained associated with biopsy PNI. Biopsy PNI was not associated with positive margins at RP (OR 1.3, 95 % CI 0.92–1.9). The presence of PNI in the final RP specimen conferred a greater than 4 times increased odds of positive margin (OR 4.6, 95 % CI 2.30–9.22; p < 0.0001). Men with PNI on biopsy were 1.5 times more likely to experience BCR (OR 1.5, 1.06–2.01). PNI on biopsy or RP specimens was not associated with overall survival. In men undergoing open RP for clinically localized prostate adenocarcinoma, biopsy PNI is associated with an increased risk of BCR. PNI on prostate biopsy was not associated with positive surgical margins after adjusting for related co-variables. The presence of PNI on prostate biopsy should not preclude utilization of a nerve-sparing approach.
Intravenous labetalol compared with intravenous nicardipine in the management of hypertension in critically Ill patients

Abstract Background Critically ill patients with acute hypertension often require titratable rapid blood pressure (BP) reductions using parenteral administration of drugs. There are few comparative studies available to make informed drug product selection decisions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes and costs of intravenous labetalol or intravenous nicardipine in the management of hypertension in critically ill patients. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients receiving intravenous labetalol or intravenous nicardipine in the intensive care unit with acute elevations in either systolic (>160 mm Hg) or diastolic (>90 mm Hg) BP. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and short-term clinical outcomes were abstracted from the medical record. Hospital costs were calculated from hospital billing forms. Results A total of 189 patients receiving labetalol and 193 patients receiving nicardipine were included in the analysis. The average hourly dose was 37.3 ± 9.4 mg/h for labetalol compared with 7.1 ± 5.6 mg/h for nicardipine (P Conclusion Our study suggests that nicardipine is a more effective antihypertensive agent than labetalol in an unselected group of patients who develop hypertension in the intensive care unit setting. A major advantage of nicardipine compared with labetalol was fewer adverse effects. Nicardipine was associated with less hypotension and bradycardia or atrioventricular block, resulting in a lower rate of drug discontinuation compared with labetalol.
Bakri balloon in the management of postpartum hemorrhage: a review.

Objective The purpose of this review is to ascertain the indications, techniques, and the associated morbidity with the use of Bakri balloon. Material and Methods A literature search using the PubMed database was conducted from 2001 to 2013. We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for complications. Results We identified 12 publications that met the inclusion criteria. Four reports provided the frequency of Bakri use during the study period, with the overall rate being 0.20% (138/69, 174; 95% CI, 0.17–0.25%). Two-thirds of use followed cesarean delivery (67%; 182/273). Uterine atony was specified as the underlying etiology of postpartum hemorrhage in 75% (9/12) of publication. The rate of balloon displacement was 10% (95% CI, 6–16%) and need for transfusion, 43% (95% CI, 32–55%). Hysterectomy was undertaken in 6% (95% CI, 4–10%). Conclusions There is a paucity of publications on Bakri balloon. Before its utilization is recommended in guidelines, a randomized clinical trial comparing uterotonics alone versus with balloon is warranted.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis of the surface chemistry of silica nanowires

A thorough analysis of the surface chemistry of silica nanowires has been performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate unexpected surface changes. Examination of the Si 2p, O 1s, and C 1s core level states before and after exposure of the nanowires to various liquid media showed that silica nanowires are capable of much higher surface hydroxyl concentrations than planar native oxides. It is further demonstrated that the nanowire surface hydroxyl concentration corresponds to the pH of the aqueous media to which the nanowires are exposed. Spectral feature changes due to water exposure similar to those observed for fibronectin binding suggests that fibronectin binding is competitively inhibited by slow changes in surface chemistry resulting from water exposure.
Excessive oxygen deficit during low-level exercise in heart failure

Abstract Although peak oxygen consumption is reduced in patients with symptomatic heart failure, the degree of limitation during routine activity often appears greater or lesser than expected from peak capacity. This study was undertaken to determine whether abnormalities could be detected during the initiation of steady-state low-level exercise, approximating routine activity, which were distinct from limitation in peak capacity. We sought to determine whether a delay in the integrated response to the increased metabolic demand caused by exercise, assessed by the oxygen deficit incurred between exercise initiation and the achievement of steady-state oxygen uptake, was present in heart failure. Low-level and symptom-limited maximal exercise tests in 33 ambulatory patients with heart failure were analyzed and compared with 9 tests in control subjects. Oxygen deficit was determined during the 8-minute low-level exercise at 20 W. During maximal exercise, as expected, patients with heart failure had lower peak oxygen uptake (16 ± 4 vs 31 ± 6 ml/kg/min) and anaerobic threshold (870 ± 270 vs 1,180 ± 370 ml/min) than controls. After 8 minutes of low-level exercise, the oxygen deficit was higher in patients than in controls (550 ± 230 vs 270 ± 100 ml, respectively, p
CONSISTENCY CONDITIONS FOR PROTON--PROTON SCATTERING AT LARGE MOMENTUM TRANSFER.

Some recent results of Abarbanel, Drell, and Gilman on high-energy proton-proton scattering are shown to be the consequence of a general property of the Baker-Blankenbecler approximation for the unitarity condition they used. The latter approximation is shown to give results generally consistent with earlier suggestions of Wu and Yang.
Some implications of the stochastic behavior of primary auditory neurons.

Stochastic behavior of primary auditory neurons illustrated by functional model subjected to steady HF sinusoidal tone bursts
Functional morphology of tongue projection in Taricha torosa (Urodela: Salamandridae)

The kinematics of tongue projection by terrestrial adult California newts, Taricha torosa (Rathke, 1833), are described based upon high-speed cinematography. Tongue projection results from coupled anterior movements of the ceratohyals and branchial arches. Four distinct periods are defined during a projection sequence: preparation, tongue projection, tongue recovery and mouth closing. Key anatomical correlates of projection are described, with special emphasis on the mobility of the hyoid arch. Adult Taricha (Gray, 1850) have lost the mandibulo-hyoid ligament and reduced additional connective tissues present in larvae. These changes decouple the hyoid arch from mouth opening and release the ceratohyals to participate in a tongue projection system distinct from those of ambystomatids and plethodontids. These phylogenetic differences pose questions about the evolution of tongue projection systems in terrestrial urodeles. Currently available data are consistent with the interpretation that terrestrial urodeles have independently evolved specialized tongue projection systems at least twice: the ceratohyal-stable mode of plethodontids and the ceratohyal-mobile system of newts. In all cases, an essential underlying (= plesiomorphic) feature is the presence of the depressor mandibulae muscle. We regard this pathway for mouth opening as a prerequisite which liberated the hyobranchium for alternative function. Comprehensive studies of the mandibulo-hyoid ligament and depressor mandibulae will be vital to modelling the evolution of specialized tongue projection systems of urodeles.
THE POINT OF KANT'S AXIOMS OF INTUITION

: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason makes important claims about space, time and mathematics in both the Transcendental Aesthetic and the Axioms of Intuition, claims that appear to overlap in some ways and contradict in others. Various interpretations have been offered to resolve these tensions; I argue for an interpretation that accords the Axioms of Intuition a more important role in explaining mathematical cognition than it is usually given. Appreciation for this larger role reveals that magnitudes are central to Kant's philosophy of mathematics and to the part that intuition plays in it.
The transient behavior of a multicomponent gas absorber

Abstract The problem of the start-up of a multicomponent plate absorber with theoretically perfect plates is investigated. In such an operation components are coupled by the phase equilibrium thermodynamics. Solutions are obtained as matrix generalizations of the binary transient solutions, and the stability of the linearized systems is demonstrated. The overall approach to steady state is also considered.
How budget constraints impact consumers' response to discount presentation formats

Purpose – This research aims to study how buyers' budget constraints influence buyers' perceptions of discounts presented in a dollars‐off versus percentage‐off format. A comparison of perceptions of discount format under budget constraints is missing from the past literature. The current research aims to fill this gap.Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on two experiments. In the first experiment, a study by Kahneman and Tversky is replicated and extended by including budget constraints. In the second experiment participants are given either a high or a low budget and then asked to compare objectively equivalent discounts that are presented in either dollars‐off or percent‐off terms. Participants' willingness to buy is recorded and used to gauge the efficacy of the discount formats under budget constraints.Findings – The research extends previous findings derived from the psychophysics of pricing. It demonstrates that, although it is believed that the attractiveness of an absolute discoun...
Investigation of biomarkers in peripheral blood cells of Pakistani chronic HCV patients with genotype 3a: an assessment of HCV-induced pathogenesis

ABSTRACT: Aim: The main objective of the current study was to measure the mRNA expression of potent genes involved in oxidative stress, fibrosis and insulin resistance in chronic HCV patients using peripheral white blood cells. Materials & methods: A total of 50 individuals were selected for this study, including 40 chronic HCV patients and ten healthy individuals. RNA was extracted from human peripheral white blood cells of chronic HCV-infected patients and healthy individuals. Transcript analysis of selected genes was performed using real-time PCR. Results: A significant increase was observed in the mRNA expression of Nox4, TGF-β, TNF-α and collagen, while a significant decrease was observed in mRNA expression of Cu/Zn SOD and IL-10. However, there was no significant change found in mRNA expression of SOCS3 and SOCS7 level. Conclusion: The current study confirms the significant expression of different genes in peripheral white blood cells of chronic HCV patients. This could be an easy, cost-efficient a...
Central nervous system neurons infected by pseudorabies virus injected into the rat urinary bladder following unilateral transection of the pelvic nerve.

Following the transection of one pelvic nerve and both hypogastric nerves, the urinary bladder of male Sprague-Dawley rats was injected with pseudorabies virus (PRV; Bartha strain). The central stump of the transected pelvic nerve was labelled with fast blue (FB), and rats were maintained for 2, 2. 5, and 3 days following viral infection. Tissue was processed with antisera against PRV and choline acetyltransferase (CAT). In the L6-S1 spinal cord, neurons in the ipsilateral intermediolateral area (IML) were labelled after 2 days. After 2. 5 days, labelled neurons were also found in the dorsal gray commissure (DGC), the ipsilateral superficial dorsal horn, and the contralateral IML area. After 3 days, many labelled neurons appeared in the superficiai dorsal horns and, bilaterally, in the L6-S1 dorsal root ganglia. In both IMLs, two groups of PRV-labelled neurons were found: (1) CAT-positive preganglionic cells and (2) smaller, CAT-negative cells located slightly dorsal to the preganglionic neurons. No other doubly stained neurons were found in the spinal cord. Contralateral DRG neurons stained for either PRV or FB or both. Ipsilateral DRG neurons stained only for PRV. PRV-immunoreactive (IR) neurons appeared in the brainstem only after 3 days. These were located primarily in the pontine micturition centers (equal numbers), the ventral locus coeruleus, and the raphe and lateral reticular areas. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
0.1 μm high aspect ratio pattern replication and linewidth control

The process for replication of high aspect ratio Au patterns typically includes x-ray lithography, RIE and electroplating. In this paper study of linewidth of dense L/S patterns in a wide range of periods is undertaken through the replication process. Effects of exposure dose, mask-wafer gap, RIE and electroplating process parameters on linewidth are addressed. We found that RIE parameters are the main factor affecting the linewidth. Based on the result of this study, we propose to introduce a bias in the mask pattern to the linewidth. Based on the results of this study, we propose to introduce a bias in the mask pattern to compensate the linewidth changes occurring during subsequent replication steps. Most interestingly, a mask with a required bias can also be produced by a self-biased process. Bias adjustment has been demonstrated for 0.1/0.1 micrometers L/S features with aspect ratio of 6. To further increase aspect ratio, a wet process is developed. An aspect ratio of 9 is achieved for 0.1 micrometers Au L/S patterns by using the wet process. With this method, the linewidth fidelity during replication is substantially improved.
Aliskiren, the first direct renin inhibitor: assessing a role in pediatric hypertension and kidney diseases.

This article provides a review of the role of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, in pediatric hypertension and kidney diseases. Among the many mechanisms involved in regulating blood pressure, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a major role. Additionally, the RAAS has been identified as a contributing factor to cardiovascular and renal diseases for more than three decades. The potential benefits of inhibiting the RAAS by aliskiren alone or in combination with other RAAS blockers (ACEIs, ARBs) seem to be theoretically promising. However, caution should be exercised in treating children, especially in those with significant chronic kidney disease until there is more evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of this new drug in the pediatric population from ongoing clinical trials.
A Qualitative Assessment of Yelp.Com Users’ Motivations to Submit and Read Restaurant Reviews

This article presents a thematic analysis of Yelp.com users’ motivations to read and articulate user-generated reviews. This study’s purpose was to identify factors of usage, trust, influence, and contribution of restaurant reviews on Yelp.com. This study found that information search reduction and community membership were the greatest factors encouraging Yelp.com use. Respondents reported trusting Yelp.com due to the community aspects of the website and felt they were able to sort out biased reviews easily. Lastly, the primary reasons for contributing reviews to Yelp.com were altruistic in nature, for example, helping other users make good purchase decisions and rewarding good businesses.
Brane gravity, higher derivative terms, and nonlocality

In brane world scenarios with a bulk scalar field between two branes it is known that 4-dimensional Einstein gravity is restored at low energies on either brane. By using a gauge-invariant gravitational and scalar perturbation formalism we extend the theory of weak gravity in the brane world scenarios to higher energies, or shorter distances. We argue that weak gravity on either brane is indistinguishable from 4-dimensional higher derivative gravity, provided that the inter-brane distance (radion) is stabilized, that the background bulk scalar field is changing near the branes and that the background bulk geometry near the branes is warped. This argument holds for a general conformal transformation to a frame in which matter on the branes is minimally coupled to the metric. In particular, Newton's constant and the coefficients of curvature-squared terms in the 4-dimensional effective action are determined up to an ambiguity of adding a Gauss-Bonnet topological term. In other words, we provide the brane-world realization of the so called $R^2$-model without utilizing a quantum theory. We discuss the appearance of composite spin-2 and spin-0 fields in addition to the graviton on the brane and point out a possibility that the spin-0 field may play the role of an effective inflaton to drive brane-world inflation. Finally, we conjecture that the sequence of higher derivative terms is an infinite series and, thus, indicates non-locality in the brane world scenarios.
Tribological issues in perpendicular recording media

As the hard disk drive industry is transitioning from longitudinal (LMR) to perpendicular (PMR) recording, a new set of reliability challenges had to be overcome. In particular, the magnetic media structure, which relies on well-segregated grains of 6–10 nm diameter, can exhibit a rough structure, with peak-to-mean amplitude of 3–6 nm. In this paper, we will discuss how this topography could affect the overall reliability of the head–disk interface. In the first part, we will illustrate the loss of adequate coverage from the overcoat on PMR media, compared to the smoother LMR media, and we will attempt to quantify the topography in terms of its deviation from a Gaussian height distribution. Particular emphasis will be given to surface outliers and their removal during the burnishing process. The second part will be devoted to the lubricant preferential migration to the grain boundaries, driven by surface tension. It will be shown by an EELS line scan that the lubricant film is indeed thicker in the valleys between the grains, in agreement with surface tension driven redistribution. Finally, we will demonstrate that the Touchdown Height (TDH) of a PMR disk is ∼0.5 nm higher than its LMR counterpart, owing to its enhanced nano-roughness. Once recognized, these challenges can be overcome through a careful and thorough optimization of the various processing parameters, eventually leading to an overall reliability level equal or better than LMR media.
Lessons on Migration, Globalization, and Social Work: Two Personal Accounts on International Field Placements in Mexico

This article describes the international experiences of two graduate social work interns who spent a summer in Mexico. It begins by detailing each of their personal experiences through the lens of migration and concludes with a reflection on the role of social work in an increasingly global world. The article describes the importance of becoming knowledgeable in global issues and advocates for social workers to collaborate with others internationally.
Hydrolysis of 3′,4′‐dichloropropionanilide by plant aryl acylamidases

Summary: Resume: Zusammenfassung Thirty-eight different agronomic and horticultural crop plants were tested for aryl acylamidase enzymes which could hydrolyse the amide bond of the herbicide, 3′,4′-dichloropropion-anilide (propanil). More than half of these plants, from ten different plant families, covering thirty genera, possessed enzymes capable of degrading propanil in this manner. Enzyme preparations from leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) appeared to be the richest source of aryl acylamidase activity. The total enzyme units present, as well as specific activities of enzymes from these plant tissue preparations, varied widely in the different plants. Hydrotyse du 3′,4′-dichtoropropionanitide par des aryt acylamytases vegetates. Trente-huit cultures differentes parmi lesquelles des plantes horticoles ont ete essayees quant a la production d'aryl acylamylases, enzymes qui pourraient hydrolyser la liaison amidede l'herbicide 3′,4′-dichloropropionanilide (propanil). Plus de la moitie de ces plantes appartenant 4 10 families differentes et representant 30 genres possedent des enzymes capables de degrader le propanil de cette maniere. Des preparations enzymatiques effectuees a partir de la feuille de laitue (Lactuca sativa L.) se sont revelees etre les sources les plus abondantes d'activite aryl acylamylase. Le total des unites enzymatiques presentes, aussi bien que les activites specifiques des enzymes extraites de ces preparations de tissus vegetaux ont varie de facon importante selon les especes vegetales. Hydrolyse von 3′,4′-Dichlorpropionanilid durch pflanzliche Arytacytamidasen Es wurden 38 verschiedene landwirtschaftliche und gartnerische Kulturpflanzen auf Arylacylamidase Enzyme untersucht, die die Amidbindung des Herbizids 3′,4′-Dichlor-propionanilid (Propanil) hydrolysieren konnten. Mehr als die Halfte dieser Pflanzen, aus zehn verschiedenen Pflanzenfamilien, 30 Gattungen einschliessend, enthielten Enzyme, die Propanil auf diese Weise abzubauen vermochten. Enzympraparationen von Kopfsalat (Lactuca sativa L.) schienen die ergiebigste Quelle fur die Arylacylamidase-Aktivitat zu sein. Die insgesamt vorhandenen Enzymeinheiten, als auch die spezifischen Aktivitaten der Enzyme der Gewebepraparationen, schwankten bei den verschiedenen Pflanzen ziemlich stark.
Predictive Value of Fetal Pulmonary Venous Flow Patterns in Identifying the Need for Atrial Septoplasty in the Newborn With Hypoplastic Left Ventricle

Background— Pulmonary venous Doppler (PVD) flow patterns in the fetus with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) have been correlated with restrictive interatrial communication or intact atrial septum (RAS) postnatally; however, the ability of PVD to identify the neonate requiring emergent atrial septoplasty (EAS) for severe left atrial hypertension and hypoxemia has not been critically evaluated. It was the purpose of this study to determine the predictive power of fetal PVD in identifying the need for EAS in newborns with HLHS and RAS. Methods and Results— Forty-one patients with fetal PVD flow analysis and postnatally confirmed HLHS were studied. Pulsed-wave assessment of PVD flow included S-, D-, and A-wave velocity, time-velocity integral (VTI) of forward and reverse flow, and S/D velocity and forward/reverse VTI ratio. Neonatal EAS was used as the primary clinical outcome variable. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine cutpoints at which PVD indices best predicted EAS. Cut...
A Monte Carlo collision model for the particle-in-cell method: applications to argon and oxygen discharges

Abstract In order to use particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation codes for modeling collisional plasmas and self-sustained discharges, it is necessary to add interactions between charged and neutral particles. In conventional Monte Carlo schemes the time or distance between collisions for each particle is calculated using random numbers. This procedure allows for efficient algorithms but is not compatible with PIC simulations where the charged particle trajectories are all integrated simultaneously in time. A Monte Carlo collision (MCC) package including the null collision method has been developed, as an addition to the usual PIC charged particle scheme which will be discussed here. We will also present results from simulations of argon and oxygen discharges, and compare our argon simulation results with experimental measurements.
Effects of deoxyglucose of platelet metabolism

Abstract 1. 1. 2-Deoxy- d -glucose metabolism by platelets was studied to determine the extent and specificity of inhibition of glycolysis, and to determine if deoxyglucose could be used to estimate uptake and phosphorylation of glucose by platelets. 2. 2. Deoxyglucose inhibited platelet glycolysis by 60% without glucose and 45% with equimolar glucose. Respiration was not affected. 3. 3. Deoxyglucose- P was accumulated in platelets at the initial rate of about 0.4 μmole/10 10 platelets per min, a rate nearly double the highest rate of glucose utilization. A nearly constant level of about 1 μmole/10 10 platelets was reached in about 5 min. 4. 4. Rate and extent of deoxyglucose- P accumulation was not dependent on insulin or on concentration of deoxyglucose from 0.8 to 10 mM, but initial rate was inhibited about 65% by equimolar glucose. 5. 5. The level of ATP decreased by 30% during the rapid phosphorylation of deoxyglucose, but this accounted for only a small part of the deoxyglucose phosphorylated, suggesting disruption of normal ATP metabolism.
Risk factors for ventral luxation in canine total hip replacement.

Objective— To identify risk factors associated with ventral luxation (VL) of canine total hip replacement (THR), and outcome. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Dogs (n=602) that had THR (563 cemented, 35 cementless, 4 hybrid). Methods— Dogs (1999–2004) with VL after THR were compared with dogs with uncomplicated THR. Data included signalment, body weight, diagnosis, implant size, acetabular cup orientation, and femoral displacement ratio (FDR). Results— VL was diagnosed in 11 (1.8%) dogs after primary THR. Including 2 other dogs that had VL after the study period, 10 (77%) of 13 dogs had VL within 7 days of surgery. Risk factors for VL included Saint Bernard-type dogs (P=.0001), short neck extension (P=.0005), and high angle of lateral opening in other breeds (P=.018). There were trends toward higher risk of VL with lower FDR in Saint Bernardtypes (P=.060), and with cementless implants (P=.061). Twelve dogs had revision arthroplasty that was successful in all cementless and 2 cemented VL cases. Five dogs had recurrent VL and a poor outcome. Conclusion— VL is generally an early complication of THR, with no single common risk factor identified. Clinical Relevance— Saint Bernard types and short neck extensions are associated with increased risk of VL. Poor cup orientation is a determining factor for VL in some dogs, but a protective orientation of the acetabular cup was not found. Revision is successful in most dogs, but recurrent VL merits a guarded prognosis.
SU-GG-I-04: Grid-Computing for Optimization of CAD

Purpose: Pilot study to utilize large scale parallel grid computing to harness the nationwide cluster infrastructure for optimization of medical image analysis parameters. Method and Materials: A previously developed CAD scheme for mass lesions in mammography was ported onto the grid computing environment by wrapping the algorithm code with the virtual data language (VDL). The CAD scheme was then configured into a parallelizable workflow by the grid‐software. The workflows were executed using two test clusters (in Santa Monica, CA and Chicago, IL) consisting of over 220 dual‐CPU nodes combined. Using the grid‐environment workflow, parameter sweeps were conducted for lesion segmentation settings based on radial‐gradient‐index (RGI) methods. Specifically, the Gaussian width (GW) used in initially filtering lesion images for segmentation was varied by increments of 1 mm from 1 to 60 mm. For each GW sweep the entire 850 biopsy‐proven mass lesion database (411 benign, 439 malignant) was analyzed. In each, 29 different mathematical descriptor features were calculated, followed by feature selection and merging with linear discriminate analysis. Diagnostic performance was estimated by ROC analysis by calculating AUC (from PROPROC) values based on both individual features alone, and merged. For merged classifiers, AUC values were found using round‐robin case‐by‐case removal and replacement. Results: Computation jobs requiring over 30 CPU hours on a single lab computer were completed in approximately 35 minutes in this preliminary study. Merged AUC values increased from 0.50 (std.err.=0.018) at GW of 1mm with, to 0.81 (std.err.=0.015) at 10mm GW, with relative plateaus across the rest of the parameter space to 60mm. Conclusion: The parameter space sweep in GW identified trends in individual feature performance as well as merged results. Large scale, computationally intensive image analysis can be carried out in a timely fashion, feasible for expedited experimental discovery, as well as for more thorough future statistical analysis.
Flavor Protein Interactions: Characteristics of 2‐Nonanone Binding to Isolated Soy Protein Fractions

THE ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS at 280 nm of 1% solutions of pure soy protein, β-conglycinin, glycinin, the acidic and basic sub-units of glycinin were 6.04, 4.4, 8.04, 7.18, and 8.8, respectively. Using equilibrium dialysis the binding affinities of these proteins for the model flavor compound 2-nonanone were determined. On an equivalent weight basis soy protein, β-conglycinin and glycinin had approximately 5,2 and 3 primary binding sites per 100,000 daltons and affinity constants (K) of 570, 3050 and 540 m-1, respectively, i.e., β-conglycinin showed a fivefold greater affinity for nonanone than the other soy protein. The acidic and basic subunits showed binding behavior similar to that of glycinin.
Monoamine transmitter activity in lateral hypothalamus during its perfusion with insulin or 2-DG in sated and fasted rat.

Abstract A unique profile of neurochemical events is proposed to occur in the diencephalon which is contingent upon the nutrient status of the animal. In this first of a series of investigations, we selected the lateral hypothalamus (LH) in order to determine its specific resting profile of monoaminergic neurotransmitters and their principal metabolites. The neuronal pattern of activity was studied during sated and fasted conditions as well as during a local glucoprivic challenge to the LH. After permanent guide cannulae for push-pull perfusion were implanted in female Sprague-Dawley rats, the LH was perfused repeatedly with an artificial CSF, at a rate of 20μl/min, in order to collect a series of 5.0 min samples. Aliquots of each perfusate were assayed directly using a high performance liquid chromatography system with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC) for pg/μl concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT). In comparison to the basal levels of amines during the sated condition, when the rat was food-deprived for 20–22 hr, the release of NE, DA, and 5-HT was significantly lower than that observed under the sated condition. Further, the turnover of NE in the LH was concurrently attenuated as reflected by the lower levels of MHPG in the perfusate, thus demonstrating the modification in catecholamine activity produced in the LH by the condition of hunger. When either 10 μg/μl 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) or 4.0 mU/μl insulin was incorporated into the CSF perfused in the LH, the efflux of DA was significantly enhanced independent of the state of satiation. In addition, the proportion of both NE and DA to 5-HT was likewise increased by either of these centrally acting substances, while the turnover of 5-HT was enhanced and NE and DA turnovers were reduced. Perfusion of 2-DG in the LH of the fasted rat caused a significant reduction in catecholemine turnover in terms of MHPG/NE, VMA/NE, DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA ratios. Moreover, 2-DG increased NE/5-HT while lowering the NE/DA ratio, and enhanced simultaneously the 5-HTOL/5-HT ratio. In the sated rat, 2-DG attenuated the release of 5-HT from the animal's LH, whereas insulin caused a shift in the proportions of NE/5-HT and DA/5-HT. Further, the peptide served to reduce the efflux of 5-HT, enhanced the turnover of 5-HT while diminishing DA turnover, and shifted the metabolism of NE from MHPG to VMA. Overall, these results demonstrate the extent of the multiple changes which occur simultaneously in the circumscribed release and turnover of 5-HT, NE and DA in the LH of the rat when it is fasted. Each of the locally delivered neuronal challenges exerts an equally distinct effect on the basic pattern of activity of the monoamine neurotransmitters. The functional significance of this neurochemical profile in the hypothalamic mechanisms underlying the control of feeding and hunger is discussed.
Vapor feed direct methanol fuel cells with passive thermal-fluids management system

Abstract The present paper describes a novel technology that can be used to manage methanol and water in miniature direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) without the need for a complex micro-fluidics subsystem. At the core of this new technology is a unique passive fuel delivery system that allows for fuel delivery at an adjustable rate from a reservoir to the anode. Furthermore, the fuel cell is designed for both passive water management and effective carbon dioxide removal. The innovative thermal management mechanism is the key for effective operation of the fuel cell system. The vapor feed DMFC reached a power density of 16.5 mW cm −2 at current density of 60 mA cm −2 . A series of fuel cell prototypes in the 0.5 W range have been successfully developed. The prototypes have demonstrated long-term stable operation, easy fuel delivery control and are scalable to larger power systems. A two-cell stack has successfully operated for 6 months with negligible degradation.
Population-based analysis of salvage radical prostatectomy with examination of factors associated with adverse perioperative outcomes.

Abstract Introduction Salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) is a potentially curative operation performed for recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy (RT). The purpose of this study was to examine perioperative and pathologic outcomes of SRP in a national cohort. Materials and methods The National Cancer Database from 1998 to 2011 was used to identify 408 patients who underwent SRP. We evaluated the demographic data, clinical variables, and pathologic and perioperative outcomes. Primary outcomes of interest were length of stay (LOS) and positive surgical margins (PSM). A multivariable logistic regression model was employed to identify preoperative predictors of LOS ≥3 days and PSM following SRP. Results Among patients undergoing SRP, the mean age was 62.5±6.8 years, mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 12.6±15.6 ng/ml, and 64% were categorized as clinical stage T1. External beam RT (89%), followed by brachytherapy (11%), was the most common modalities for primary RT. Most SRPs were performed at high-volume centers (57%) in metropolitan locations (83%). Most patients underwent a lymph node dissection (75%) and the mean node count was 15.0±30.1. On final pathology, 73% had intermediate- or high-grade disease (Gleason score 7 in 43% and Gleason score 8–10 in 30%), 49% had pT3 or pT4 disease, 6.2% had positive lymph nodes, and 34% had PSM. The mean LOS was 3.5±9.9 days, and 43% of patients had a LOS≥3 days. The 30-day readmission rate was 6.5% after SRP, and 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were extremely low at 0.4% ( n = 1). On multivariable analysis of the entire cohort, PSA level>20 ng/ml was an independent predictor of PSM (OR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.2–10.9, P = 0.018). PSA level>20 ng/ml (OR = 4.37, 95% CI: 1.2–16.2, P = 0.027) and cT2 or greater disease (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.0–6.2, P = 0.046) were associated with prolonged LOS (LOS≥3 d), whereas surgery at an academic facility (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.1–0.8, P = 0.02) reduced the odds of LOS≥3 days. Conclusions In select patients derived from a population-based cohort, SRP results in effective local cancer control with acceptable perioperative outcomes. PSA level>20 ng/ml is independently associated with PSM and prolonged LOS after SRP. Clinical stage T2 or greater disease is also associated with prolonged LOS, whereas surgery at an academic facility reduced this risk.
Observations on a thermally induced instability between rotating cylinders

Abstract The wavy disturbance which is induced by a radial thermal gradient in a Taylor stability apparatus has been studied experimentally. This type of secondary flow occurs at a lower Taylor number than the toroidal vortex motion. It appears that there is no sharp transition associated with the thermally induced disturbance when only the inner cylinder rotates. When the outer cylinder also rotates a necessary condition for the appearance of the wavy motion is that Ω 2 Ω 1 . The wave form of the wavy motion is similar to that of Tollmien-Schlichting waves observed in a frame moving with the velocity of propagation. The disturbance does not move axially but drifts azimuthally at approximately Ω 1 2 . The wave form is spiral for gradients exceeding about 5°C/cm.
Electrocautery does not interfere with the function of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator

The automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) manufactured by Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc, contains an automatic sensitivity adjustment. We tested whether this feature would prevent sensing of signals generated by electrocautery by implanting three different models of the AICD in 4 mongrel dogs. Unipolar electrocautery was applied at maximum output to a site close to the rate-sensing leads. The devices were monitored with an AICD-check probe and by auditory monitoring of QRS synchronous tones. No sensing of the electrocautery by the device occurred. Three patients with two different AICD models (1550 and 1520) underwent five surgical procedures in which electrocautery was used. No sensing of electrocautery signals, device charging, or other device malfunction occurred.
Broad reactivity trends for oxygen-isotope exchange from the near-surface regions of some metal (hydr)oxide solids

Abstract The flux of 18O from suspensions of isotopically enriched Cr(III) and Rh(III) hydroxide solids at varying temperature and pH was measured in a series of experiments. Most of these solids are metal hydroxide nanospheres that have a large surface area and a narrow distribution in particle sizes and contain inert metals (Cr(III) and Rh(III)). Using rate data for dissolved multimeric complexes as a guide, the solids were enriched in 18O under conditions that were intended to affect mostly bound water molecules (η-OH2) at the surface, but this point could not be verified. Nevertheless, the fluxes of 18O back into solution from the isotopically enriched surfaces indicate that increased pH, which partly deprotonates the surface, is surprisingly unimportant to the rate and does not measurably affect 18O fluxes. Although these data are sparse, Rh(III) solids react at rates that are lower than for Cr(III) solids, and the rates of exchange for crystalline and amorphous solids are relatively close. The results indicate that rates of ligand exchange at these surface sites are controlled dominantly by the local metal–oxygen bond strengths and that long-range forces are relatively unimportant. These experiments also indicate a strategy for measuring rates of ligand exchange from solid surfaces.
Low-temperature reactive coupling at polymer-polymer interfaces facilitated by supercritical CO2

Supercritical CO2 (scCO2) has been used to facilitate reactions in thin film bilayers between functionalized polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) at temperatures far below the glass transition temperatures of the respective polymers. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is used to monitor the reaction progression directly by measuring the interfacial excess of deuterated PS. Complementary X-ray reflectometry (XR) yields the interfacial width and surface roughness of bilayer films for reactive systems with and without the addition of scCO2, and comparisons are made with unreactive reference systems. From XR and SIMS analyses, the interfacial width and roughness have been found to be effectively independent of the reaction conditions employed here, and the primary impact of incorporated scCO2 is enhanced mobility of the reactive polymer chains. The use of scCO2 can change polymer mobility significantly enough over a very small temperature range (DTw15 8C) so that both diffusion- and reaction-controlled type behavior can be observed for otherwise identical systems. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Integration of simulation and geographic information systems: modeling traffic flow in inland waterways

This paper describes the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) with simulation modeling of traffic flow on inland waterways. Two separate modeling efforts are described: (a) GIS/AutoMod modeling of barge traffic on the Ohio River, and (b) GIS/Arena modeling of the transit of ocean-going vessels through the Panama Canal. These modeling efforts demonstrate the benefits that accrue both to modeling realism and to the initialization process with discrete-event models of traffic flow on these waterways.
Joint estimation of multiple clinical variables of neurological diseases from imaging patterns

This paper presents a method to estimate multiple clinical variables associated with neurological pathologies from brain images, aiming to quantitatively evaluate continuous transition of neurological pathologies from the normal to diseased state. Built upon morphological measures derived from structural MR brain images, a Bayesian regression method is developed to jointly model multiple clinical variables for capturing their inherent correlations and suppressing noise. Coupled with a feature selection technique, the regression method is used to build a joint estimator of multiple clinical variables associated with Alzheimer's disease from structural MR brain images of elderly individuals. The cross-validation results demonstrate that the proposed method has superior performance over existing techniques.