cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathologic evaluation of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes in vulvar cancer patients: a comparison of immunohistochemical staining versus ultrastaging with hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the value of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) found to be negative for metastatic disease by ultrastaging with hematoxylin and eosin (HE 12 groins were positive for metastatic disease and 30 were negative based on ultrastaging with eosin and hematoxylin staining. A total of 107 sentinel lymph nodes (2.5 SLN per groin) were obtained, of which 18 SLN contained metastatic disease identified by ultrastaging and staining with H&E. Two SLN contained micrometastasis less than 0.3mm in size and 16 SLN contained metastasis greater than 2mm in size. Eighty-nine SLN found to be negative for metastasis by ultrastaging with H&E staining were also negative for micrometastasis on evaluation with pancytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3 IHC staining. Conclusion The addition of immunohistochemical staining to ultrastaging with H&E staining in the pathologic evaluation of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes does not increase the detection of micrometastasis in patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.
Local-geometric-projection method for noise reduction in chaotic maps and flows.

We describe a method for noise reduction in chaotic systems that is based on projection of the set of points comprising an embedded noisy orbit in R d toward a finite patchwork of best-fit local approximations to an m-dimensional surface M'⊂R d , m≤d
Compensation systems: A risk-return based conceptualization

Abstract Financial theory is utilized to introduce a risk return based conceptualization of compensation systems which complements compensation theory and practice. This framework extends the conventional characterization of compensation by providing a foundation for a theory of organizational pay systems in which the interrelationships among conventional pay sub-constructs, including level, form and mix, is delineated. Specifically, a a set of testable hypotheses are developed at the organization and employee levels which proposes how these pay sub-constructs are interrelated. This conceptualization provides the necessary theoretical basis from which additional research and practice on pay may unfold. Examples of how a risk return conceptualization can be utilized in both compensation research and practice are provided. In particular, the risk return approach is shown to be a useful diagnostic tool towards implementation of “flexible compensation” systems and a “total compensation” approach.
Automated determination of parameters describing power spectra of micrograph images in electron microscopy

The current theory of image formation in electron microscopy has been semi-quantitatively successful in describing data. The theory involves parameters due to the transfer function of the microscope (defocus, spherical aberration constant, and amplitude constant ratio) as well as parameters used to describe the background and attenuation of the signal. We present empirical evidence that at least one of the features of this model has not been well characterized. Namely the spectrum of the noise background is not accurately described by a Gaussian and associated "B-factor;" this becomes apparent when one studies high-quality far-from focus data. In order to have both our analysis and conclusions free from any innate bias, we have approached the questions by developing an automated fitting algorithm. The most important features of this routine, not currently found in the literature, are (i). a process for determining the cutoff for those frequencies below which observations and the currently adopted model are not in accord, (ii). a method for determining the resolution at which no more signal is expected to exist, and (iii). a parameter-with units of spatial frequency-that characterizes which frequencies mainly contribute to the signal. Whereas no general relation is seen to exist between either of these two quantities and the defocus, a simple empirical relationship approximately relates all three.
Spurious dimension from correlation algorithms applied to limited time-series data

An algorithm devised for measuring the dimension of a strange attractor from a time series is applied both to autocorrelated Gaussian noise and to a dynamical system. It is analytically shown that a finite sequence of stochastic data---where by ``finite'' it is meant that N2${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{m/2}$, where N is the number of points in the sequence, \ensuremath{\tau} is the autocorrelation time (in units of sampling period), and m is the embedding dimension---exhibits anomalous structure in its correlation integral. The anomaly is seen numerically in both stochastic and dynamical data. Unrecognized, it can lead to unnecessarily inaccurate and possibly spurious estimates of dimension. We propose a slight modification of the standard algorithm which eliminates this difficulty.
Quantifying selection in high-throughput Immunoglobulin sequencing data sets

High-throughput immunoglobulin sequencing promises new insights into the somatic hypermutation and antigen-driven selection processes that underlie B-cell affinity maturation and adaptive immunity. The ability to estimate positive and negative selection from these sequence data has broad applications not only for understanding the immune response to pathogens, but is also critical to determining the role of somatic hypermutation in autoimmunity and B-cell cancers. Here, we develop a statistical framework for Bayesian estimation of Antigen-driven SELectIoN (BASELINe) based on the analysis of somatic mutation patterns. Our approach represents a fundamental advance over previous methods by shifting the problem from one of simply detecting selection to one of quantifying selection. Along with providing a more intuitive means to assess and visualize selection, our approach allows, for the first time, comparative analysis between groups of sequences derived from different germline V(D)J segments. Application of this approach to next-generation sequencing data demonstrates different selection pressures for memory cells of different isotypes. This framework can easily be adapted to analyze other types of DNA mutation patterns resulting from a mutator that displays hot/cold-spots, substitution preference or other intrinsic biases.
Extracellular acid block and acid-enhanced inactivation of the Ca2+-activated cation channel TRPM5 involve residues in the S3-S4 and S5-S6 extracellular domains.

Abstract TRPM5, a member of the superfamily of transient receptor potential ion channels, is essential for the detection of bitter, sweet, and amino acid tastes. In heterologous cell types it forms a nonselective cation channel that is activated by intracellular Ca2+. TRPM5 is likely to be part of the taste transduction cascade, and regulators of TRPM5 are likely to affect taste sensation. In this report we show that TRPM5, but not the related channel TRPM4b, is potently blocked by extracellular acidification. External acidification has two effects, a fast reversible block of the current (IC50 pH = 6.2) and a slower irreversible enhancement of current inactivation. Mutation of a single Glu residue in the S3-S4 linker and a His residue in the pore region each reduced sensitivity of TRPM5 currents to fast acid block (IC50 pH = 5.8 for both), and the double mutant was nearly insensitive to acidic pH (IC50 pH = 5.0). Prolonged exposure to acidic pH enhanced inactivation of TRPM5 currents, and mutant channels that were less sensitive to acid block were also less sensitive to acid-enhanced inactivation, suggesting an intimate association between the two processes. These processes are, however, distinct because the pore mutant H896N, which has normal sensitivity to acid block, shows significant recovery from acid-enhanced inactivation. These data show that extracellular acidification acts through specific residues on TRPM5 to block conduction through two distinct but related mechanisms and suggest a possible interaction between extracellular pH and activation and adaptation of bitter, sweet, and amino acid taste transduction.
Accelerating Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Lung Tumor Tracking Based on Low-Rank Decomposition in the Spatial–Temporal Domain: A Feasibility Study Based on Simulation and Preliminary Prospective Undersampled MRI

Summary To study the feasibility of accelerating dynamic MRI acquisition, we evaluate the performance of a low-rank decomposition method (k-t SLR) for reconstructing heavily down-sampled kspace data. The k-t SLR method is shown to recover images with little degradation and is generally superior to compressed sensing reconstruction of individual imaging frames. Our preliminary prospective MRI acquisition and reconstruction support this observation. Purpose: To evaluate a low-rank decomposition method to reconstruct down-sampled k-space data for the purpose of tumor tracking. Methods and Materials: Seven retrospective lung cancer patients were included in the simulation study. The fully-sampled k-space data were first generated from existing 2-dimensional dynamic MR images and then down-sampled by 5 � -20 � before reconstruction using a Cartesian undersampling mask. Two methods, a low-rank decomposition method using combined dynamic MR images (k-t SLR based on sparsity and low-rank penalties) and a total variation (TV) method using individual dynamic MR frames, were used to reconstruct images. The tumor trajectories were derived on the basis of autosegmentation of the resultant images. To further test its feasibility, k-t SLR was used to reconstruct prospective data of a healthy subject. An undersampled balanced steady-state free precession sequence with the same undersampling mask was used to acquire the imaging data. Results: In the simulation study, higher imaging fidelity and low noise levels were achieved with the k-t SLR compared with TV. At 10 � undersampling, the k-t SLR method resulted in an average normalized mean square error 1 mm with 10 � down-sampling using k-t SLR, as opposed to 17% using TV. In the prospective study, k-t SLR substantially reduced reconstruction artifacts and retained anatomic details. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance reconstruction using k-t SLR on highly undersampled dynamic MR imaging data results in high image quality useful for tumor tracking. The k-t SLR was superior toTVbybetterexploitingtheintrinsicanatomiccoherenceofthesamepatient.Thefeasibilityofk-t SLRwasdemonstratedbyprospectiveimagingacquisitionandreconstruction.2014ElsevierInc.
Left iliac artery injury during anterior lumbar spine surgery diagnosed by intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring

Serious vascular injury is a rare, but potentially devastating complication during anterior lumbar spinal surgery. The authors describe the first reported case where vascular injury was detected by multimodality neurophysiological monitoring during an L3-S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion. The case demonstrates the need for multi-modality monitoring and the combined use of somatosensory-evoked potentials and motor-evoked potentials.
The influence of nutrition on IGF-1 in tube-fed profoundly retarded adults.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine whether IGF-1 concentrations are low in nonambulant profoundly retarded adults and to identify associated nutritional factors.Methods: Serum IGF-1, albumin, pre-albumin, creatinine, zinc (Zn) and plasma amino acids were measured before and after a four-week 25% increase in formula in 25 individuals, divided into those fed by day (Group A) or by night (Group B).Results: Circulating IGF-1 was low in nine of the 22 subjects (40.9%) included in the analysis. Mean IGF-1 increased 10.4% (p=0.004). Despite high intakes of essential amino acids and Zn, initial mean plasma tryptophan and phenylalanine were low, and serum Zn was low in 40.9% of subjects. Plasma tryptophan was low at both samplings and correlated with circulating IGF-1 concentrations (p=0.02) at the beginning of the study. Serum IGF-1 and Zn also correlated (p=0.02) initially.Conclusions: IGF-1 is commonly low in this population and is associated with low plasma amino acid and Zn concentrations, despi...
Enhancement of Natural Convection by Impingement of Corona Wind

The enhancement of heat transfer by corona wind reported in the literature has ranged from 16% to 2500%. It is suspected that such a huge variation has to do with the measurement of temperatures involved. The objective of the present study is to reevaluate the heat transfer enhancement by such technique. To accurately assess the heat transfer enhancement, a thermal imaging system has been used for temperature measurement. A corona wind generator is used to produce air jet directly impinging the heat transfer surface (which is a grounded copper plate of 10 cm by 10 cm uniformly heated by a thermofoil heater). The applied voltage varies from 8 kV to 12 kV with two gap distances of 3 cm and 4 cm between the electrodes.
Robust system identification with noisy experimental data: projection operator and linear algorithms

Abstract In this paper we consider the problem of robust system identification with noisy time or frequency response measurement data. It is shown here that any linear identification algorithm which is convergent in the noise free case can be made robustly convergent in the presence of noise by incorporating a simple projection operator into the algorithm. The computational simplicity and faster rate of convergence distinguish this approach from other existing robustly convergent nonlinear identification techniques.
SU‐E‐J‐24: Imaging Dose Dependence On Fractionation Scheme and Tracking Method in CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery

Purpose: Imaging dose in robotic radiosurgery is analogous to cone‐beam computed tomography imaging for stereotactic radiosurgery: there needs to be a balance between increasing imaging to increase targeting accuracy versus reducing imaging to lower imaging dose. We study the effect of fractionation scheme and tracking method upon reducing imaging dose. Methods: The imaging system of the Accuray CyberKnife consists of two ceiling‐mounted kilovoltage x‐ray tubes and two accompanying floor‐mounted amorphous silicon flat‐panel detectors. The x‐ray tubes have 2.5 mm Al filtration and are capable of 40‐125 kV, 25‐300 mA, and 1‐500 ms. A cohort of 427 patients from two institutions using CyberKnife was retrospectively reviewed to determine the number of images taken during treatment. This database was analyzed to determine if different fractionation schemes or tracking methods affected the number of images. Results: Over all patients, the median number of images taken was approximately 400, which was an estimated entrance skin exposure of about 0.5 Gy. This number was found to be most dependent upon the fractionation scheme and tracking method. The amount of imaging increased 400% when switching between one‐fraction and three‐fraction treatments. Additionally, the amount of imaging increased 150% between skull and spinal tracking. Between the two institutions, differences were found in the absolute magnitude in images taken due to the sampling interval chosen. Dose differences were also observed as a Result of operator adjustment of kV, mAs, or exposure time. Conclusion: This study provides supplemental information to AAPM TG‐75, which did not examine imaging dose in robotic radiosurgery. The imaging dose was found to vary widely but was most strongly dependent upon fractionation scheme and tracking method. We identified three methods with the potential to decrease imaging dose by 300%.
On the Annual Variation in Height of the Tropical Tropopause

Abstract The existence of an annual variation in height and temperature of the tropopause over tropical regions has long been recognized, but has not been fully explained. In this paper it is proposed that the variation is a fairly direct response to the annual variation in average tropical surface insolation. The variation in insolation causes a corresponding annual cycle in average tropical sea surface temperature with a total range of order 1 K. The consequent variation in absolute humidity in turn produces an annual variation in upper tropospheric potential temperatures, and hence in the height and temperature of the tropopause. The physical link between the surface and the tropopause is provided by convection in the cores of the giant cumulonimbus clouds (hot towers) of the tropical oceanic regions, in which air parcels can achieve the maximum possible heating by release of latent heat. The process is modeled quantitatively in a simplified way, and excellent agreement is found between the predicted a...
Brownian Excursions and Minimal Thinness. I

Integral-type criteria for thinness and minimal thinness are given for a class of sets. A Kolmogorov-type criterion for Brownian excursions is obtained as a corollary.
Hunting and trapping the vascular endothelial growth factor.

the angiogenic response in HIF-1alpha–deficient colon cancer cells. Nat Med 11:992-997, 2005 16. Batchelor TT, Sorensen AG, di Tomaso E, et al: AZD2171, a pan-VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, normalizes tumor vasculature, and alleviates edema in glioblastoma patients. Cancer Cell 11:83-95, 2007 17. Willett CG, Duda DG, di Tomaso E, et al: Efficacy, safety, and biomarkers of neoadjuvant bevacizumab, radiation therapy, and fluorouracil in rectal cancer: A multidisciplinary phase II study. J Clin Oncol 27:3020-3026, 2009 18. Zhu AX, Sahani DV, Duda DG, et al: Efficacy, safety, and potential biomarkers of sunitinib monotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A phase II study. J Clin Oncol 27:3027-3035, 2009 19. Shojaei F, Wu X, Malik AK, et al: Tumor refractoriness to anti-VEGF treatment is mediated by CD11b Gr1 myeloid cells. Nat Biotechnol 25:911-920, 2007 20. Hurwitz H, Fehrenbacher L, Novotny W, et al: Bevacizumab plus irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin for metastatic colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med 350:2335-2342, 2004 21. Miller K, Wang M, Gralow J, et al: Paclitaxel plus bevacizumab versus paclitaxel alone for metastatic breast cancer. N Engl J Med 357:2666-2676, 2007 22. Giantonio BJ, Catalano PJ, Meropol NJ, et al: Bevacizumab in combination with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFOX4) for previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer: Results from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study E3200. J Clin Oncol 25:1539-1544, 2007 23. Heymach JV, Paz-Ares L, De Braud F, et al: Randomized phase II study of vandetanib alone or with paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line treatment for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol 26:5407-5415, 2008 24. Hanrahan EO, Ryan AJ, Mann H, et al: Baseline vascular endothelial growth factor concentration as a potential predictive marker of benefit from vandetanib in non–small-cell lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res 15:3600-3609, 2009
Epidemiology of Goblet Cell and Microvesicular Hyperplastic Polyps

OBJECTIVES:Serrated polyps compromise both typical hyperplastic polyps as well as sessile serrated adenomas and dysplastic serrated polyps. Hyperplastic polyps exhibit two histological patterns: microvesicular hyperplastic polyps (MVHPs) and goblet cell hyperplastic polyps (GCHPs). MVHPs and GCHPs d
Effect of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) type on pregnancy rate after embryo transfer in rats.

Abstract Because the mtDNA is maternally inherited, embryos resulting from matings or artificial inseminations have the same type of mtDNA as that of the mother. However, when embryos are transferred the mtDNA of the embryos may be different to that of the recipient and this may interfere with maternal recognition and the establishment of pregnancy. This study was done to determine whether differences in the mtDNA between embryos and recipients would influence the survival to term of transferred embryos.A total of 1,220 rat embryos were recovered from non-superovulated donors of known mtDNA type. The number and distribution of developmental stages of embryos collected from 51 rats of mtDNA type A (n = 595) were not different (P>0.05) from those collected from 50 rats of mtDNA type B (n = 625). The overall pregnancy rate after transfer of embryos to pseudopregnant rats was 54% ( 26 48 ). The pregnancy rate was not affected (P>0.05) by the type of mtDNA of the recipient or of the embryo, and the interaction between mtDNA type of embryos and recipients was also not significant (P>0.05). Embryonic survival to birth was low ( 78 622 , 12.5%) but was not affected (P>0.05) by the type of mtDNA of the recipient ( A = 28 250 ; B = 50 372 ) or of the embryo ( A = 41 306 ; B = 37 316 ). Survival of pups to weaning was affected by the type of mtDNA of the embryo (P 0.05) and the interaction between mtDNA type of embryos and recipients was also not significant (P>0.05). More pups (P 34 41 ) survived to weaning age than pups from donor rats of mtDNA type B ( 18 37 ). These results indicate that differences in the type of mtDNA between embryos and recipients do not interfere with establishment of pregnancy in pseudopregnant recipients.
Performance data for a six-sample look-ahead

This paper is a sequel to a previous papcr which described the (1,7)ML channel with five-sample look-ahcad detection algorithm. It presents a modification to the prevoins (I ,7)ML algorithm, which requires six-sample look-ahead and improves the performance in the presence of non-lincarities and other non-Gaussian noise components. The paper also pre- sents data comparing the (I ,7)ML channel to the convcntional peakdetection channel.
A simple scale height model of the electron density in Saturn's plasma disk

[1] A study of electron densities in Saturn's inner magnetosphere is presented using measurements of the upper hybrid resonance frequency obtained from the Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument on the Cassini spacecraft. The study uses data from the first 16 months of operation in orbit around Saturn. The distribution of density data spans latitudes up to 20° and ranges from 3.6 ≤ L ≤ 8.6. The results are compared to a simple centrifugal potential model for the plasma density. The measurements for 5 ≤ L ≤ 8.6 yield a good fit to an equatorial electron density profile that varies as n0 = (51,880) L−4.1 cm−3 and a plasma scale height that varies as H = (0.047) L1.8 RS, where RS is the radius of Saturn. The measurements for L < 5 are more variable, most likely due to plasma injection effects by Saturn's moon Enceladus which is a known source of neutral gas. A contour map of the electron densities derived from the centrifugal potential model is presented over the entire range of L values and latitudes analyzed, using cubic polynomials to represent the radial profiles of the equatorial electron density and the plasma scale height.
Anomalous Optoelectronic Properties of Chiral Carbon Nanorings…and One Ring to Rule Them All(23.)

Carbon nanorings are hoop-shaped, π-conjugated macrocycles that form the fundamental annular segments of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). In a very recent report, the structures of chiral carbon nanorings (which may serve as chemical templates for synthesizing chiral nanotubes) were experimentally synthesized and characterized for the first time. Here in our Letter we show that the excited-state properties of these unique chiral nanorings exhibit anomalous and extremely interesting optoelectronic properties with excitation energies growing larger as a function of size (in contradiction with typical quantum confinement effects). Although the first electronic excitation in armchair nanorings is forbidden with a weak oscillator strength, we find that the same excitation in chiral nanorings is allowed because of a strong geometric symmetry breaking. Most importantly, among all the possible nanorings synthesized in this fashion, we show that only one ring, corresponding to a SWNT with chiral indices (n+3,n+1), is extremely special with large photoinduced transitions that are most readily observable in spectroscopic experiments.
The relationship of resiliency to decision making and risk behaviors of cancer-surviving adolescents.

Abstract Adolescents with a history of cancer frequently engage in risk behaviors. The purpose of this correlational study was to explore factors that affect decision making and risk behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, and illicit drug use) of cancer-surviving adolescents. A sample of 52 teen survivors participated at two cancer centers. In addition to a medical record review and IQ testing, several psychosocial measures were administered in a semistructured interview with the teen survivor. Three antecedent factors (cognitive function, resiliency, and role modeling of risk behaviors by parents and peers) were examined in a hierarchical regression model to predict decision making. These same factors, with an additional mediating variable (decision making), were examined in a hierarchical logistic regression model to predict risk behaviors in teen survivors. In the decision-making model, adjusted for demographic covariates, resiliency was a marginally significant predictor of decision making. As nonresiliency increases, quality of decision making may decrease for teen survivors. In the model to predict risk behaviors, four factors (cognitive function, resiliency, role modeling, and decision making) were added to the basic model, controlling for the same covariates. Resiliency and decision making were highly significant predictors of one or more risk behaviors. Nonresilient teen survivors with poor-quality decision making are more likely to engage in risk behaviors of substance use and need intervention that is aimed at improving decision-making skills to reduce these behaviors.
Tracheotomy Tube Occlusion Status and Aspiration in Early Postsurgical Head and Neck Cancer Patients

The purpose of the present study was to investigate tracheotomy tube occlusion status and prevalence of aspiration utilizing videofluoroscopy. A prospective study was done of 16 consecutive, early, postsurgical head and neck cancer patients with tracheotomy. Selection criteria included the ability to tolerate tracheotomy tube occlusion prior to and during the modified barium swallow procedure, oral and/or pharyngeal surgical resection, no history of neurological disease or stroke, and medical clearance to begin oral feeding. There was 100% agreement among the independent reviewers on ratings of the presence or absence of aspiration. It was found that occlusion status of the tracheotomy tube did not influence the prevalence of aspiration in the immediate postoperative period. No trends were observed when comparing bolus consistency, type of tracheotomy tube, or presence/absence of a nasogastric tube and the ratings of aspiration.
Bilateral visual cross-integration by human forebrain commissurotomy subjects.

Abstract Four forebrain commissurotomized patients were compared with one partially commissurotomized control subject on their ability to cross-compare simultaneously flashed bilateral visual stimuli (colors, schematic faces, numbers, letters, patterns) as same or different, or to name the two stimuli. Two of the four patients were able to cross-compare some or all of the stimuli verbally, while another patient could name the two stimuli but not separately determine same-difference. It is hypothesized that (1) each cerebral hemisphere is capable of making separate verbal naming responses, and (2) brainstem interconnections between the ‘disconnected’ hemispheres allow some patients to integrate bilateral visual stimuli and make accurate same-different judgments.
Purification of histone ubiquitin ligases from HeLa cells

Posttranslational histone modifications play an important role in regulating chromatin based nuclear processes including transcription. Of these modifications, histone ubiquitination is among the least understood. Histone ubiquitination predominately targets histones H2A and H2B. While ubiquitination of H2B is evolutionarily conserved from budding yeast to mammals, ubiquitination of H2A has not been detected in budding yeast, worms, or plants. Until recently, studies of histone ubiquitination lagged far behind the study of other histone modifications, largely because antibodies specific for ubiquitinated histones are difficult to generate. Despite this obstacle, the identification of the enzymatic machineries involved in histone ubiquitination, together with the successful use of a combination of genetic and immunoblot approaches to detect ubiquitinated histones, have helped to reveal important regulatory roles for this modification in transcriptional initiation and elongation, cell cycle progression, and DNA damage response. With the aid of the recently developed ubiquitinated histone-specific antibodies, an intriguing link between histone ubiquitination and cancer development has been established. While the enzymes involved in H2B ubiquitination were identified first in budding yeast and subsequently in higher organisms based on gene homology, the identification of the enzymatic machineries involved in H2A ubiquitination largely depended on a biochemical purification approach. The unbiased search for ubiquitin ligases targeting histones also led to the identification of a H3 and H4 ubiquitin ligase. Here we detail a protocol for the biochemical approach to identify histone ubiquitin ligase(s) from HeLa cells. Similar approaches have been successfully used to identify histone methyltransferases, histone demethylases, chromatin remodeling factors, and general transcription factors. So long as an in vitro enzymatic assay can be established, the approach we describe can be easily adapted to identify other histone and non-histone modifying enzymes.
Newborn resuscitation and anesthesia responsibility post-cesarean section.

KH was 411⁄2 weeks pregnant when she presented to the staff at the hospital in the early morning hours on 5/22/91. At that time, her amniotic sac had already ruptured; however, her labor progressed slowly and, several hours later, at 9:40 AM, KH’s cervix had dilated to only 4 cm. The fetal heart monitor, which had been attached on admission, showed the fetus’ heart rate (HR) as “stable and strong.” However, between 10:05 AM and 10:24 AM, the fetal monitor strip showed decelerations indicating hypoxia. At 10:30 AM, Dr. C, KH’s obstetrician, noted significant decelerations on the fetal monitor strip and a significant amount of blood in KH’s pelvic cavity. Dr. C at that time believed that KH was experiencing a placental abruption. In addition, during Dr. C’s examination, there were some momentary flat line readings on the fetal monitor strip. Thus, at 10:36 or 10:37 AM, Dr. C ordered an immediate and emergency cesarean section (C-section). Nursing staff then called for anesthesiologist Dr. Y. Further, Dr. G, the neonatologist on call, who was on her way to another hospital, also was called. The fetal monitor was disconnected from 10:41 to 10:46 AM while KH was being prepared for surgery. At 10:47 AM, when the monitor was reconnected, the monitoring strip showed some improvement in the fetus’ HR. At 10:50 AM, Dr. Y began administering anesthesia to KH, and by 11:02 or 11:03 AM, Dr. C began the C-section. RO was born at 11:09 AM. Dr. C noted that the placental abruption experienced by KH was not complete but it was severe. Dr. C also noted that RO was depressed and limp without any appreciable breathing upon delivery. After delivery, Dr. C handed RO to Dr. Z, a family practitioner assisting with the birth. Dr. Z noted that RO’s mouth and nose contained bloody mucus, and RO’s HR was only 60 bpm. Dr. Z attempted to resuscitate RO but was unsuccessful. After these efforts, at 11:10 AM, when RO was 1 minute old, Dr. Z requested anesthesiologist Dr. Y’s assistance to resuscitate RO. RO’s Apgar score at this time was 3: RO was given a 0 for breathing; 0 for muscle tone; 1 for responsiveness (RO had a minimal reflexive response to suctioning); 1 for skin color (RO was not totally blue); and 1 for HR (60 bpm). Dr. Y attempted to open an airway for RO by performing deep suctioning and then intubating RO’s trachea. After intubation, Dr. Y attached an Ambu bag and began bagging RO.
Ondansetron in the treatment of cognitive decline in Alzheimer dementia.

The authors performed a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of ondansetron (20 μg/day and 100 μg/day) in treating cognitive decline in 185 patients with Alzheimer disease. Although ondansetron was well tolerated without any serious drug-related side effects, the study failed to demonstrate any significant cognitive improvement.
Interaction of basic drugs with lipid bilayers using liposome electrokinetic chromatography.

Purpose. This study explores factors influencing the interactions of positively charged drugs with liposomes using liposome electrokinetic chromatography (LEKC) for the development of LEKC as a rapid screening method for drug-membrane interactions.
Phase II evaluation of paclitaxel, α-interferon, and cis-retinoic acid in advanced renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Interferon and 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-CRA) therapy showed clinical response rates of 30% in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This combination also enhanced sensitivity to paclitaxel in a bcl-2 and mutant p53 expressing renal carcinoma cell line. Based on this, the authors conducted a Phase II clinical trial of the combination of interferon, 13-CRA, and weekly paclitaxel, in advanced RCC. METHODS The eligibility criteria consisted of unresectable or metastatic RCC, measurable disease, a Southwest Oncology Group performance status of 0–2, and adequate bone marrow, hepatic, and renal function. Prior cytotoxic or immunologic treatment including interferon was permitted. Paclitaxel was administered at a dose of 80 mg/m2 as a 1-hour intravenous infusion on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle. Interferon was administered at a dose of 3 million units subcutaneously daily and 13-CRA at 1 mg/kg/day orally in 2 divided doses for the first 21 days of each cycle. RESULTS Twenty-one patients were enrolled with a median age of 52 years, 16 males and 5 females, 10 patients with no prior therapy, 5 each with prior interleukin-2 or interferon therapy, and 1 patient with both. Four patients had also received prior investigational chemotherapy. A total of 61cycles were administered with a median of 2 per patient. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were neutropenia in three patients, anemia in four patients, and asthenia, skin rash, and hypersensitivity reaction in one case each. Of the 20 evaluable patients, one objective partial response was observed for a duration of 7+ months. Seven patients had disease stabilization. The median survival of the entire population was 9.5 months (range, 4–18+ months). CONCLUSIONS The combination of 13-CRA, interferon, and weekly paclitaxel was well tolerated and had minimal efficacy in advanced RCC. Cancer 2001;92:519–23. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Stability of Transgenes in Blueberry

The stability of transgenes was investigated in highbush blueberry cultivars transformed with either gus A (and npt II for selection with kanamycin) in ‘Aurora’ or bar in ‘Legacy’. Transgenic ‘Auro...
Sensory and chemical characteristics of selected gulf of Mexico coastal herring species

Gulf of Mexico coastal herrings may become an important alternative fisheries resource for U.S. commercial fisherman. Effects of on board handling on sensory characteristics of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) and rough scad (Trachurus lathami) were investigated. Proximate and fatty acid composition of chub mackerel, rough scad, round scad (Decapturus punctatus), round herring (Etrumeus teres), and silver rag (Ariomma bondi) were determined to provide nutritional and product formulation data. Chub mackerel and rough scad had similar sensory characteristics found in other commercial species, which, with proper on board handling, could be maintained during frozen storage. Proximate and fatty acid compositions of the fish varied by species, season, and year.
APPLICATION OF A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH FOR DETERMINING POSSIBLE REACTION MECHANISMS: METHANOL SYNTHESIS AND ANODIC OXIDATION OF ZINC

A systematic enumeration of possible reaction mechanisms consistent with a given set of chemical species and elementary steps is useful in guiding research in heterogeneous reaction systems which are encountered in catalysis and electrochemistry. In this paper, the synthesis of methanol by catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide and the anoidic oxidation of zinc in alkaline solutions are presented as two examples of the usefulness of such an approach. The technique utilized to generate the reaction mechanisms is based upon combinatorial analysis, linear algebra and the principle of microscopic reversibility. In the case of methanol synthesis, it is shown that in addition to the two currently proposed mechanisms, there exist two alternate reaction pathways each of which involves the hydrogenation of a formyl species to form a surface methoxide. One of these mechanisms has recently been proposed for a ZnO catalyst, however there remains an additional mechanism for consideration. For the case of anodic zi...
Synthesis of glucaminium-based ionic liquids and their application in the removal of boron from water.

A novel class of ionic liquids (ILs), exhibiting high selectivity towards boron species as well as the ability to phase separate from water, were synthesized from N-methyl-D-glucamine. The complexation of boric acid/borate with the ILs was confirmed using 11B NMR.
A metric for rating the effectiveness of industrial automation systems using a derivative of function point analysis

This paper describes the on-going design of a factory automation performance and satisfaction metric that is based on variations to the function point analysis (FPA) algorithm used in software engineering and analytical hierarchy process methodology common to systems engineering. The paper asserts that a satisfaction rating can be obtained for completed automation projects based on this tautology. The metric uses five high-level functional ratings, which are subdivided according to complexity criteria. The value of the metric is modified by calculating the effect of 14 appropriate adjustment factors. A level of configurability is added by weighting these factors to suit any specific installation. The scores and configuration data are elicited by averaging results obtained from a multi-part survey administered to four or five company employees selected from a wide range of job titles and responsibilities. A simple implementation of the algorithm was completed and an extension of the work will provide an Internet-based version and a diagnostic tool for company use.
Gastroschisis, malrotation, and chylous ascites

A newborn infant who had an uncomplicated repair of gastroschisis with modified Ladd's procedure developed chylous ascites when fed. After 7 weeks of nonoperative management with total parenteral nutrition, the ascites resolved. Widening the mesentery may have damaged the lymphatics, and is not necessary for malrotation associated with gastroschisis. Prolonged nonoperative management is recommended for neonatal chylous ascites, avoiding paracentesis if possible.
Update in Rheumatology

This year's Update in Rheumatology includes discussions of advances related to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Wegener granulomatosis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associ...
Thermal stress in silica disk resonators

We investigate how thermal stress impacts silica disk resonators by comparing measurements with a finite element and an analytical model. Thicker oxide layers and proper control of undercut enable ultrahigh optical performance and mechanical stability.
The Development of Track and Field Based on the Achievement of Athletic in Recent Years

Abstract Track and field is the basis of all sports, known as the “mother” of the movement. Its importance is obvious. In the training of any project, if without the basis of support, it is impossible to achieve higher level of training. In other words, track and field is the Economic Base of all the sports projects. Without it, all the Superstructures are illusory. This paper makes a statistical analysis on the achievements of China in the international Track and Field competition in recent years. Summarize the development of track and field career in China.
The interface between football and ethnic identity discourses in Zimbabwe

This research is based on Fletcher's [2012. “These Whites Never Come to Our Game, What do They Know about our Soccer? Soccer Fandom, Race and the Rainbow Nation in South Africa.” Doctoral diss., University of Edinburgh. United Kingdom] argument that researching sport is not, and should not be restricted to sport but should be seen as opening up wider avenues of enquiry into everyday life. Theoretically, this study combines a Foucauldian discourse and Neo-Gramscian approach, which views popular culture (including football) as a formative site for the play of power, where identities are negotiated and contested in people's everyday lives. Through ethnographic methods, particularly participant observation in purposively selected football stadia, this study qualitatively explores the contribution of Zimbabwe's most followed teams, Dynamos FC and Highlanders FC, in the performance and expression of social ethnic identities in Zimbabwe. Purposively selected songs and chants by football supporters in stadia were...
Interaction between exercising humans and growing plants in a Closed Ecological Life Support System.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to quantify the gas exchange between plants growing in a Closed Environmental Life Support System (CELSS) and the metabolism of human subjects undergoing various levels of physical exercise, and subsequently determine the buffer characteristics in relation to the carbon exchange established for plants in this closed loop life support system. Two men (ages 42 and 45 yr) exercised on a cycle ergometer at three different work intensities, each on a separate day. The CELSS, a 113 m 3 chamber, was sized to meet the needs of one human. The plants, consisting of 20 m 2 of potato, provided oxygen to the human during an artificially lighted photosynthesis phase and the human provided CO 2 to the plants. The average rates of exchange for the subjects were 0.88, 1.69, and 2.47 liters O 2 /min and 0.77, 1.47, and 2.21 liters CO 2 /min at approximately 25%, 50%, and 75% of their maximal aerobic capacity, respectively. The photosynthetic rate for the CELSS was 0.95 liters/ min. A balance between human CO 2 production and plant utilization was noted at approximately the 50% VO 2max level. The oxygen balance and changes were not within detectable limits of the CELSS instrumentation for the durations of these exercise exposures. If a CELSS environment is the methodology selected for long term spaceflight, it will be important to select plants that efficiently grow at the available light and nutrient levels while balancing the needs for the human crew at their levels of physical activity.
Design and construction of a simple and inexpensive slab gel electrophoresis apparatus.

Abstract A very simple and inexpensive slab gel electrophoresis apparatus is described. This integral design reduces the leakage, cost, and size limitations frequently encountered in the construction and use of currently available apparatuses. An additional refinement eliminates the need for notching one member of the usual pair of glass plates used as gel slab molds. The apparatuses, in which linear, gradient, and two-dimensional gels have been routinely run, can be built in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for either analytical or preparative purposes. Several gel apparatuses can be clamped together and run simultaneously from a single power source. Ease of construction permits more than a dozen apparatuses of this design to be built in the space of a day or two by unskilled personnel.
Validating CFD predictions of respiratory aerosol deposition: effects of upstream transition and turbulence.

Abstract A number of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies have explored local deposition patterns of inhaled aerosols in the respiratory tract. These studies have highlighted the effects of multiple physiologic, geometric, and particle characteristics on deposition. However, very few studies have reported local or sub-branch quantitative comparisons to in vitro particle deposition data. The objective of this study is to numerically investigate the effects of transition and turbulence on highly localized particle deposition in a respiratory double bifurcation model in order to quantitatively validate CFD results. To perform the validations, local comparisons have been made to a specific in vitro case study of 10 μm particles depositing in a model of respiratory generations G3–G5. To achieve this objective, two geometric cases have been considered. The first case includes only the double bifurcation model. The second case includes a portion of the experimental particle delivery geometry, where transitional flow is expected. To evaluate the effectiveness of two-equation turbulence models in this system, the flow field solutions have been computed using laminar, standard k – ω , and low Reynolds number (LRN) k – ω approximations. Results indicate that even though the Reynolds number remained below the critical limit required for full turbulence, transition and turbulence have a significant impact on the flow field and local particle deposition patterns. For the experimental case considered, turbulence impacted the local deposition of 10 μm particles primarily by influencing the initial velocity and particle profiles. As such, both the laminar and LRN k – ω flow models provided good local quantitative matches to the in vitro deposition data, provided that the correct initial particle profile was specified. Implications of this study include the need for local quantitative validations of particle deposition results, the importance of correct inlet conditions, and the need to consider upstream effects in experimental and computational studies of the respiratory tract. Applications of these results to realistic respiratory geometries will require consideration on upstream flow conditions in the lung, transient flow, and intermittent turbulent structures.
Comparison of robotic and laparoscopic myomectomy

Objective To compare surgical outcomes of patients with symptomatic leiomyomas after robot-assisted (“robotic”) or laparoscopic myomectomy. Study Design Retrospective chart review of 81 patients undergoing robotic (n = 40) or laparoscopic (n = 41) myomectomy. Data included fibroid characteristics (number, weight, location, and pathologic findings), operating time, blood loss, complications, and postoperative hospitalization length. Results Patients undergoing laparoscopy had a significantly larger mean uterine size, larger mean size of the largest fibroid, and greater number of fibroids. When adjusted for uterine size and fibroid size and number, no significant differences were noted between robotic vs laparoscopic groups for mean operating time (141 vs 166 minutes), mean blood loss (100 vs 250 mL), intraoperative or postoperative complications (2% vs 20% and 11% vs 17%, respectively), hospital stay more than 2 days (12% vs 23%), readmissions, or symptom resolution. Conclusion Short-term surgical outcomes were similar after robotic and laparoscopic myomectomy; long-term outcomes were not assessed.