cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Outcomes of Cervical Cancer Patients Treated With Definitive Chemoradiation Following a Complete Metabolic Response.

Abstract Aims A complete metabolic response (CMR) on early post-treatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a positive prognostic factor for cervical cancer patients treated with definitive chemoradiation, but long-term outcomes of this group of patients are unknown. Patterns of failure and risk subgroups are identified. Materials and methods Patients who received curative-intent chemoradiation from 1998 to 2018 for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB1–IVA cervical cancer and had a CMR on post-treatment FDG-PET within 5 months of treatment completion were included. Cox proportional hazards models determined factors associated with locoregional and distant failure. Kaplan–Meier estimates of freedom from any recurrence (FFR) of patient subgroups were compared with Log-rank tests. Results There were 402 patients with a CMR after chemoradiation on FDG-PET. Initial T stage was T1 (38%)/T2 (40%)/T3 (20%)/T4 (2%); initial FDG-avid nodal status was no nodes (50%)/pelvic lymph nodes (40%)/pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes (10%). After a median follow-up of 6 years, 109 (27%) recurred. The pattern of recurrence was locoregional (27%), distant (61%) or both (12%). No factors were associated with locoregional failure. Distant recurrence was more likely in patients with T3–4 lesions (hazard ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.5–3.8) and involvement of pelvic (hazard ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.0–2.7) or para-aortic lymph nodes (hazard ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.4–5.0) at diagnosis. The 5-year FFR rates for T1–2 patients with no nodes, pelvic nodes alone or para-aortic nodes at diagnosis were 85, 76 and 62%, respectively (P = 0.04, none versus para-aortic nodes). The 5-year FFR for T3–4 patients with no nodes, pelvic nodes alone or para-aortic nodes at diagnosis were 68, 56 and 25%, respectively (P = 0.09, none versus para-aortic nodes). Conclusions T3–4 tumours and para-aortic nodal involvement at diagnosis are poor prognostic factors, even after a CMR following chemoradiation.
Shapley Value and Monopoly Power In A Two-Sector Model

This paper considers the measurement of monopoly power in light of recent advances in game theory, in particular those relating to the Shapley value [2, 3, 6]. Traditional measures of monopoly power (e.g., 17]) were all based on Cournot's model of monopoly [5], where the monopolist, knowing his demand curve and knowing that it is Independent of his action, maximizes his profits. Indeed, without the passivity of buyers, the hypothesis of profit maximization cannot operate, for then the situation is that of a game. The essential problem with this model, as pointed out by Aumann [1], is answering when buyers in a monopolized market become passive. Surely it takes more than one buyer, but will even a continuum of buyers be enough? Some examples in the literature [4, 9] suggest that with a very large number of buyers, monopoly will indeed be advantageous, in so far as a monopoly's imputation equals its Shapley value. Testing this hypothesis is the aim of the paper.
Waterpipe tobacco-smoking: a new smoking epidemic among the young?

Waterpipe (hookah, narghile) tobacco smoking (WTS) is becoming prevalent worldwide and is one of the most popular forms of tobacco use among youth. WTS prevalence has increased dramatically among youth in the United States within the past decade. Misperceived as less harmful than cigarette smoking, WTS is associated with many of the same chronic health effects such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, bronchitis, and asthma. Much of this risk is due to the fact that a single WTS session exposes users to large volumes of smoke that contain toxic chemicals such as carbon monoxide, cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile aldehydes. Unlike cigarette smoking, WTS poses unique risks of acute negative health outcomes including carbon monoxide poisoning and the spread of communicable diseases such as herpes and tuberculosis. Because waterpipe tobacco smoke contains the addictive chemical nicotine, youth who smoke tobacco from a waterpipe may be at risk for dependence. As a result, many youth may initiate WTS and continue to use despite negative health effects. Considering many of the potential negative health effects associated with WTS affect the pulmonary system, pulmonologists and primary care providers may treat patients who are waterpipe tobacco smokers and should be aware of the risk associated with WTS. The purpose of this review is to describe a waterpipe, the prevalence and correlates of WTS, the toxicants found in waterpipe tobacco smoke, the health effects of WTS, and implications for pulmonologists and other clinicians.
Educating for Social Justice: Transformative Experiential Learning, by Julie Birkenmaier, Ashley Cruce, Ellen Burkemper, Jami Curley, R. Jan Wilson, and J.J. Stretch (Eds.)

The purpose and methods of the social work profession are clearly intertwined. Indeed, the preamble to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics states that, “Social workers ...
The Existence of Partitioned Generalized Balanced TournamentDesigns with Block Size 3

A generalized balanced tournament design, GBTD(n, k), defined on a kn-set V, is an arrangement of the blocks of a (kn, k, k − 1)-BIBD defined on V into an n × (kn − 1) array such that (1) every element of V is contained in precisely one cell of each column, and (2) every element of V is contained in at most k cells of each row. Suppose we can partition the columns of a GBTD(n, k) into k + 1 sets B1, B2, …, Bk + 1 where |Bi| = n for i = 1, 2, …, k − 2, |Bi| = n−1 for i = k − 1, k and |Bk+1| = 1 such that (1) every element of V occurs precisely once in each row and column of Bi for i = 1, 2, …, k − 2, and (2) every element of V occurs precisely once in each row and column of Bi ∪ Bk+1 for i = k − 1 and i = k. Then the GBTD(n, k) is called partitioned and we denote the design by PGBTD(n, k). The spectrum of GBTD(n, 3) has been completely determined. In this paper, we determine the spectrum of PGBTD(n,3) with, at present, a fairly small number of exceptions for n. This result is then used to establish the existence of a class of Kirkman squares in diagonal form.
Testability conditions for two-dimensional bilateral arrays

The authors present different sets of testability conditions for two-dimensional bilateral arrays. Different conditions are established with respect to the dependency of the testing process on the signal flow. Each set of testability conditions establishes the controllability and observability of every test vector. These testability conditions are proved to be applicable under different processing models as related to the three inputs of each cell in the array. Complexity issues, such as number of test vectors and time units, are also discussed. >
Actions of nitric oxide on renal epithelial transport.

SUMMARY 1. In vivo studies have demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) induces natriuresis. Nitric oxide-induced natriuresis occurs independently of changes in renal perfusion pressure, indicating that it is the result of a tubular effect of NO. 2. In support of this hypothesis investigators have shown that NO inhibits both Na+-H+ exchange and Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the proximal tubule. In the collecting duct, NO has been shown to decrease sodium flux with no effect on Na+/K+-ATPase activity. 3. Thus, direct examination of the actions of NO have shown that NO can inhibit sodium transport in the nephron, which may account for the natriuresis observed in vivo.
Orthopaedic problems associated with tuberous sclerosis.

A significant number of orthopaedic problems have been found in tuberous sclerotic patients at Sonoma State Hospital. This series of thirty-two patients included nineteen with paraplegic or quadriplegic spasticity. The treatment of their orthopaedic problems has not been different from that of other patients with cerebral palsy.
Globalization of the software industry: Trends and strategies

Abstract The major trends and strategies associated with the incipient globalization process in the software industry are explored. Particular attention is given to the newly industralizing countries (NICs) vis-a-vis advanced countries (ACs). First, some trends that are especially significant from a global perspective are examined. Next, a preliminary analytical framework is presented to organize the rather limited existing knowledge about globalization of the software business. Following this, global software strategies from NIC and AC perspectives are discussed. Finally, some tentative conclusions and future research needs are identified.
Electron-transfer polymers. XXXVII. Preparation and redox behavior of polycarbonates with incorporated hydroquinone units

Preparation of polycarbonates from a quinonediol and phosgene, and from the quinonediol and various bischloroformates, is described. Some of the bischloroformates were prepared from poly(ethylene oxides) with two terminal hydroxyl groups by phosgenation. The quinone groups incorporated into the polymer chain were reduced to hydroquinone groups. Some of these polymers were titrated oxidatively in 90% acetic acid. Their redox behavior cannot be described by a simple Nernst equation. It is assumed that the differences between theoretically expected and experimentally obtained potentials express the amount of work needed to reshape the polymer coil according to a thermodynamically stable distribution of the redox groups.
pH-induced conformational changes of loosely grafted molecular brushes containing poly(acrylic acid) side chains

Abstract A series of water-soluble loosely grafted poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) brushes with four different grafting densities were synthesized by the “grafting from” approach using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and 1 H NMR spectroscopy were used to provide evidence for formation of the well-defined backbones and the resulting brush copolymers. Atomic force microscopy was used to study the conformation of adsorbed brushes as a function of pH. The adsorbed molecules undergo a globule-to-extended conformational transition as the solution is changed from acidic to basic. This transition was monitored on a mica surface by imaging individual molecules with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The conformational behavior was compared with 100%-grafted PAA brushes. Unlike the loose brushes, the 100%-grafted molecules remained fully extended in a broad range of pH values (pH = 2–9) due to steric repulsion between the densely grafted side chains which is strongly enhanced upon adsorption to a substrate.
Food, Agriculture, and Rural Welfare: Domestic Policies in an Uncertain World

S THE TITLE suggests, this paper is concerned with the topics food, agriculture, and rural welfare and their interdependencies. It has become fashionable in recent years to discuss these topics in separate compartments, and for certain purposes such a separation can lead to productive results. But in seeking to focus on needed policy changes in the decade ahead for any one of these topics, I find that I am unable to do so constructively without at the same time dealing with the policy problems of the other two. Thus, in this paper I attempt to deal with the interacting problems of all three subject areas.
Atom focusing by far-detuned and resonant standing wave fields: Thin-lens regime

The focusing of atoms after interacting with both far-detuned and resonant standing wave fields in the thin-lens regime is considered. Exact quantum expressions for the Fourier components of the density (that include all spherical aberration) are used to study the focusing numerically. The following lens parameters and density profiles are calculated as functions of the pulsed field area $\ensuremath{\theta}:$ the position of the focal plane, peak atomic density, atomic density pattern at the focus, focal spot size, depth of focus, and background density. The lens parameters are compared to asymptotic, analytical results derived from a scalar diffraction theory for which spherical aberration is small but non-negligible $(\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\gg}1).$ Within the diffraction theory analytical expressions show that the focused atoms in the far-detuned case have an approximately constant background density $0.5(1\ensuremath{-}0.635{\ensuremath{\theta}}^{\ensuremath{-}1/2})$ while the peak density behaves as $3.83{\ensuremath{\theta}}^{1/2},$ the focal distance as ${\ensuremath{\theta}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}(1+1.27{\ensuremath{\theta}}^{\ensuremath{-}1/2})$ ${L}_{T}/2\ensuremath{\pi},$ the depth of focus as ${0.304L}_{T}{\ensuremath{\theta}}^{\ensuremath{-}3/2},$ and the focal spot size $0.0592\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\theta}}^{\ensuremath{-}3/4},$ where ${L}_{T}$ is the Talbot distance and \ensuremath{\lambda} is the wavelength of the light. Focusing by the resonant standing wave field leads to a new effect, a Rabi-like oscillation of the atom density. For the far-detuned lens, chromatic aberration is studied quantitatively with the exact Fourier results. Similarly, the degradation of the focus that results from angular divergence in beams or thermal velocity distributions in traps is studied quantitatively with the exact Fourier method and understood analytically using the asymptotic results. Overall, we show that strong thin-lens focusing is possible with modest laser powers and with currently achievable atomic beam characteristics.
The Babesia bovis VESA1 virulence factor subunit 1b is encoded by the 1β branch of the ves multigene family

Babesia bovis, an intraerythrocytic parasite of cattle, establishes persistent infections of extreme duration. This is accomplished, at least in part, through rapid antigenic variation of a heterodimeric virulence factor, the variant erythrocyte surface antigen-1 (VESA1) protein. Previously, the VESA1a subunit was demonstrated to be encoded by a 1alpha member of the ves multigene family. Since its discovery the 1beta branch of this multigene family has been hypothesized to encode the VESA1b polypeptide, but formal evidence for this connection has been lacking. Here, we provide evidence that products of ves1beta genes are rapidly variant in antigenicity and size-polymorphic, matching known VESA1b polypeptides. Importantly, the ves1beta-encoded antigens are co-precipitated with VESA1a during immunoprecipitation with anti-VESA1a monoclonal antibodies, and antisera to ves1beta polypeptide co-precipitate VESA1a. Further, the ves1beta-encoded antigens significantly co-localize with VESA1a on the infected-erythrocyte membrane surface of live cells. These characteristics all match known properties of VESA1b, allowing us to conclude that the ves1beta gene divergently apposing the ves1beta gene within the locus of active ves transcription (LAT) encodes the 1b subunit of the VESA1 cytoadhesion ligand. However, the extent and stoichiometry of VESA1a and 1b co-localization on the surface of individual cells is quite variable, implicating competing effects on transcription, translation, or trafficking of the two subunits. These results provide essential information facilitating further investigation into this parasite virulence factor.
A genetic linkage map of 27 markers on human chromosome 21

We have constructed a genetic linkage map of the long arm of human chromosome 21 comprising 27 DNA markers. This map is an updated version of that reported earlier by group (1989, Genomics 4: 579-591), which contained 17 DNA markers. The current markers consist of 10 genes and 17 anonymous sequences. Traditional methods (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) were used to map 25 of these markers, whereas 2 markers were studied by polymerase chain reaction amplification of (GT)n dinucleotide repeats. Linkage analysis was performed on 40 CEPH families using the computer program packages LINKAGE, CRI-MAP, and MAPMAKER. Recombination rates were significantly different between the sexes, with the male map being 132 cM and the female map being 161 cM, assuming Kosambi interference and a variable ratio of sex difference in recombination. Approximately one-half of the crossovers in either sex occur distally, in terminal band 21q22.3, which also contains 16 of the markers studied. The average distance between adjacent markers was 6 cM.
Characterization and optimization of zinc oxide films by r.f. magnetron sputtering

Abstract Zinc oxide films were deposited by a r.f. magnetron sputtering using a zinc oxide target. The deposited films were characterized as a function of deposition temperature, pressure, argon-oxygen gas flow ratio, target-substrate distance. The deposition conditions were optimized to give good quality films suitable for the fabrication of surface acoustic wave device. The films deposited at temperatures as low as 250 °C yielded surface acoustic wave device quality.
Activation of human erythrocyte pyruvate kinase by hexose-bisphosphates

Summary Human erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (E.C. 2.7.1.40, ATP-pyruvate phosphotransferase) is activated by hexose-1,6-bisphosphates in the order: fructose- > mannose- > glucose-bisphosphate. These activators promote substantial reductions (7 to 10 fold) in the K M for the substrate phosphoenolpyruvate but do not effect the maximum velocity. The ability of mannose- and glucose-1,6-bisphosphate to function as activators of both human erythrocyte phosphofructokinase (Rose, I.A. and Warms, J.V.B. (1974), Biochem. Biophys. Acta 156, 231–239) and pyruvate kinase may account for the presence of these metabolites in red cells at relatively high levels. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate also induces slight increases in the K M values for the active substrate, Mg·ADP, at sub-saturating levels of phosphoenolpyruvate but is without effect at saturating levels of phosphoenolpyruvate. A possible role for these activators in maintaining a balance in the flux through the pyruvate kinase reaction is proposed.
Effect of printing parameters and annealing on organic photovoltaics performance

In this paper, ink-jet printing was used to deposit poly(3-hexylthiophene):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester blend as active layer and a comparison study of three printing methods [multiarray (MA), single layer array, and multilayer array] was performed. For organic photovoltaics (OPVs) fabricated using MA or multilayer arrays, the efficiency was less than 1% independent of printing parameters. When single layer print pattern was used, the device performance improved significantly and an efficiency of 1.29% was obtained, indicating that the thin films fabricated using a single layer are more suitable for OPVs than films obtained by overlapping of multiple layers. The influence of annealing parameters on electrical and optical thin film properties was also investigated. The study found that the optimum annealing condition for the printed OPVs is solvent annealing at 60 °C, yielding an efficiency of 1.99%.
Characterization of the transcripts and protein isoforms for cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein-3 (CPEB3) in the mouse retina

Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding proteins (CPEBs) regulate translation by binding to regulatory motifs of defined mRNA targets. This translational mechanism has been shown to play a critical role in oocyte maturation, early development, and memory formation in the hippocampus. Little is known about the presence or functions of CPEBs in the retina. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the alternative splicing isoforms of a particular CPEB, CPEB3, based on current databases, and to characterize the expression of CPEB3 in the retina. In this study, we have characterized CPEB3, whose putative role is to regulate the translation of GluR2 mRNA. We identify the presence of multiple alternative splicing isoforms of CPEB3 transcripts and proteins in the current databases. We report the presence of eight alternative splicing patterns of CPEB3, including a novel one, in the mouse retina. All but one of the patterns appear to be ubiquitous in 13 types of tissue examined. The relative abundance of the patterns in the retina is demonstrated. Experimentally, we show that CPEB3 expression is increased in a time-dependent manner during the course of postnatal development, and CPEB3 is localized mostly in the inner retina, including retinal ganglion cells. The level of CPEB3 was up-regulated in the retina during development. The presence of multiple CPEB3 isoforms indicates remarkable complexity in the regulation and function of CPEB3.
Host range selection of transformation-defective hr-t mutants of polyoma virus.

Abstract Nineteen independent mutants have been isolated by host range selection using polyoma transformed 3T3 cells as a permissive host and normal 3T3 cells as a nonpermissive host. All nineteen mutants fail to transform rat and hamster fibroblasts. Complementation experiments indicate that these mutants belong to a single group. This group is designated “hr-t,” indicating defects in host range and transformation. In both productive and nonproductive infections, hr-t mutants induce the synthesis of polyoma-specific T antigen(s), and are therefore not blocked prior to uncoating. Some of the mutants bear small deletions in their DNAs, notably in the proximal (5′) part of the early region. The ensemble of results to date shows a uniform biological behavior for all mutants isolated by this procedure, and suggests that single mutations are responsible for the reduced host range and the inability to induce cell transformation. These and earlier results are discussed in terms of a model in which the hr-t viral function acts to alter the expression of cellular genes.
Conservation of particle size distribution parameters during Brownian coagulation

Abstract The recent analytical approach to Brownian coagulation based on the lognormal size distribution assumption that Lee reported is revisited to further study the change in the particle size distribution for the continuum size regime. Both early and long-term coagulation stages have been covered in the study. The analysis has revealed that there are three quantities consisting of size distribution parameters which remain constant in various stages of Brownian coagulation. The existence of such quantities is validated by comparing with numerically calculated results. Utilization and usefulness of these newly discovered quantities for experimental applications are discussed. An asymptotic size distribution function that coagulation particles attain after a long period of time elapses is additionally presented and compared with the self-preserving size distribution.
A STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONAL INNERVATION OF THE HYPOPHYSIS

THERE is MUCH clinical and experimental evidence which indicates that there exists a functional nervous connection between the brain and the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. From the clinical side one may recall the numerous instances of thyroid, ovarian and uterine dysfunction which seem to be of neurogenic origin, disturbances which may ultimately be traced to hypophyseal disorders. Experimentally the work of Schweiser et al. (I) showing the loss of the cyclic behavior of the ovary after homoplastic anterior pituitary grafts in the guinea pig, as well as numerous experiments on stalk section by other workers indicate the importance of the normal anatomicalrelations of the hypophysis. Several important contributions to our knowledge of the detailed anatomy of the nerve connections between the hypophysis and central nervous system have been made in the past few years. However, in spite of these advances the functional importance of these several nervous pathways still remains obscure.
Interphase energies of hcp precipitates in fcc metals: A density-functional theory study in Al-Ag

Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations of interphase boundary energies relevant to hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-precipitate formation were performed within approximate unit cells that mirror the experimental conditions in face-centered-cubic (fcc) Al-Ag solid solutions. In Al-rich, fcc Al-Ag, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ precipitates are observed to form rapidly with large $(300+)$ aspect ratios even though the Al stacking-fault energy is high (approximately $130\text{ }\text{mJ}/{\text{m}}^{2}$), which should suppress hcp ribbon formation according to standard arguments. Our DFT results show why high-aspect ratio plates occur and why previous estimates based on Wulff construction were orders of magnitude less than observed values. Using DFT, we obtain a Gibbs free-energy diagram that gives the relevant hcp equilibrium precipitate structure occurring at $50\text{ }\text{at}\text{.}\text{ }\mathrm{%}$ Ag. We derive the critical nucleation parameters for $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-precipitate formation, which require our calculated bulk-driving force for nucleation and interphase boundary energies. From our DFT-based nonequilibrium estimate for precipitation that accounts for growth via coarsening by ledge and edge migrations, we obtain time-dependent aspect ratio that agrees well with experiment. The same energetics and growth model are relevant to other phenomena, such as lath morphology in martensites or island coarsening.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Long-Range Research and Development Strategies

Long-range research and development (R&D) planning must evaluate and compare programs with diverse objectives and uncertain outcomes, yielding multidimensional benefits and costs over many years. The relevance of several approaches in system theory to these considerations is discussed. Among those approaches are multiattribute utility analysis, decision analysis, time and state dependent preference analysis, portfolio selection, Paretian analysis, and interpretive structural modeling. A tentative procedure is outlined that integrates most of these approaches into one comprehensive methodology for R&D planning. National energy R&D strategic planning is taken as an example. In this methodology, a stochastic model of each R&D program is used to project its consequences in terms of improved future technology, as evaluated on several dimensions. A key feature of the approach is the evaluation of each new technology within the economic and technological context of the years of its deployment and use. Some aspects of implementation of the methodology are considered.
Choice and well-ordering

On montre que dans tout topos un objet possede une application de choix si et seulement s'il possede un bon ordre. On demontre un theoreme de classification pour les objets bien ordonnes dans les topos de Grothendieck
Analysis of the threshold characteristics of the uniform Josephson flux shuttle

A general method for calculating the mode boundaries of a uniform flux shuttle and numerical techniques for computing these thresholds are presented. A number of examples of practical interest are given, including the current distribution in a shuttle due to a single vortex, and static margins of directly injected two-phase shift registers and magnetically clocked three-phase shift registers. Comparison with dynamic circuit simulations shows that the static thresholds are good approximations over a wide range of junction parameters. >
The Rhesus Rotavirus Gene Encoding VP4 Is a Major Determinant in the Pathogenesis of Biliary Atresia in Newborn Mice

Biliary atresia (BA) is a devastating disease of childhood for which increasing evidence supports a viral component in pathogenesis. The murine model of BA is induced by perinatal infection with rhesus rotavirus (RRV) but not with other strains of rotavirus, such as TUCH. To determine which RRV gene segment(s) is responsible for pathogenesis, we used the RRV and TUCH strains to generate a complete set of single-gene reassortants. Eleven single-gene "loss-of-function" reassortants in which a TUCH gene replaced its RRV equivalent and 11 single-gene "gain-of-function" reassortants in which an RRV gene replaced its TUCH equivalent were generated. Newborn BALB/c mice were inoculated with the reassortants and were monitored for biliary obstruction and mortality. In vitro, the ability to bind to and replicate within cholangiocytes was analyzed. Infection of mice with the "loss-of-function" reassortant R(T(VP4)), where gene 4 from TUCH was placed on an RRV background, eliminated the ability of RRV to cause murine BA. In a reciprocal fashion, the "gain-of-function" reassortant T(R(VP4)) resulted in murine BA with 88% mortality. Compared with those for RRV, R(T(VP4)) binding and titers in cholangiocytes were significantly attenuated, while T(R(VP4)) binding and titers were significantly increased over those for TUCH. Reassortants R(T(VP3)) and T(R(VP3)) induced an intermediate phenotype. RRV gene segment 4 plays a significant role in governing tropism for the cholangiocyte and the ability to induce murine BA. Gene segment 3 did not affect RRV infectivity in vitro but altered its in vivo effect.
The system dynamics approach to analysis of complex industrial and management systems

The tutorial is designed to expand a person's ability to understand and to model complex industrial and management systems. Modeling of physical systems such as aircraft flight or engineering design structures are not addressed. The system dynamics approach to examining, conceptualizing, and modeling complex systems is emphasized. Complex managerial and social systems are of special interest. The informational feedback characteristics of these systems are discussed and methods to focus on feedback structures are presented. Special attention is given to the dynamic interaction among structure, policy, and time delays in decision and actions that determine system behavior and performance.
U.S. Weather Highlights 2014: Drought and Polar Vortex

“Polar vortex” became the term du jour during the opening months of 2014, as incessant arctic air plunged southward, and storms of ice, snow, and sleet paraded across the nation, stranding tens of ...
Potentiation of L-DOPA induced motor activity by an inhibitor of phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase

Abstract 1. 1. Pharmacological inhibition of phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT), the synthesizing enzyme for adrenaline, resulted in enhanced behavioral activation by 3,4,-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in mice. 2. 2. This suggests that an adrenergic system normally inhibits drug induced activation and 3. 3. Points to an interaction between adrenaline and other catecholamines.
The association of fatigue with depression and insomnia in HIV-seropositive patients: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE Fatigue is a pervasive symptom associated with HIV, resulting in significant functioning impairment; but little is known about its etiology or treatment. In patients with primary insomnia, data have shown improvement in fatigue following successful treatment of insomnia. However, little is known about the role of insomnia in patients with fatigue in HIV. This manuscript seeks to test the hypothesis that insomnia severity is correlated with increased fatigue in HIV-seropositive patients. METHODS Fifty-seven ambulatory HIV-seropositive patients, aged 18-60 years, with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of insomnia, were administered the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Their most recent CD4 count and time since diagnosis of HIV were recorded. Regression analysis was carried out with PFS as the dependent variable. RESULTS A higher ISI score correlated with higher PFS score, (R2 = 0.1713, P = 0.0042). Overall depression severity was not significantly correlated with PFS score, except in the most severely depressed subgroup, in which the HADS depression score was the strongest predictor of PFS (R2 = 0.182, P = 0.0009). In participants without depression, ISI accounted for most of the variance in fatigue (R2 = 0.6035, P = 0.0011). CONCLUSIONS Greater insomnia severity is associated with greater fatigue severity in HIV seropositive patients. Depression may contribute to both fatigue and insomnia. In the absence of depression, the treatment of insomnia may emerge as a treatment strategy to help alleviate fatigue. Further studies are needed to confirm these data. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION Clinical Trials.Gov: The Treatment of Insomnia in Patients with HIV Disease. Registry Number: NCT00465972. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00465972?term = HIV+insomnia&rank = 1.
Configurational control in catalysis: Perspective on Hess et al., One-dimensional confinement in heterogeneous catalysis: Trapped oxygen on RuO2(110) model catalysts

Abstract Recent experiments and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations reveal O adsorbates kinetically trapped at an RuO2(110) surface by Cl co-adsorbates. Cl decoration configurationally isolates O adsorbates, stabilizing them against O–O recombinative desorption to anomalously high temperature. The results illustrate how surface configurational effects can be exploited to tune heterogeneous reactivity.
Compensatory effects of hOGG1 for hMTH1 in oxidative DNA damage caused by hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Objective To investigate the potential compensatory effects of hOGG1 and hMTH1 in the repair of oxidative DNA damage. Methods The hOGG1 and hMTH1 gene knockdown human embryonic pulmonary fibroblast cell lines were established by lentivirus-mediated RNA interference. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of hOGG1 and hM1TH1 were analyzed by the real-time polymerase chain reaction, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) formation was analyzed in a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection system. Results The hOGG1 and hMTH1 knockdown cells were obtained through blasticidin selection. After transfection of hOGG1 and hMTH1 small interfering RNA, the expression levels of the mRNA of hOGG1 and hMTH1 genes were decreased by 97.2% and 96.2%, respectively. The cells then were exposed to 100 μmol/L of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 12 h to induce oxidative DNA damage. After H2O2 exposure, hMTH1 mRNA levels were increased by 25% in hOGG1 gene knockdown cells, whereas hOGG1 mRNA levels were increased by 52% in hMTH1 gene knockdown cells. Following the treatment with H2O2, the 8-oxo-dG levels in the DNA of hOGG1 gene knockdown cells were 3.1-fold higher than those in untreated HFL cells, and 1.67-fold higher than those in H2O2-treated wild-type cells. The 8-oxo-dG levels in hMTH1 gene knockdown cells were 2.3-fold higher than those in untreated human embryonic pulmonary fibroblast cells, but did not differ significantly from those in H2O2-treated wild-type cells. Conclusion Our data suggested that hOGG1 could compensate for hMTH1 during oxidative DNA damage caused by H2O2, whereas hMTH1 could not compensate sufficiently for hOGG1 during the process.
Spontaneous Emission Lifetimes of CdSe/ZnSe Core-Shell Quantum Dots at Air-Material Interface

We experimentally show that the spontaneous lifetime of a CdSe/ZnS quantum dot can be reduced to the value of 600 ps by surrounding the quantum dot with a material of high permittivity.
Prediction of Gas Turbine Trip Due to Electro Hydraulic Control Valve System Failures

Gas turbines are the main power producing components in combined cycle and simple cycle power plants. A gas turbine trip is a rapid uncontrolled shutdown of the turbine that is initiated by the turbine controller to protect it from failures. The turbine loses significant amount of life due to strong thermal transients during a trip and the utility company loses revenue because of lost power generation. Therefore, prediction of trips has significant financial impact. This paper presents a method to predict gas turbine trips due to electro hydraulic control valve system failures. This paper also provides methods to detect gas control valve system failures in their incipient phase and methods to identify various failure signatures for diagnostics. The methodology presented here could be extended beyond the current application to other causes of trips in the gas turbine, thereby impacting availability and reliability of the turbine.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
N,N'-bis[3,3'-(dimethylamino)propylamine]-3,4,9, 10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide, a dicationic perylene dye for rapid precipitation and quantitation of trace amounts of DNA.

Abstract A novel dicationic dye with a polycyclic aromatic perylene core and flexible cationic side chains—N,N′-bis[3,3′-(dimethylamino)propylamine]-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide—termed “DAPER,” was synthesized and characterized. The dye appears to exist in a highly stacked form in aqueous solution. DAPER precipitates extremely low concentrations of DNA very rapidly, efficiently, and with a stoichiometry of one tightly bound dye per DNA base pair, corresponding to a neutral complex. Precipitation may occur due to side-by-side association between the polyanionic DNA helix and polycationic dye stacks. DNA precipitation by DAPER is less sensitive to DNA concentration and length, and prevailing salt concentrations, than precipitation with ethanol or propanol. DAPER can be quantitatively extracted from DNA into a standard phenol:chloroform mixture under slightly alkaline conditions. The recovered DNA is suitable for treatment with enzymes typically used in DNA sequencing procedures. The amount of DNA precipitated is accurately determined by visible absorption or fluorescence spectroscopic analyses of the phenol:chloroform extracts. Several samples of DNA can be precipitated, recovered, and quantitated in about 1 h using standard microscale procedures and equipment. The unique qualities of DAPER provide the basis for a very sensitive, rapid, and versatile method for simultaneous precipitation and quantitation of microgram and submicrogram amounts of DNA.
Peripheral venous access ports: outcomes analysis in 109 patients.

Purpose: To perform a retrospective outcomes analysis of central venous catheters with peripheral venous access ports, with comparison to published data. Methods: One hundred and twelve central venous catheters with peripherally placed access ports were placed under sonographic guidance in 109 patients over a 4-year period. Ports were placed for the administration of chemotherapy, hyperalimentation, long-term antibiotic therapy, gammaglobulin therapy, and frequent blood sampling. A vein in the upper arm was accessed in each case and the catheter was passed to the superior vena cava or right atrium. Povidone iodine skin preparation was used in the first 65 port insertions. A combination of Iodophor solution and povidone iodine solution was used in the last 47 port insertions. Forty patients received low-dose (1 mg) warfarin sodium beginning the day after port insertion. Three patients received higher doses of warfarin sodium for preexistent venous thrombosis. Catheter performance and complications were assessed and compared with published data. Results: Access into the basilic or brachial veins was obtained in all cases. Ports remained functional for a total of 28,936 patient days. The port functioned in 50% of patients until completion of therapy, or the patient’s expiration. Ports were removed prior to completion of therapy in 18% of patients. Eleven patients (9.9% of ports placed) suffered an infectious complication (0.38 per thousand catheter-days)—in nine, at the port implantation site, in two along the catheter. In all 11 instances the port was removed. Port pocket infection in the early postoperative period occurred in three patients (4.7%) receiving a Betadine prep vs two patients (4.2%) receiving a standard O.R. prep. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.9). Venous thrombosis occurred in three patients (6.8%) receiving warfarin sodium and in two patients (3%) not receiving warfarin sodium. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.6). Aspiration occlusion occurred in 13 patients (11.7%). Intracatheter urokinase was infused in eight of these patients and successfully restored catheter function in all but two instances. These complication rates are comparable to or better than those reported with chest ports. Conclusion: Peripheral ports for long-term central venous access placed by interventional radiologists in the interventional radiology suite are as safe and as effective as chest ports.
The membrane-bound electron transport system of Methanosarcina species.

Members of the genus Methanosarcina are strictly anaerobic archaea that derive their metabolic energy from the conversion of a restricted number of substrates to methane. H2 + CO2 are converted to CH4 via the CO2-reducing pathway, while methanol and methylamines are metabolized by the methylotrophic pathway. Two novel electron transport systems are involved in the process of methanogenesis. Both systems are able to use a heterodisulfide as electron acceptor and either H2 or F420H2 as electron acceptors and generate a proton-motive force by redox potential-driven H+-translocation. The H2:heterodisulfide oxidoreductase is composed of an F420-nonreducing hydrogenase and the heterodisulfide reductase. The latter protein is also part of the F420H2:heterodisulfide oxidoreductase system. The second component of this system is referred to as F420H2 dehydrogenase. The archaeal protein is a homologue of complex I of the respiratory chain from bacteria and mitochondria. This review focuses on the biochemical and genetic characteristics of the three energy-transducing enzymes and on the mechanisms of ion translocation.
Maximizing Data Center Energy Efficiency by Utilizing New Thermal Management and Acoustic Control Methodology

Today’s server designs continue to package more electronics consuming higher levels of power in smaller and smaller spaces which increases the demand on the cooling subsystem within a server. These trends continue to drive the total cooling power and airflow demands up, resulting in increased acoustics. Due to the imposed high cooling requirements, data centers are frequently limited by the amount of flow that the raised floor environments are capable of providing. Server cooling demands are outpacing the data center airflow capabilities, resulting in energy inefficient scenarios as well as increasingly high acoustics levels.Given these concerns, there is a dire need for new thermal management techniques. This paper describes a new technique that offers more advanced yet simplified user controls, which provide the end user the ability to minimize acoustic signature and cooling energy spent, while maximizing the server performance.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Development of scale model imagery for ATR investigations

Automated target recognition (ATR) methods hold promise for rapid extraction of critical information from imagery data to support military missions. Development of ATR tools generally requires large amounts of imagery data to develop and test algorithms. Deployment of operational ATR systems requires performance validation using operationally relevant imagery. For early algorithm development, however, restrictions on access to such data is a significant impediment, especially for the academic research community. To address this limitation, we have developed a set of grayscale imagery as a surrogate for panchromatic imagery that would be acquired from airborne sensors. This surrogate data set consists of imagery of ground order of battle (GOB) targets in an arid environment. The data set was developed by imaging scale models of these targets set in a scale model background. The imagery spans a range of operating conditions and provides a useful image set for initial explorations of new approaches for ATR development.
From Royalty to Poverty: The Decline of a Rural Mexican Community

Nine hundred years ago the Mixtec community of Tilantongo was the seat of an empire in Southern Mexico. As late as the 16th century Tilantongo's ruling elite was described as belonging to "the most noble lineage in all the Mixteca Alta." Today, the community is moribund, only a withered reflection of the center which fathered royalty for several centuries in the Mixteca.
The EDKB: an established knowledge base for endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Background Endocrine disruptors (EDs) and their broad range of potential adverse effects in humans and other animals have been a concern for nearly two decades. Many putative EDs are widely used in commercial products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) such as food packaging materials, ingredients of cosmetics, medical and dental devices, and drugs. The Endocrine Disruptor Knowledge Base (EDKB) project was initiated in the mid 1990’s by the FDA as a resource for the study of EDs. The EDKB database, a component of the project, contains data across multiple assay types for chemicals across a broad structural diversity. This paper demonstrates the utility of EDKB database, an integral part of the EDKB project, for understanding and prioritizing EDs for testing.
Automated data entry system: performance issues

This paper discusses the performance of a system for extracting bibliographic fields from scanned pages in biomedical journals to populate MEDLINE, the flagship database of the national Library of Medicine (NLM), and heavily used worldwide. This system consists of automated processes to extract the article title, author names, affiliations and abstract, and manual workstations for the entry of other required fields such as pagination, grant support information, databank accession numbers and others needed for a completed bibliographic record in MEDLINE. Labor and time data are given for (1) a wholly manual keyboarding process to create the records, (2) an OCR-based system that requires all fields except the abstract to be manually input, and (3) a more automated system that relies on document image analysis and understanding techniques for the extraction of several fields. It is shown that this last, most automated, approach requires less than 25% of the labor effort in the first, manual, process.
Age grading and ethnicity in the style of Loikop (Samburu) spears

Abstract Social relationships among cattle pastoralists of northern Kenya are often expressed in the style of their material culture. Most obviously, the size and shape of weapons carried by herding males mark ethnic distance among several groups. However, the stylistic traits of ethnicity also seem to differentiate social categories based on age within ethnic groups. This paper examines how the age grading of successive generations of male Loikop (Samburu) herders both draws from, and helps to create, the fast‐changing ethnic style expressed in their hand‐forged iron spears. It also shows how imported formal traits, when recombined into a generational style, help to solidify age‐based relationships within this ethnic group.
Structured disposition planning for adolescent suicide attempters in a general hospital: Preliminary findings on short-term outcome

Adolescent suicide attempters are often noncompliant with outpatient psychotherapy and drop out of treatment much more quickly than non-suicidaladolescents. In this study, 23 adolescents received medical treatment and astandard psychiatric evaluation in an Emergency Department following asuicide attempt. In addition, all subjects and their parents received apsychotherapy compliance enhancement intervention which included a verbalagreement between the adolescent and parent/guardian to attend at least fourpsychotherapy sessions. After discharge from the hospital, each subjectreceived three phone interviews over an 8 week period using a problemsolving approach around two key areas: suicidal ideation and psychotherapycompliance. Compared to a three month follow-up of 78 subjects (which didnot include an experimental intervention), conducted at the same hospital,the experimental intervention resulted in fewer outpatient psychotherapy ’noshows‘ (9% vs. 18%) and a trend toward greater number ofsessions attended (5.5 vs. 3.9). There were no re-attempts in theexperimental group as compared to 9% in the comparison group. Resultsare promising and a randomized intervention trial appears indicated.