cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered organization of face‐processing networks in temporal lobe epilepsy

HHS Public Access Author manuscript Author Manuscript Epilepsia. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 May 01. Published in final edited form as: Epilepsia. 2015 May ; 56(5): 762–771. doi:10.1111/epi.12976. Altered organization of face processing networks in temporal lobe epilepsy Jeffrey D. Riley, MD 1 , Brett W. Fling, PhD 1 , Steven C. Cramer, MD 1,2 , and Jack J. Lin, MD 1 1 Department of Neurology University of California, Irvine. Irvine, CA, USA 2 Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine. Irvine, CA, USA Author Manuscript SUMMARY Objective—Deficits in social cognition are common and significant in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), but the functional and structural underpinnings remain unclear. The present study investigated how the side of seizure focus impacts face processing networks in temporal lobe epilepsy. Author Manuscript Methods—We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of a face processing paradigm to identify face responsive regions in 24 individuals with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (Left = 15; Right = 9) and 19 healthy controls. fMRI signals of face responsive regions ispilateral and contralateral to the side of seizure onset were delineated in TLE and compared to the healthy controls with right and left side combined. Diffusion tensor images were acquired to investigate structural connectivity between face regions that differed in fMRI signals between the two groups. Results—In temporal lobe epilepsy, activation of the cortical face processing networks varied according to side of seizure onset. In temporal lobe epilepsy, the laterality of amygdala activation was shifted to the side contralateral to the seizure focus while controls showed no significant asymmetry. Furthermore, compared to controls, patients with TLE showed decreased activation of the occipital face responsive region in the ipsilateral side and an increased activity of the anterior temporal lobe in the contralateral side to the seizure focus. Probabilistic tractography revealed that the occipital face area and anterior temporal lobe are connected via the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, which in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy showed reduced integrity. Author Manuscript Significance—Taken together, these findings suggest that brain function and white matter integrity of networks subserving face processing are impaired on the side of seizure onset, accompanied by altered responses on the side contralateral to the seizure. Keywords Face processing; Temporal lobe epilepsy; Inferior longitudinal fasciculus; Brain network alteration Corresponding Author: Jack J. Lin, M.D. University of California, Irvine 100 Irvine Hall Irvine, CA 92697 linjj@uci.edu. DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST JJL has received speaker's honorarium from UCB-Pharma and Sunovion Pharmaceutical. We confirm that we have read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines.
Role of membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase and gelatinase A in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma invasion in vitro.

Abstract The proteolytic activity of gelatinase A, a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, is considered to be a critical factor in tumor cell penetration of the extracellular matrix. To express catalytic activity, however, gelatinase A requires activation by another MMP, membrane type 1–matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). The head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line, UM-SCC-1, forms a quiescent monolayer atop collagen unless stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF; 3.5 nmol/L), which induces single cell invasion within 48 hours. To determine the role of the MT1-MMP/gelatinase A protease system in an in vitro stromal invasion model, expression vectors for MT1-MMP and gelatinase A were transfected into UM-SCC-1 (SCC-1/MT and SCC-1/gelA, respectively). SCC-1/MT tumor cells were found to invade in the absence of growth factor stimulation. Additionally, these cells displayed shorter onset to invasion and penetrated deeper into the collagen gel with EGF stimulation than did control vector transfectants. SCC-1/gelA cells similarly demonstrated invasion in the absence of EGF and a heightened invasive potential under EGF-stimulated conditions. These results suggest that the MT1-MMP/gelatinase A protease system participates in squamous cell carcinoma invasion of collagenous matrices. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:337-43.)
Protein function prediction using decision trees

We present an automated protein function prediction system that is based on a set of homologous proteins and gene ontology categories. A novel measure based on a set of optimal local alignments is used to identify the homologues. The biological functions of the homologous proteins are characterized with gene ontology annotations. The protein function prediction is performed based on data mining models using decision trees. The tree models depict the interconnections between biological functional groups, which reflect, in certain degree, the underlying biological pathways. The models are trained and tested using the complete proteome of model organism yeast (Sacchyromyces cerevisiae). The results of this study demonstrate the variations of model accuracy and prediction accuracy from one functional group to another. The variations illustrate certain limitations of sequence similarity based protein function prediction methods. However, basic assumption of similar sequences resulting similar functions is still largely valid. The models developed outperform the methods that are solely depends on the annotations of homologous proteins, although the model is to be used as a preliminary tool for protein function prediction and the prediction results need to be verified through other means. The results show that the prediction accuracies for most of the functional groups are over 80%.
Thermal transitions and heat‐sealing of glycerol‐plasticized whey protein films

Transparent, flexible whey protein-based edible films plasticized with glycerol were produced by wet (solution-casting) and dry (twin-screw extrusion followed by compression-molding) processes. The relationship between the thermal transitions and the heat-sealability of the whey protein-based edible films was investigated. Differential Scanning Calorimetry showed the existence of endothermic peaks with an onset transition temperature of 156.3 ± 1.4°C for both the solution-cast and extruded films. Films were heat-sealed using an impulse heat-sealer at an effective jaw pressure of 293.31 kPa, a voltage of 15 V and a cooling time of 4 s. Various impulse times, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 s, were used to heat-seal the films. A thermocouple was used to measure the heat-sealing temperatures at each impulse time. Heat-sealing temperatures ranged between 126.1 ± 9.0 and 204.0 ± 5.4°C for the shortest and longest impulse times, respectively. Seal strengths were determined using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Film thickness appeared to have an effect on seal strength; higher strengths were achieved for thinner films, which, in this case, were the solution-cast films. Thicker (extruded) films required a longer minimum impulse time to achieve a heat-seal. The highest seal strength (433.07 ± 39.37 N/m) was obtained with solution cast films (thickness of 0.13 ± 0.01 mm) sealed with an impulse time of 2 s (164.6 ± 5.1°C). Impulse times above 2.5 s (204.0 ± 5.4°C) resulted in degradation of both solution-cast and extruded films. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The optical solution in biosensing

The optical approach in biosensing is reviewed with particular attention devoted to medical diagnostics.
Baroclinic Instability in the Solar Tachocline

The solar tachocline is likely to be close to a geostrophic 'thermal wind', for which the Coriolis force associated with differential rotation is closely balanced by a latitudinal pressure gradient, leading to a tight relation between the vertical gradient of rotation and the latitudinal entropy gradient. Using a hydrostatic but nongeostrophic spherical shell model, we examine baroclinic instability of the tachocline thermal wind. We find that both the overshoot and radiative parts of the tachocline should be baroclinicly unstable at most latitudes. Growth rates are roughly five times higher in middle and high latitudes compared to low latitudes, and much higher in the overshoot than in the radiative tachocline. They range in e-folding amplification from 10 days in the high latitude overshoot tachocline, down to 20 yr for the low latitude radiative tachocline. In the radiative tachocline only, longitudinal wavenumbers m = 1, 2 are unstable, while in the overshoot tachocline a much broader range of m are unstable. At all latitudes and with all stratifications, the longitudinal scale of the most unstable mode is comparable to the Rossby deformation radius, while the growth rate is set by the local latitudinal entropy gradient. Baroclinic instability in the tachocline competing withmore » instability of the latitude rotation gradient established in earlier studies should be important for the workings of the solar dynamo and should be expected to be found in most stars that contain an interface between radiative and convective domains.« less
p+ Emitters on n-Type c-Si dry-etched with nitrogen trifluoride and passivated with ALD aluminum oxide

The photovoltaics industry is expected to slowly transition from p-type mono-Si cells to n-type mono-Si over the next several years. Diffusion of boron into silicon to fabricate a p+ emitter can result in an efficiency-reducing boron rich layer (BRL) which can be removed reliably with an NF 3 dry-etch process. The emitter should be passivated with a film that does not result in minority carriers being attracted to its surface. Boron was diffused from a-Si films deposited by PECVD on both sides of n-type Si substrates of 3.3 ohm-cm. The emitters were dry etched with nitrogen trifluoride (NF 3 ). Best results for effective lifetime (198 µs) and emitter saturation current (31.6 fA/cm2) were realized on a sample etched to 89 Ω/□ from 71 Ω/□, then passivated with 10 nm of Al 2 O 3 and 70 nm of SiN X and subsequently annealed in N 2 /H 2 @ 450 °C for 60 minutes.
Reconstruction-optimized lapped orthogonal transforms

Packetized image communication over lossy channels presents a reconstruction problem at the decoder. To date, reconstruction algorithms have been developed for fixed coding techniques. This paper examines the dual problem-a block-based coding technique, namely a family of lapped orthogonal transforms (LOTs), is designed to maximize the reconstruction performance of a fixed reconstruction algorithm. Mean-reconstruction, in which missing coefficient blocks are replaced with averages of their available neighbors, is selected for simplicity and implementation ease. A reconstruction criterion is defined in terms of mean-squared error, and is used to define the reconstruction gain. A family of LOTs is then designed to consider both reconstruction gain and coding gain. Reconstruction capability and compression are exchanged, and the LOT family consists of transforms that provide increasing reconstruction capability with lower coding gain. A transform can therefore be selected based on channel loss characteristics, desired reconstruction performance, and desired compression.
Reaction of trimethylaluminium with main group hydroxides: a non-hydrolysis route to methylalumoxane

Reaction of AlMe3 with [(tBu)2Ga(μ-OH)]3 or Ph3EOH (E = Sn, Pb) yields catalytically active MAO, [MeAlO]n, along with (tBu)2GaMe and Ph3EMe, respectively, in contrast, the reaction with Ph3EOH (E = C, Si, Ge) yields [Me2Al(μ-OEPh3)]2; the formation of MAO is proposed to occur via hydroxide exchange and the formation of unstable [Me2Al(μ-OH)]n; the propensity towards alkane elimination versus hydroxide exchange is controlled by the relative Bronsted acidity of the main group hydroxide.
Nonisothermal kinetics of spinel crystallization in a HLW glass

Nonisothermal kinetics of spinel crystallization in a high-level waste (HLW) glass was predicted using Mehl-Avrami-Johnson-Kolmogorov equation coefficients from isothermal data. The volume fraction of spinel was determined as a function of time, temperature, and cooling rate. The results were verified experimentally. Also predicted was the spatial distribution of spinel in a HLW glass canister. Finally, a parameter study was performed, and an empirical equation was proposed relating the final spinel volume fraction in glass to dimensionless numbers for cooling rate, phase equilibrium, and crystallization kinetics.
A Stochastic Model of Turbulent Mixing for the Prediction of Burn Rate in a Spark-Ignition Engine

Abstract A model for predicting the burn rate of a premixed and stratified internal combustion engine is developed. The model involves an ignition period dominated by mslecular and turbulent diffusion and a combustion period dominated by turbulent diffusion. A correlation based on a deterministic model for the structure of turbulence is used. This correlation employs turbulent flow characteristics and the laminar flame speed. A statistical model based on turbulence characteristics which employs a Monte Carlo technique to follow the mixing process is developed to describe the combustion period. This model is used to predict the effects of spark advance, exhaust gas recirculation, and stroke variation on the burn rate of a premixed charge engine with no intake swirl. The effect of mixture stratification is also explored. The model agrees well with the experimental data and predicts the correct trend for the effect of spark advance, exhaust gas recirculation, and stroke variation. With increased mixture stra...
Functional studies of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis iron-dependent regulator.

Abstract The iron-dependent regulator (IdeR) protein in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and its better characterized homologue, the diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR) from Corynebacterium diphtheriae, are iron-dependent regulatory proteins that control gene expression in response to iron availability in bacteria. IdeR regulates several genes required for iron uptake and storage including those involved in the synthesis of transition metal chelators called siderophores that are linked to the M. tuberculosis virulence. In this study, the metal ion and binding affinities for IdeR binding to an fxbA operator duplex DNA were estimated using fluorescence assays. The Fe2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ affinities of the two metal ion binding sites in IdeR that are involved in the activation of the regulator DNA binding process in vitro were independently estimated. Binding to the two metal ion binding sites is apparently cooperative and the two affinities differ significantly. Occupation of the first metal ion binding site causes dimerization of IdeR, and the metal ion affinity is about 4 μm for Ni2+ and much less for Fe2+ and Co2+. Binding of the second metal ion fully activates IdeR for binding to the fxbA operator. The equilibrium metal ion dissociation constants for IdeR-fxbA operator binding are ∼9 μm for Fe2+,13 μm for Ni2+, and 23 μm for Co2+. Interestingly, the natural IdeR cofactor, Fe2+, shows high affinities toward both binding sites. These results provide insight into the possible roles for each metal binding site in IdeR activation.
Determination of degree of energy restriction necessary to reduce DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis in rats during the promotion phase

This study was designed to determine the degree of energy restriction necessary to achieve significant inhibition of mammary tumor promotion in rats treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). A control group of rats was fed a diet containing 5% corn oil ad libitum. Four other groups were pair-fed to the controls; these rats were subjected to energy restriction of 10, 20, 30, or 40%. Weight gains among the groups were proportional to energy intake. The differences in weight were due primarily to reductions in body fat stores. Tumor incidence was reduced slightly by 20% calorie restriction and significantly by 30 and 40% restriction. There were also reductions in number of tumors per tumor-bearing rat and in mean tumor weight. The groups subjected to 30 and 40% energy restriction had significantly reduced serum levels of insulin in the fasting state. These data suggest that body weight, body fat, and fasting serum insulin correlate with susceptibility to mammary tumor promotion and that insulin may be a growth factor for DMBA-induced tumors.
Resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in field populations of the Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

BACKGROUND: Neonicotinoid insecticides were first used commercially for Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say),Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae]controlintheUnitedStatesin1995,andsincethenhavebeencriticalformanagementofthis pest. Field populations from the northeastern and midwestern United States were tested from 1998 to 2010 for susceptibility to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam using standard topical dose assays with adults. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2001, imidacloprid resistance was present in only a few locations in the eastern United States. By 2003, imidacloprid resistance was common in the northeastern Unites States. In 2004, imidacloprid resistance in Colorado potato beetle was detected for the first time in the midwestern United States. In 2003, the first case of resistance to thiamethoxam was found in a population from Massachusetts. Neonicotinoid resistance in summer-generation adults was higher than in overwintered adults from the same locations. By 2009, 95% of the populations tested from the northeastern and midwestern United States had significantly higher LD50 values for imidacloprid than the susceptible population. CONCLUSIONS:Theincreasingresistancetoneonicotinoidinsecticidesraisesconcernsforthecontinuedeffectivemanagement of Colorado potato beetles in potatoes and highlights the need for more rigorous practice of integrated pest management methods. c � 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The perioperative management of a patient with lowe syndrome for general anesthesia − A case report −

Lowe syndrome (the oculo-cerebro-renal syndrome of Lowe, OCRL) is a multi-system disorder that affects the eyes, nervous system, and kidney. OCRL is a rare X-linked recessive disease with a prevalence of approximately 1：500,000. The clinical features of OCRL include congenital cataracts, growth and mental retardation, areflexia, hypotonia, and renal tubular dysfunction (Fanconi-type). Chronic metabolic acidosis and hypotonia may be the most important component affecting management of the peri-anesthetic period during general anesthesia. However, problems such as electrolyte imbalance, seizure, fragility of the bone structures, and increased intraocular pressure should also be considered during the perioperative period. We report here the perioperative management of a patient with Lowe syndrome during the removal of multiple scalp cysts under general anesthesia. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2009; 56: 112～5)
Modelling whole blood oxygen equilibrium: comparison of nine different models fitted to normal human data.

The ability of nine different models, prominent in the literature, to meaningfully characterize the oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium curve (OHEC) of normal individuals was examined. Previously reported data (N=33), obtained using the DCA-1 (Radiometer, Copenhagen), and new data (N=8), obtained using the Hemox-Analyzer (TCS, Southampton, PA), from blood samples of normal, non-smoking volunteers were used and these devices were found to give statistically similar results. The OHECs were digitized and fitted to the models using least-squares techniques developed in this laboratory. The “goodness-of-fit” was determined by the root-mean-squared (RMS) error, the number of parameters, and the parameter redundancy, i.e., correlation between the parameters. The best RMS error did not necessarily indicate the best model. Most literature models consist of ratios of similar-order polynomials. These showed considerable parameter redundancy which made the curve fitting difficult. The best fits gave RMS errors as low as 0.2% saturation. The Hill model gave a good characterization over the saturation range 20%–98% with RMS errors of about 0.6% saturation. On the other hand, good characterizations over the entire range were given by several other models. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each model have been compared as well as the difficulties in fitting several of the models. No single model is best under all circumstances. The best model depends upon the particular circumstances for which it is to be utilized.
Design and Thermodynamic Analysis of a Steam Ejector Refrigeration/Heat Pump System for Naval Surface Ship Applications

Naval surface ships should use thermally driven heating and cooling technologies to continue the Navy’s leadership role in protecting the marine environment. Steam ejector refrigeration (SER) or steam ejector heat pump (SEHP) systems are thermally driven heating and cooling technologies and seem to be a promising technology to reduce emissions for heating and cooling on board naval surface ships. In this study, design and thermodynamic analysis of a seawater cooled SER and SEHP as an HVAC system for a naval surface ship application are presented and compared with those of a current typical naval ship system case, an H2O-LiBr absorption heat pump and a vapour-compression heat pump. The off-design study estimated the coefficient of performances (COPs) were 0.29–0.11 for the cooling mode and 1.29–1.11 for the heating mode, depending on the pressure of the exhaust gas boiler at off-design conditions. In the system operating at the exhaust gas boiler pressure of 0.2 MPa, the optimum area ratio obtained was 23.30.
A complex with nitrogen single, double, and triple bonds to the same chromium atom: Synthesis, structure, and reactivity

A nitrogen-based analogue of the Schrock and Clark “yl-ene-yne” complex, W(CBut)(CHBut)(CH2But)(dmpe), has been prepared. The new complex is the nitrido, imido, amido anion [NCr(NPh)(NPri2)2]−, which was structurally characterized with the [K(crypt-2.2.2)]+ counterion. The “Cr–N 1-2-3” complex was prepared from NCr(NHPh)(NPri2)2, which exists as this nitrido–amido tautomer, rather than the bis(imido) Cr(NH)(NPh)(NPri2)2. By selection of electrophile, the nitrido–imido salt K[NCr(NPh)(NPri2)2] can undergo reaction at either the imido or the nitrido to form unusual examples of nitrido or bis(imido) complexes.
Competing motivations and ditransitive encoding and ordering

The paper proposes that the three main ditransitive alignment patterns result from the competition between the Event Construal Constraint (ECC) motivated from event semantics and the Animacy(/Definiteness) Hierarchy Constraint (AHC) motivated from inherent role properties. The ECC and the AHC lead, respectively, to the Theme (T) and the Recipient (R) of a ditransitive verb being coded in the same way as the Patient (P) of a monotransitive verb. The competition model also correctly predicts the difference in the frequency of the indirective and secundative alignments. The indirective preference in flagging results from flagging’s being more sensitive to event role properties (cf. ECC) and the secundative preference in indexing results from indexing’s being more sensitive to animacy and definiteness (cf. AHC). Moreover, the paper argues that both the ordering of R and T nominal arguments in flagging and the ordering of R and T bound forms in indexing can be successfully accounted for through the interaction of the following constraints: the Animacy (/Definiteness) Effect on Ordering, the Weight Effect on Ordering, and the Coding Effect on Ordering (i.e. which ditransitive role is coded in the same way as the P).
Enhanced N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine toxicity in mice deficient in CuZn-superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase.

Administration of N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to mammals causes damage to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway similar to that observed in Parkinson disease (PD). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of MPTP-mediated dopaminergic neurodegeneration. To further clarify the role of superoxide anion radical (.O 2 and to study the possible involvement of hydroperoxides in MPTP-mediated neurodegeneration, MPTP neurotoxicity was induced in mice deficient in either CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD), a scavenger enzyme for.O 2 , or cellular glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx-1), a scavenger enzyme for hydroperoxides. Littermate control and homozygous deficient mice were injected intraperitoneally with a total cumulative dose of 0, 75, or 150 mg/kg of MPTP delivered over 5 d. All mice were killed 5 d after the last injection and the brains were processed for immunohistological analysis for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the striatum and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), as well as for direct measurements of dopamine concentrations in the striatum. The intensity of TH immunoreactivity in the striatum was evaluated by measuring the relative optical density (OD) with NIH IMAGE, and expressed as Log (OD of striatum)/Log (OD of white matter). Degeneration of TH-containing neurons was assessed by counting TH-positive neurons in the SNc. We found that this MPTP exposure protocol produced dose-dependent depletion of TH immunoreactivity and dopamine in the striatum in littermate control mice and both strains of knockout mice; however, reduction in TH immunoreactivity and dopamine content were significantly greater in CuZn-SOD or GSHPx- I deficient mice compared with littermate controls. MPTP exposure did not significantly alter the number of TH-positive neurons in the SNc in littermate control or knockout mice. These data suggest that some of the deleterious effects of MPTP on striatal dopaminergic nerve terminals are mediated by both.O 2 and hydroperoxides, and that they occur prior to dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the SNc. The similarity between the MPTP model and PD raises the possibility that both types of ROS may play a significant role in the early pathogenesis of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD.
Male/Female (Size) Polyethism in Workers of Odontotermes distans Holmgren and Holmgren (Isoptera: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae)

In studies of a single nest, eight foraging parties, and eight swarming sites, large (male) workers and small (female) workers of Odontotermes distans Holmgren and Holmgren differed greatly in their participation in such colony activities as attendance on the queen (grooming and egg-tending), foraging, and aggregation at emergence holes during swarming of alates. Whereas small workers composed 57% of all workers taken from a fungus comb located near the royal chamber, they composed 96% of the workers attending the queen. Large workers, on the other hand, made up nearly 99% of the workers in foraging parties and 70% at swarming-site exit holes. Percentages of large workers at swarming sites usually decreased as the evening advanced. Biometric studies showed that this species follows other macrotermitinids in having three larval stages and only one worker stage in each of the two worker lines.
The Bounded Convergence Theorem

(1974). The Bounded Convergence Theorem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 81, No. 4, pp. 387-389.
Studies of Planar Defects in Silver Plate-Like Crystals by CBED and Hrtem Techniques

Electron diffraction patterns with incidence of f.c.c. plate-like crystals prepared by gas evaporation technique show forbidden spots such as the $$1/3.4\bar 2\bar 2$$ spot. The origin of the spots has been explained in terms of planar defects such as (i) fractional unit cells on (111) surfaces, (ii) repeated thin twins and (iii) stacking faults or hexagonal layers. In the present study, the defect structures are examined by CBED and HRTEM techniques. The CBED pattern of the platelet shows three-fold symmetry for the whole pattern. The dark field patterns of $$ \pm \;1/3.4\bar 2\bar 2$$ discs show symmetry of $$\hat 1$$ . These features prove that the platelet ha-s no center of symmetry for the three dimensional crystal (3m) and irregular arrangements of twins parallel to (111) planes. The electron micrographs taken along the and directions can give “cross-section” images of the platelet. The images show a few repeated twins with a thickness of several nm. The dark field images taken with the forbidden spots with incidence show weak step contrast. The contrast may be due to fractional unit cells. Consequently, the forbidden spots of the platelet are mostly due to the fractional unit cells.
New Experimental Results on the Goldbach Conjecture

(1965). New Experimental Results on the Goldbach Conjecture. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 38, No. 2, pp. 72-80.
Development of urinary concentrating capacity: role of aquaporin-2

The capacity to concentrate urine develops progressively during postnatal life in most mammalian species. Here we have examined whether low expression of the arginine vasopressin (AVP)-activated water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) may be a limiting factor for the concentrating capacity in the infant rats. Urine osmolality in response to 24-h dehydration increased significantly from 10 to 40 days of age. The most rapid increase occurred during the weaning period, i.e., days 15-20. A similar developmental pattern was observed for AQP-2 mRNA levels in the renal medulla. AQP-2 protein levels also increased markedly from day 10 to 40. Immunohistochemistry revealed that AQP-2 was exclusively located in collecting duct principal cells both in infant and adult rats but that the signal was much weaker in infants. To further examine the relationship between urinary concentrating capacity and AQP-2 expression, we treated rats with a single injection of betamethasone, which is known to accelerate maturation in several organs. Twenty-four hours after treatment, there was an increase in urine osmolality, renal medullary AQP-2 mRNA, and AQP-2 protein levels in infant but not in adult rats. A single injection of a specific V2 agonist caused within 6 h significant increase of AQP-2 mRNA in both infant and adult. The expression of the mRNA of three other transporters involved in the concentrating process, medullary Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, and epithelial chloride channel also increased during the weaning period and were upregulated by glucocorticoids. We conclude that there is a well-synchronized development of the many of the components that determine the concentrating capacity and that the low expression of AQP-2 is one of the limiting factors for low concentrating capacity in infants.
Comparing Self-Report and Observations to Assess the Implementation of an In-Home Program Serving At-Risk Families

Assessing the implementation of home visitation interventions for families with at-risk children is an essential component of effective service delivery; however, collecting implementation assessment data is expensive. This study examined two different methods of assessing the adherence and quality of a home visitation program, provider self-reports of service delivery, and video observations of the home visit that assessed a total of 64 sessions. Detailed transcriptions were also coded with regard to quality of skills instruction. The two implementation assessment methods overlapped considerably regarding whether a core topic was discussed during the home visit and the percentage of time spent during the average session on many of the core components. Areas of divergence between the two assessment methods are reviewed. Implications for supervision and quality improvement efforts of home visitation providers are discussed.
The Use of Pulse Oximetry for Objective Quantification of Vascular Injuries in the Hand.

BACKGROUND Efficient identification of dysvascular finger(s) following trauma is critical for triaging surgical care and optimizing patient outcomes. The authors designed a study evaluating an objective measure of digital hypoxia followed by surgical exploration and correlation with vascular injury. METHODS Patients with lacerating or penetrating trauma to the hand or digits were examined. A pulse oximeter was applied to the injured digit, and the oxygen saturation was recorded. The nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess for differences in pulse oximetry for digits with and without an ischemic-type injury that required repair. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to determine cut-points. RESULTS Twenty patients with digital lacerations were enrolled, with a total of 49 digit measurements of pulse oximetry. Twelve dysvascular injuries requiring repair or amputation were confirmed in the operating room. There was a significant difference in pulse oximetry measurement in digits with (76 percent; 95 percent CI, 64 to 87 percent) and without (98 percent; 95 percent CI, 97 to 99 percent) ischemic injury (p < 0.001). Injured digits ranged in pulse oximetry values from 53 to 92 percent. CONCLUSIONS Pulse oximetry is widely available and offers an objective measure of tissue oxygenation. No digit with a pulse oximetry value of at least 95 percent had an ischemic injury, and all digits with a pulse oximetry value of 84 percent or lower required operative vascular treatment. Based on these data, pulse oximetry should be adopted as a routine measure for the evaluation and communication of a potentially dysvascular digit.
Rehabilitation of the Injured Knee

The basis of rehabilitation is to return the patient to the preinjury status. The physician must recognize that muscle is made up of both Type I and Type II fibers, Type I having endurance and Type II having speed capabilities. Immobilization for long periods of time is destructive to the ligaments, muscles, and cartilage of the affected area. Some immobilization is required, however, for the healing of tissues. The basis of any postinjury rehabilitation program should take into account that controlled motion can decrease the deleterious effect of immobilization. At the same time, it allows for healing. The ranges of motion that are allowed must be determined for each specific injury. An approach to determining the losses in the psychological and physiologic states of the patient is identified and recommendations for rehabilitation are given.
Life cycle assessment of steel in the ship recycling industry in Bangladesh

Abstract The ship recycling industry in Bangladesh provides necessary scrap metal for domestic steel products, such as rebar for construction. These recycled products may represent a dramatic reduction in energy consumption and ecological footprint when compared to production from virgin iron ore. A life cycle assessment approach is used to evaluate energy use and emissions, from when the ships is transported from the originating country for dismantling of retired ships in Chittagong, to the end recyclers (rerolling mills and light engineering shops) in Dhaka. The secondary rebar produced from the scraps saves 16.5 GJ of primary energy per ton of rebar and 1965 kg of CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions per ton of rebar when compared to primary rebar. This study compared different unit operations of steel scrap processing to assess their relative environmental impacts, including Global Warming Potential (GWP), resource use in terms of MJ primary energy, human health, and ecosystem quality. This study finds that the rerolling activities that happen outside of the yards are responsible for the most damage. Adverse impacts in in-yard processing and beached ship cutting are generated by the use of liquid oxygen and the use of gas torches. Changes in cutting methods or use of protective gear during cutting will largely reduce the local environmental and health impacts.
Purchase Options, ROFRs, and ROFOs: Theory and Practice

“Purchase Options, ROFRs, and ROFOs: Theory and Practice” is a review of the contract and real estate law principles governing purchase options, rights of first refusal, and rights of first offer. The first section of the paper focuses on how contract law and property law principles address the common issues lawyers face with options, rights of first refusal, and rights of first offer. The second section of the paper discusses what the law and economics literature and game theory offer to lawyers dealing with rights of first refusal and rights of first offer. The third section of the paper analyzes recent cases that invoke theory to resolve practical problems in this area of law. The paper pays special attention to the applicable provisions of the Restatement (Third) of Property: Servitudes.
Consumer-aware load control to provide contingency reserves using frequency measurements and inter-load communication

We consider the problem of smart and flexible loads providing contingency reserves to the electric grid based on using local frequency measurements. The impact on consumers must be minimized at the same time. A recent paper by Zhao et al. proposed a solution to this optimization problem that was based on solving the dual problem in a distributed manner: local measurements and information exchanged with nearby loads are used to make decisions. In this paper, we provide a distributed algorithm to solve the primal problem. In contrast to the “dual algorithm” (DA) of Zhao et al., the proposed algorithm is applicable when consumer disutility is a convex, but not necessarily strictly convex, function of consumption changes; for example, a model of consumer behavior that is insensitive to small changes in consumption. Simulations show the proposed method aids the grid in arresting frequency deviations in response to contingency events. We provide a proof of convergence of the proposed algorithm, and we compare its performance to that of DA, when applicable, through simulations.
An Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Amplification Loop That Enforces Cell Migration in ER-/PR-/Her2- Human Breast Cancer Cells

The endogenous ligand-activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays an important role in numerous biologic processes. As the known number of AHR-mediated processes grows, so too does the importance of determining what endogenous AHR ligands are produced, how their production is regulated, and what biologic consequences ensue. Consequently, our studies were designed primarily to determine whether ER-/PR-/Her2- breast cancer cells have the potential to produce endogenous AHR ligands and, if so, how production of these ligands is controlled. We postulated that: 1) malignant cells produce tryptophan-derived AHR ligand(s) through the kynurenine pathway; 2) these metabolites have the potential to drive AHR-dependent breast cancer migration; 3) the AHR controls expression of a rate-limiting kynurenine pathway enzyme(s) in a closed amplification loop; and 4) environmental AHR ligands mimic the effects of endogenous ligands. Data presented in this work indicate that primary human breast cancers, and their metastases, express high levels of AHR and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO); representative ER-/PR-/Her2- cell lines express TDO and produce sufficient intracellular kynurenine and xanthurenic acid concentrations to chronically activate the AHR. TDO overexpression, or excess kynurenine or xanthurenic acid, accelerates migration in an AHR-dependent fashion. Environmental AHR ligands 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo[p]dioxin and benzo[a]pyrene mimic this effect. AHR knockdown or inhibition significantly reduces TDO2 expression. These studies identify, for the first time, a positive amplification loop in which AHR-dependent TDO2 expression contributes to endogenous AHR ligand production. The net biologic effect of AHR activation by endogenous ligands, which can be mimicked by environmental ligands, is an increase in tumor cell migration, a measure of tumor aggressiveness.
Volume of Larvae Is the Most Important Single Predictor of Mass Temperatures in the Forensically Important Calliphorid, Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Calliphorid species form larval aggregations that are capable of generating heat above ambient temperature. We wanted to determine the relationship between volume, number of larvae, and different combinations of instars on larval mass heat generation. We compared different numbers of Chrysomya megacephala (F.) larvae (40, 100, 250, 600, and 2,000), and different combinations of instars (∼50/50 first and second instars, 100% second instars, ∼50/50 second and third instars, and 100% third instars) at two different ambient temperatures (20 and 30 °C). We compared 13 candidate multiple regression models that were fitted to the data; the models were then scored and ranked with Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion. The results indicate that although instar, age, treatment temperature, elapsed time, and number of larvae in a mass were significant, larval volume was the best predictor of larval mass temperatures. The volume of a larval mass may need to be taken into consideration for determination of a postmortem interval.
New findings of functional anova with applications to computational finance and statistics

The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for square integrable functions on [0, 1]d is becoming a widely used tool for the exploratory analysis of functions in areas from bioinformatics, finance, statistics, and so on. It enables us to quantify the notion that some variables and interactions are much more important than others as well as identifying them. This ANOVA result forms a global sensitivity analysis distinct from local methods based on partial derivatives, and therefore, sheds light on how variables interact with each other on the whole space of [0,1]d. Saltelli, Chan, and Scott (2000) provide a survey of global sensitivity analysis with numerous applications in the physical sciences. Within the ANOVA formulation, we can measure variable importance for both individuals and groups, via numerical integration. Sobol' and his co-authors (Sobol' 1990; Sobol' 1993; Archer, Saltelli, and Sobol' 1997; Sobol' 2001) have developed unbiased Monte Carlo methods for estimating global sensitivity indices expressed through variances of ANOVA component functions. The ANOVA of [0,1]d involves 2 d − 1 effects and corresponding mean squares. For moderately large d, it becomes difficult to estimate them all. It is much less difficult to estimate certain interpretable weighted sums of these mean squares, which can address such issues as bounds on effective dimensions, and the effectiveness of Quasi-Monte Carlo method. This dissertation develops some new theory and algorithms for the ANOVA of [0,1]d. It defines a superset importance measure, which can be useful in studying the full interaction of all variables. One of the larger contributions of this dissertation is that, through some identities, it connects global sensitivity indices and the afore-defined superset importance measure to some weighted sums of mean squares, which significantly reduces computational complexity. Then, grouped ANOVA brings the theoretical study one step further. The dissertation also uses these techniques to investigate various functions, from financial valuation, and extreme value theory to bootstrap.
Hypoxia‐inducible factors: coupling glucose metabolism and redox regulation with induction of the breast cancer stem cell phenotype

Reduced oxygen availability (hypoxia) leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the electron transport chain. Here, I review recent work delineating mechanisms by which hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) mediates adaptive metabolic responses to hypoxia, including increased flux through the glycolytic pathway and decreased flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, in order to decrease mitochondrial ROS production. HIF-1 also mediates increased flux through the serine synthesis pathway and mitochondrial one-carbon (folate cycle) metabolism to increase mitochondrial antioxidant production (NADPH and glutathione). Dynamic maintenance of ROS homeostasis is required for induction of the breast cancer stem cell phenotype in response to hypoxia or cytotoxic chemotherapy. Consistently, inhibition of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, the first enzyme of the serine synthesis pathway, in breast cancer cells impairs tumor initiation, metastasis, and response to cytotoxic chemotherapy. I discuss how these findings have important implications for understanding the logic of the tumor microenvironment and for improving therapeutic responses in women with breast cancer.
Two-Stage Focused Inference for Resource-Constrained Minimal Collision Navigation

The operation of mobile robots in unknown environments typically requires building maps during exploration. As the exploration time and environment size increase, the amount of data collected and the number of variables required to represent these maps both grow, which is problematic since all real robots have finite resources. The solution proposed in this paper is to only retain the variables and measurements that are most important to achieve the robot's task. The variable and measurement selection approach is demonstrated on the task of navigation with a low risk of collision. Our approach has two stages: first, a subset of the variables is selected that is most useful for minimizing the uncertainty of navigation (termed the “focused variables”). And second, a task-agnostic method is used to select a subset of the measurements that maximizes the information over these focused variables (“focused inference”). Detailed simulations and hardware experiments show that the two-stage approach constrains the number of variables and measurements. It can generate much sparser maps than existing approaches in the literature, while still achieving a better task performance—in this case (fewer collisions). An incremental and iterative approach is further presented, in which the two-stage procedure is performed on subsets of the data, and thus, avoids the necessity of performing a resource-intensive batch selection on large datasets.
Identification of a transcriptional activation domain in yeast repressor activator protein 1 (Rap1) using an altered DNA-binding specificity variant.

Repressor activator protein 1 (Rap1) performs multiple vital cellular functions in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These include regulation of telomere length, transcriptional repression of both telomere-proximal genes and the silent mating type loci, and transcriptional activation of hundreds of mRNA-encoding genes, including the highly transcribed ribosomal protein- and glycolytic enzyme-encoding genes. Studies of the contributions of Rap1 to telomere length regulation and transcriptional repression have yielded significant mechanistic insights. However, the mechanism of Rap1 transcriptional activation remains poorly understood because Rap1 is encoded by a single copy essential gene and is involved in many disparate and essential cellular functions, preventing easy interpretation of attempts to directly dissect Rap1 structure-function relationships. Moreover, conflicting reports on the ability of Rap1-heterologous DNA-binding domain fusion proteins to serve as chimeric transcriptional activators challenge use of this approach to study Rap1. Described here is the development of an altered DNA-binding specificity variant of Rap1 (Rap1AS). We used Rap1AS to map and characterize a 41-amino acid activation domain (AD) within the Rap1 C terminus. We found that this AD is required for transcription of both chimeric reporter genes and authentic chromosomal Rap1 enhancer-containing target genes. Finally, as predicted for a bona fide AD, mutation of this newly identified AD reduced the efficiency of Rap1 binding to a known transcriptional coactivator TFIID-binding target, Taf5. In summary, we show here that Rap1 contains an AD required for Rap1-dependent gene transcription. The Rap1AS variant will likely also be useful for studies of the functions of Rap1 in other biological pathways.