cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of intrahepatic malignancy with radiofrequency ablation:radiologic-pathologic correlation

BACKGROUND Radiofrequency (RF)-induced tissue coagulation represents a new approach for the thermal destruction of tumors within the liver. The purpose of the current study was to 1) assess technique safety; 2) determine the extent and evolution of induced cellular damage; and 3) correlate the observed pathologic effects with radiologic studies. METHODS Twenty-three tumors measuring ≤ 8 cm (19 colorectal metastases and 4 hepatomas) in 22 patients were treated with RF (range, 500–1550 milliamperes) using internally cooled electrodes. All treated tumors were resected to allow pathologic analysis. Eleven tumors were treated intraoperatively under ultrasonographic guidance and excised immediately. Twelve tumors were treated percutaneously using ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) guidance and subsequently were excised 3–7 days after ablation. Contrast-enhanced CT (n = 12) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n = 2) were performed after ablation of all percutaneously treated patients. RESULTS Tumors treated intraoperatively did not demonstrate definitive coagulative necrosis. However, pathologic abnormalities suggestive of tissue injury were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and absent cytosolic and mitochondrial enzyme activity suggested irreversible cellular damage. In contrast, specimens removed > 3 days after ablation showed definite, contiguous coagulative necrosis without intervening areas of viable tumor. CT and MRI scans demonstrated circumscribed hypodense, nonenhancing regions surrounding the electrode tract as early as 15 minutes after ablation. These corresponded within 2 mm to measurements of coagulation at pathology. CONCLUSIONS RF ablation is a minimally invasive and safe approach to the treatment of tumors in the liver. Tumors treated with RF energy do not immediately demonstrate coagulative necrosis, but do show evidence of irreversible cellular damage. The extent of tumor necrosis correlates closely with findings at contrast-enhanced imaging. Cancer 2000;88:2452–63. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Solution precursor synthesis and magnetic properties of Eu1-xCaxTiO3

Europium titanate, EuTiO{sub 3}, is a paraelectric/antiferromagnetic cubic perovskite with T{sub N}=5.5 K. It is predicted that compressive strain could induce simultaneous ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism in this material, leading to multiferroic behavior. As an alternative to epitaxial strain, we explored lattice contraction via chemical substitution of Eu{sup 2+} with the smaller Ca{sup 2+} cation as a mechanism to tune the magnetic properties of EuTiO{sub 3}. A modified sol-gel process was used to form homogeneously mixed precursors containing Eu{sup 3+}, Ca{sup 2+}, and Ti{sup 4+}, and reductive annealing was used to transform these precursors into crystalline powders of Eu{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}TiO{sub 3} with x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.80, and 1.00. Powder XRD data indicated that a continuous Eu{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}TiO{sub 3} solid solution was readily accessible, and the lattice constants agreed well with those predicted by Vegard's law. SEM imaging and EDS element mapping indicated a homogeneous distribution of Eu, Ca, and Ti throughout the polycrystalline sample, and the actual Eu:Ca ratio agreed well with the nominal stoichiometry. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility vs. temperature indicated antiferromagnetic ordering in samples with x 0.60. - Graphical abstract: Twelve members of the Eu{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}TiO{sub 3} solid solution (0<=x<=1) were synthesized by first forming a homogeneously mixed precursor using a modified sol-gel process, followed by reductive annealing. Samples with x<=0.60 are antiferromagnetic, with T{sub N} decreasing as the level of calcium substitution increases.« less
Dietary salt regulates expression of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein in rats

Dietary salt regulates expression of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein in rats. Background Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) is a unique protein that is produced exclusively by cells of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH). This study examined whether dietary salt altered renal THP production. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were examined on days 1, 4, and 15 following placement in metabolic cages on diet that contained 0.3%, 1.0% or 8.0% NaCl. THP expression was quantified using Northern hybridization and Western blotting analysis. Results An increase in dietary salt produced sustained increases in relative steady-state mRNA and protein levels of THP in the kidney. Addition of furosemide, but not chlorothiazide, to animals on the 8.0% NaCl diet further augmented steady-state mRNA levels of THP. Conclusions An increase in dietary salt and the loop diuretic, furosemide, increased expression of THP in the rat. The data support the involvement of this unique protein in the function of the TALH during changes in dietary salt. These findings also suggest that restriction of dietary salt may be beneficial in cast nephropathy in multiple myeloma and recurrent nephrolithiasis, two diseases in which THP can play an important pathogenetic role.
Humic Acid Complexation of Calcium and Copper

High-affinity metal binding by isolated humic acids has been observed for both copper and calcium in metal titration experiments. Results of titrations of humic acids with a single metal (either calcium or copper) are consistent with a discrete ligand site model of humate-metal binding. However, copper titrations in the presence of excess calcium do not show competitive effects predicted by such a model. Hence, different ligand sites must be involved in calcium and copper binding, or a binding mechanism other than discrete ligand binding must be operative.
Ancient and contemporary wisdom and practice on governance as religious leaders engage in international development1

This paper reviews intersecting paths that bring ethics, values, and integrity into development thinking, arguing that religious voices are likely to be heard more frequently in future development debates, with repercussions for development thinking and practice. The case of governance, corruption, accountability and responsibility is highlighted as an example. Here religious experience, actors, and institutions offer wisdom and material experience, but their roles have been less active and visible than the prophetic traditions and expectations of religious teachings would suggest. The actual and expected entry of different religious voices into governance debates poses new challenges for relationships and partnerships. The paper describes seven areas where faith institutions could and should engage more actively on governance issues. Among these areas, speaking substantively and forthrightly about the issues at stake and contributing to the public discourse at international, national and local levels hav...
Allende meteorite: cosmochemistry's Rosetta Stone.

The detailed chemical and mineralogical analyses of the Allende meteorite, a large carbonaceous chondrite. The arrival of the meteorite coincided with the Apollo II acquisition of lunar samples, and simultaneous comparative studies were performed on these materials. Elemental abundances, mineralogical composition, isotopic age estimates, and structure are discussed. (5 figures, 3 tables, 26 references) (GMT)
An assay measuring the stimulation of several types of bovine endothelial cells by growth factor(s) derived from cultured human tumor cells

Endothelial cell growth factor(s) from several previously untested human tumor cell lines (i.e., SK-HEP-1, MG63, A375, TE671-C1, RD) were detected using a low cell inoculum growth assay. The final cell density in the 2-cm2 wells was determined by a highly sensitive DNA content measurement performed directly in the tissue culture plates. The sensitivity of the assay to human tumor cell growth factors depended critically on the low cell inocula, 2,000 to 5,000 cells/well. Most of the bovine endothelial cells used were cloned from primary cultures; all the cell lines obtained from various fetal and nonfetal sources responded to the growth factor(s) (up to a 16× stimulation) as well as to endothelial cell growth supplement. Dose response curves showing the cell specific response of bovine endothelial cells were obtained. The growth stimulatory activity and the in vivo chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay responses correlated sufficiently to imply that the assay is detecting tumor angiogenesis factor or some closely related activity. This in vitro assay should prove useful in the identification and purification of tumor-derived factors and in the elucidation of the role of these factors in the events comprising angiogenesis.
The Abbreviated Dimensions of Temperament Survey: Factor Structure and Construct Validity Across Three Racial/Ethnic Groups

The factor structure, reliability, and construct validity of an abbreviated version of the Revised Dimensions of Temperament Survey (DOTS-R) were evaluated across Black, Hispanic, and White early adolescents. Primary caregivers reported on 5 dimensions of temperament for 4,701 children. Five temperament dimensions were identified via maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis and were labeled flexibility, general activity level, positive mood, task orientation, and sleep rhythmicity. Multigroup mean and covariance structures analysis provided partial support for strong factorial invariance across these racial/ethnic groups. Mean level comparisons indicated that relative to Hispanics and Blacks, Whites had higher flexibility, greater sleep regularity, and lower activity. They also reported higher positive mood than Blacks. Blacks, relative to Hispanics, had higher flexibility and lower sleep regularity. Construct validity was supported as the 5 temperament dimensions were significantly correlated with externalizing problems and socioemotional competence. This abbreviated version of the DOTS-R could be used across racial/ethnic groups of early adolescents to assess significant dimensions of temperament risk that are associated with mental health and competent (healthy) functioning.
Enhanced Thermolability in Anephric Rabbits

Uremic patients tend to have a lower than normal deep-body temperature. In addition, there is a clinical impression that uremic patients are also more thermolabile than healthy people; that is, in a warm environment, body temperature tends to be higher, and in a cold environment, body temperature tends to be lower than in healthy subjects. To test the hypothesis that uremia results in enhanced thermolability, nonoperated control (NO), nephrectomized (NX), and sham-nephrectomized (SHAM) rabbits were subjected to mild cold (5°C) and heat (30°C) stresses. At 48 hours postsurgery, the core temperature of NX rabbits was significantly lower than that of the NO or SHAM rabbits ( P P P P P
A Systems Theoretic Accident Model Applied to Biodefense

(2006). A Systems Theoretic Accident Model Applied to Biodefense. Defense & Security Analysis: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 301-310.
NF-κB subunits are differentially distributed in cells of lumbar dorsal root ganglia in naïve and diabetic rats

Previous studies demonstrated that nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation is decreased in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of rats having streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. DRG contain cell bodies of neurons that convey sensory signals from the periphery. To determine the relationship between diabetes-induced neuropathy and NF-κB expression in DRG, behavioral, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies were performed on naive and 3-month diabetic rats. Behavioral studies confirmed that many diabetic rats develop tactile allodynia, or increased sensitivity to light touch, in the hind paws. Immunohistochemical studies on lumbar DRG that receive input from the affected regions revealed that p50 and p65, frequent NF-κB subunit partners, are differentially localized. Intense p65 immunostaining was detected in the cytoplasm of small- and medium-sized neurons as well as in satellite cells. In contrast, p50 was localized in the cytoplasm of virtually all neurons. In many cases, prominent staining was also present in nuclei, a location consistent with transcription factor activation. Immunohistochemical and biochemical studies found that the nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio of p50 expression was significantly reduced in diabetic rats compared to that in naive animals. Our findings raise the possibility that changes in NF-κB activation in a subset of DRG neurons participates in mediating diabetes-induced sensory neuropathy.
Adrenomedullin inhibits salt appetite

Adrenomedullin (AM) exerts profound natriuretic and vasodilatory effects in conscious animals. This newly discovered hormone also acts in the central nervous system to inhibit water drinking and in the pituitary gland to reduce basal and stimulated ACTH release. We investigated whether the natriuretic action of AM in kidney was matched by a central nervous system action to decrease salt intake. Isotonic hypovolemia induced in male rats by pretreatment with polyethylene glycol potently stimulates both water and salt water (0.3 mol/liter NaCl) drinking. Saline drinking was significantly inhibited when AM was administered into the lateral cerebroventricle before the drinking interval. The effect was dose related (dose range, 44–88 pmol), long lasting (>5 h), and reversible (resolved at 24 h). When hypovolemic rats were administered antiserum to AM (intracerebroventricular administration) before the drinking interval, a significant 2-fold augmentation of saline drinking was observed. These data suggest that i...
Paleosols as deep regolith: implications for ground-water recharge across a loessial climosequence

Abstract Thick loess deposits consisting of paleosol sequences comprise the deep regolith of the Palouse region in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Ground water is the principal water supply for the Palouse Basin, yet recharge mechanisms and rates through this regolith are poorly understood. Forecasting the sustainability of the water supply has been hampered because models that predict ground-water recharge are complicated by deep regolith that has complex stratigraphy and, in some instances, multiple buried hydraulically restrictive horizons. To assess water movement, pore-water Cl− and δ18O distributions were measured to 6-m depths in three catchments representing a climosequence across the Basin, and interpreted using catchment and basin-wide stratigraphic relationships. Vertical facies between dense and soft horizons coincide with variations in [Cl−]. In the eastern Basin, pore-water [Cl−] ranged from 15 to 150 mg/L and increased with depth. In addition, shifts in isotopic signature of oxygen in pore water coincide with Cl−-rich horizons, and suggest long pore-water residence times. In contrast, [Cl−] in the central and western Basin ranges from 1 to 15 mg/L and changes little with depth. Tracer profiles illustrate three major hydrostratigraphic units in the Basin: (1) uplands with relatively homogeneous regolith that has short pore-water residence times; (2) uplands with heterogeneous regolith that has long pore-water residence times; and (3) valleys with heterogeneous regolith that display dynamic hydraulic processes. Regional relationships between deep regolith and surface soils were established in order to use the SSURGO database to estimate the spatial extent of each hydrostratigraphic unit. The degree of paleosol development mimics that of contemporary sola across the climosequence. Results indicate that recharge is less than 3 mm year−1 in 33% of the study area where precipitation is greatest and regolith is heterogeneous. Recharge increases to 10 mm year−1 in 37% of the study area where regolith is homogeneous. Valley positions having active hydraulic regimes constitute 10% of the Basin.
Antitumor Agents 259. Design, Syntheses, and Structure−Activity Relationship Study of Desmosdumotin C Analogs

Desmosdumotin C (1) and its analogs previously showed potent, selective in vitro anticancer activity. To explore structure-activity relationships of 1 and further increase potency and selectivity, 15 novel analogs (7-15 and 21-26) were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxity against several human tumor cell lines, as well as inhibition of human endothelial (HUVEC) replication. 4-Bromo-3',3',5'-tripropyl analog 26 showed significant cytotoxity against A549, A431, 1A9, and HCT-8 with ED50 values of 1.0, 1.2, 0.9, and 1.3 mug/mL, respectively. Compound 26 also strongly inhibited the growth of matched tumor cells, KB-VIN and its parent cell KB. Furthermore, analogs 13 and 21 were over 5-fold more potent against KB-VIN than KB. Bromination of ring-B and tripropyl functionalization of ring-A enhanced activity, while alkylation of ring-B promoted KB-VIN/KB selectivity. 2-Furyl analog 16 showed selective activity against HUVEC, suggesting that it may have potential as a new prototype for angiogenesis inhibition.
Evidence for Discrete Landmark Use by Pigeons During Homing

Considerable efforts have been made to investigate how homing pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) are able to return to their loft from distant, unfamiliar sites while the mechanisms underlying navigation in familiar territory have received less attention. With the recent advent of global positioning system (GPS) data loggers small enough to be carried by pigeons, the role of visual environmental features in guiding navigation over familiar areas is beginning to be understood, yet, surprisingly, we still know very little about whether homing pigeons can rely on discrete, visual landmarks to guide navigation. To assess a possible role of discrete, visual landmarks in navigation, homing pigeons were first trained to home from a site with four wind turbines as salient landmarks as well as from a control site without any distinctive, discrete landmark features. The GPS-recorded flight paths of the pigeons on the last training release were straighter and more similar among birds from the turbine site compared with those from the control site. The pigeons were then released from both sites following a clock-shift manipulation. Vanishing bearings from the turbine site continued to be homeward oriented as 13 of 14 pigeons returned home. By contrast, at the control site the vanishing bearings were deflected in the expected clock-shift direction and only 5 of 13 pigeons returned home. Taken together, our results offer the first strong evidence that discrete, visual landmarks are one source of spatial information homing pigeons can utilize to navigate when flying over a familiar area.
Phenomenal character, phenomenal concepts, and externalism

A celebrated problem for representationalist theories of phenomenal character is that, given externalism about content, these theories lead to externalism about phenomenal character. While externalism about content is widely accepted, externalism about phenomenal character strikes many philosophers as wildly implausible. Even if internally identical individuals could have different thoughts, it is said, if one of them has a headache, or a tingly sensation, so must the other. In this paper, I argue that recent work on phenomenal concepts reveals that, contrary to appearances, this standard conjunction of externalism about content and internalism about phenomenal character is ultimately untenable on other models of phenomenal character as well, including even “qualia realism.” This would be significant for a number of reasons. The first is patent: it would undermine a primary objection to representationalism. The fact that representationalism is incompatible with the conjunction would be no serious problem for representationalism if no other plausible model of phenomenal character is compatible with it. The second is that the many philosophers who embrace the conjunction would be forced to abandon one of the two views; externalism would be true either of both content and phenomenal character, or of neither. Likewise, those philosophers who have taken a stance on only one of the two internalism/externalism debates would have to be seen as thereby committed to a particular stance on the other. The third reason stems from the fact that qualia realism typically goes hand in hand with internalism about phenomenal character. To the extent that it does, my argument would reveal that qualia realism is itself in tension with externalism about content. This would perhaps be the most surprising result of all.
Irradiance Observations of SMM, Spacelab 1, UARS, and ATLAS Experiments

Detection of intrinsic solar variability on the total flux level was made using results from the first active Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (ACRIM) experiment, launched on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM)in early 1980.
Computational Phonology - Part I: Foundations

Computational phonology approaches the study of sound patterns in the world’s languages from a computational perspective. This article explains this perspective and its relevance to phonology. A restrictive, universal property of phonological patterns – they are regular – is established, and the hypothesis that they are subregular is presented. This article is intended primarily for phonologists who are curious about computational phonology, but do not have a rigorous background in mathematics or computation. However, it is also informative for readers with a background in computation and the basics of phonology, and who are curious about what computational analysis offers phonological theory. 1. What is Computational Phonology? Computational phonology is formal phonology, and formal phonology is theoretical phonology. Computational phonology is not concerned with the implementation of phonological theories on computers (though that may be a byproduct of computational analysis). The primary concern of computational phonology is the content of the theory itself. This article and Computational Phonology – Part II: Grammars, Learning and the Future present three important contributions of computational phonology. First, computational analysis of phonological formalisms reveals that the similarities between generative theories of phonology like Optimality Theory (OT) (Prince and Smolensky 2004) and the one found in The Sound Pattern of English (SPE) (Chomsky and Halle 1968) outweigh their differences. This is in part because computational analysis identifies exactly how different generative theories define and combine the individual factors that make up a language’s phonology. It is also in part because of the second contribution: computational analysis reveals a restrictive, universal property of phonological patterns: they are REGULAR. What are regular patterns? A definition is given in (1).
A Practical Approach for the Nutritional Management of Obesity in Spinal Cord Injury

The management of obesity is difficult for the able-bodied, but it is even more so for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who experience loss of lean body mass, limited independence and movement, and decreased sympathetic nervous system activity. Obesity in chronic SCI is characteristic of metabolic syndrome and attempts at weight loss are often futile; prevention is critical. Nutritional interventions, starting from initial injury, should be aimed at diminishing lean body mass loss without incurring unwanted weight gain. An understanding of how inflammation alters nutrient utilization can help guide in the appropriate selection of enteral formulas, oral nutritional supplements, and/or dietary food choices.
An interactive computer graphics approach for dissecting a mixture of normal (or lognormal) distributions

An interactive computer graphics program has been developed to dissect mixtures of normal (or lognormal) distributions. The program incorporates both graphical and analytical techniques to obtain a more satisfactory solution to the problem of dissection. Within a matter of minutes, a mixed frequency curve can be decomposed into its normal (or lognormal) components. A statistical summary following dissection makes it possible to evaluate the goodness-of-fit and the separability of the inferred subpopulations. Individual components can be added or subtracted and adjustments can be made to individual parameters of components. An example of dissection is given in geology and in sports.
The DNA binding and pairing preferences of the archaeal RadA protein demonstrate a universal characteristic of DNA strand exchange proteins

The archaeal RadA protein is a homologue of the Escherichia coli RecA and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad51 proteins and possesses the same biochemical activities. Here, using in vitro selection, we show that the Sulfolobus solfataricus RadA protein displays the same preference as its homologues for binding to DNA sequences that are rich in G residues, and under-represented in A and C residues. The RadA protein also displays enhanced pairing activity with these in vitro-selected sequences. These parallels between the archaeal, eukaryal and bacterial proteins further extend the universal characteristics of DNA strand exchange proteins.
Load Balancing in Arbitrary Network Topologies with Stochastic Adversarial Input

We study the long-term (steady state) performance of a simple, randomized, local load balancing technique under a broad range of input conditions. We assume a system of n processors connected by an arbitrary network topology. Jobs are placed in the processors by a deterministic or randomized adversary. The adversary knows the current and past load distribution in the network and can use this information to place the new tasks in the processors. A node can execute one job per step, and can also participate in one load balancing operation in which it can move tasks to a direct neighbor in the network. In the protocol we analyze here, a node equalizes its load with a random neighbor in the graph. Our analysis of the protocol does not assume any particular input distribution. The input is generated by an arbitrary deterministic or probabilistic adversary subject only to some weak statistical properties. For stability and expected performance of the system we adopt the stochastic adversary model of [Borodin et al., J. ACM, 48 (2001), pp. 13--38]. For high-probability bounds we introduce a more restricted input model, the strongly bounded adversary. Assuming the stochastic adversarial input model, we show that if the adversary does not trivially overload the network (i.e., there is an integer $w\geq 1$ such that the expected number of new jobs in any interval of length $w$ is bounded by $\lambda nw$ for some $\lambda<1$), then the system is stable for any connected network topology, regardless of how the adversary allocates the new jobs between the processors. When the system is stable, the next performance parameter of interest is the waiting time of jobs. We develop expected and high probability bounds on the total load in the system and the waiting time of jobs in terms of the network topology. In particular, in the above stochastic adversary model, if the network is an expander graph, the expected wait of a task is O(w + log n), and in the strongly bounded adversary model the waiting time of a task is O(w + log n) with high probability. We contrast these results with the work stealing load balancing protocol, where we show that in sparse networks, the load in the system and the waiting time can be exponential in the network size.
The Gift of Prayer: Toward a Theological Reading of Jean-Luc Marion

This article proposes a theological interpretation of Jean-Luc Marion that accents the importance of prayer as a remedy to conceptual idolatry. It also addresses theological concerns about Marion's understanding of the relationship between phenomenology and theology, and about his critical attitude toward ontology. In response to the first concern, it uses Marion's readings of Dionysius the Areopagite and Augustine to demonstrate that Marion prioritizes a prayerful approach to theology that transcends phenomenology, even while benefiting from it. In response to the second concern, it draws on Marion's treatments of Dionysius, Augustine, and Aquinas to show how the same prayerful theology accommodates an ontological way of praising God. Prayer is the key to both arguments. Prayer resists the conceptual idolatries operative in the realms of phenomenality and of being, while revealing the potential iconicity of both. Finally, this article clarifies why Marion's recent Augustine book is crucial to an understanding of his project.
On an alleged connection between indirect speech and the theory of meaning

: A semantic theory T for a language L should assign content to utterances of sentences of L. One common assumption is that T will assign p to some S of L just in case in uttering S a speaker A says that p. We will argue that this assumption is mistaken.
The Impact of Learning Time on Academic Achievement

As schools aim to raise student academic achievement levels and districts wrangle with decreased funding, it is essential to understand the relationship between learning time and academic achievement. Using regression analysis and a data set drawn from California’s elementary school sites, we find a statistically significant and positive relationship between the number of instructional minutes in an academic year and school-site standardized test scores. Fifteen more minutes of school a day at a school site (or about an additional week of classes over an academic year) relates to an increase in average overall academic achievement of about 1%, and about a 1.5% increase in average achievement for disadvantaged students. This same increase in learning time yields the much larger 37% gain in the average growth of socioeconomically disadvantage achievement from the previous academic year. Placing this impact in the context of other influences found important to academic achievement, similar increases in achie...
Non-DNA-binding cofactors enhance DNA-binding specificity of a transcriptional regulatory complex.

Recruitment of cofactors to specific DNA sites is integral for specificity in gene regulation. As a model system, we examined how targeting and transcriptional control of the sulfur metabolism genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is governed by recruitment of the transcriptional co-activator Met4. We developed genome-scale approaches to measure transcription factor (TF) DNA-binding affinities and cofactor recruitment to >1300 genomic binding site sequences. We report that genes responding to the TF Cbf1 and cofactor Met28 contain a novel ‘recruitment motif' (RYAAT), adjacent to Cbf1 binding sites, which enhances the binding of a Met4–Met28–Cbf1 regulatory complex, and that abrogation of this motif significantly reduces gene induction under low-sulfur conditions. Furthermore, we show that correct recognition of this composite motif requires both non-DNA-binding cofactors Met4 and Met28. Finally, we demonstrate that the presence of an RYAAT motif next to a Cbf1 site, rather than Cbf1 binding affinity, specifies Cbf1-dependent sulfur metabolism genes. Our results highlight the need to examine TF/cofactor complexes, as novel specificity can result from cofactors that lack intrinsic DNA-binding specificity.
A STUDY OF THE FLAMMABILITY OF CHLORINATED POLYETHYLENE UNDER PYROLYSIS CONDITIONS

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is highly flammable, and it is therefore of great scientific interest to find a way to reduce its flammability. Chlorination of HDPE has been shown to have an effect on the flammability of the polymer. This is part of an ongoing study to be carried out in atmospheres of nitrogen, air, and oxygen. Four different samples having varying percentages of chlorine were considered for this study: HDPE, 25% chlorinated PE, 36% chlorinated PE, and 42% chlorinated PE. The results obtained indicate suppression of the flammability of the polymer owing to the effect of chlorine on the decomposition rate.
Review of decannulation experience and duration of tracheostomy within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Background: Tracheostomy is increasingly used to manage airway difficulties in paediatric respiratory management. It is important that parents are informed of the likely duration of tracheostomy in different conditions and the prognosis for decannulation. Aims: The aim of this project was to review the experience of paediatric tracheostomy decannulation in the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation (NUTH) Trust over the last 6 years. Methods: This retrospective review looked at all decannulation episodes in children within the NUTH Trust from January 2005 to December 2010. The notes of the patients identified were reviewed to collect data. Results: 56 patient episodes were identified, of those, 48 patients were included. The median duration of tracheostomy was 14 months and the median age at decannulation was 26 months. The indications for tracheostomy were: subglottic stenosis (31%), airway malacia (21%), airway mass (13%), airway obstruction (10%) and other (25%). The median duration for these indications were 35, 17.5, 8, 12 and 11.5 months respectively. 81.25% (39) of planned decannulations were successful. Surprisingly 61.54% (24) of successful decannulations had trachy-cutaneous fistulas requiring surgical closure. It appeared that fistulas were associated with patients who were of a younger age at tracheostomy (4.5 vs. 8 months) or who have had a longer duration of tracheostomy (20 vs. 12 months). Conclusions: This review has highlighted likely duration of tracheostomy for the common conditions and prognosis for decannulation. It has also revealed a surprisingly high rate of trachy-cutaneous fistula.
A Robust Finger Tracking Method for Multimodal Wearable Computer Interfacing

Mobile wearable computers are intended to provide users with real-time access to information in a natural and unobtrusive manner. Computing and sensing in these devices must be reliable, easy to interact with, transparent, and configured to support different needs and complexities. This paper presents a vision-based robust finger tracking algorithm combined with audio-based control commands that is integrated into a multimodal unobtrusive user interface, wherein the interface may be used to segment out objects of interest in the environment by encircling them with the user's pointing fingertip. In order to quickly extract the objects encircled by the user from a complex scene, this unobtrusive interface uses a single head-mounted camera to capture color images, which are then processed using algorithms to perform: color segmentation, fingertip shape analysis, perturbation model learning, and robust fingertip tracking. This interface is designed to be robust to changes in the environment and user's movements by incorporating a state-space estimation with uncertain models algorithm, which attempts to control the influence of uncertain environment conditions on the system's fingertip tracking performance by adapting the tracking model to compensate for the uncertainties inherent in the data collected with a wearable computer
Thin Films and Vapor Deposition

In the previous chapter we described how thick films of ceramics are produced. The difference between thick films and thin films is not really the thickness of the layer; it is how the layer is formed. In general, thin films are ≤500nm in thickness, whereas thick films may be several tens of micrometers in thickness or even thicker depending on the particular application. Thin films are generally prepared from the vapor phase, whereas for thick films we use a solution or slurry. Furthermore, thin films are often crystallographically oriented in a particular way with respect to the underlying substrate. This orientation relationship, known as epitaxy, is determined by the crystal structures and lattice parameters of the film and the substrate. In general, thick films and coatings have no specific orientation and contain a large number of randomly oriented crystalline grains.
The revolution in SiGe: Impact on device electronics

SiGe is having a major impact in device electronics. The most mature application is the SiGe BiCMOS technology which is in production throughout the world. The areas of most rapid growth are in CMOS where SiGe is being considered for a wide variety of elements including raised S/D, poly-SiGe Gates, in buffer layers to create a tensile strained Si layer, and as the conducting channel in MODFETs.
Mutant Human Cytomegalovirus Lacking the Immediate-Early TRS1 Coding Region Exhibits a Late Defect

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous member of the beta-herpesvirus family. Although HCMV infection usually is asymptomatic in healthy children and adults, it is a leading viral cause of birth defects and it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals (16). The HCMV genome is large, ∼230,000 bp, and comprises two unique domains (unique long [UL] and unique short [US]) bracketed by repeated sequences (12). The IRS1 and TRS1 open reading frames (22, 26) encode proteins of 846 and 788 amino acids, respectively, and span from repeated domains (c′ and c) into the US domain (see Fig. ​Fig.1A).1A). Expression of their mRNAs is controlled by identical promoters located within the repeated domain that are active during the immediate-early phase of the virus replication cycle. The two encoded proteins, pIRS1 and pTRS1, are identical over their N-terminal 549 amino acids, which are encoded by the repeated domains, and the proteins diverge in their US-encoded C-terminal regions. A promoter that directs the expression of an mRNA corresponding to the 3′ region of IRS1 resides within the IRS1 coding region (19). This mRNA encodes pIRS263, which is identical to the C-terminal 263 amino acids of pIRS1 (19). FIG. 1. Locations of alterations in mutant and revertant viruses and effect of mutations on protein expression within infected cells. (A) Diagram of IRS1 and TRS1 coding regions depicting the locations of mutations. The top portion displays the entire viral genome ... Either pIRS1 or pTRS1 is required for complementation of HCMV oriLyt-dependent DNA replication in a transfection assay (14, 15), but as yet there is no evidence that the proteins act directly in the process of DNA replication. They likely influence replication by facilitating expression of other viral genes in the assay (8). Both pIRS1 and pTRS1 have been shown to activate the expression of reporter genes in transfection assays, working in cooperation with other immediate-early proteins (8, 10, 19, 23). The two activators are packaged into the virion (18), so they would be available in cells to help activate the immediate-early class of HCMV genes. pIRS1263 antagonizes the activation function of pIRS1 and pTRS1 (19). To explore the function of pIRS1, pIRS1263, and pTRS1 within infected cells, we constructed two mutant viruses. ADsubIRS1 contains a substitution mutation in the central domain of the IRS1 open reading frame, and it fails to produce pIRS1 and pIRS1263. ADsubTRS1 contains a substitution mutation in the central domain of the TRS1 open reading frame, and it cannot produce pTRS1. Whereas ADsubIRS1 does not exhibit a growth defect, ADsubTRS1 replicates slowly, producing a reduced yield in human fibroblasts. The pTRS1-deficient virus exhibits a defect late in the replication cycle, suggesting that the protein is directly or indirectly involved in the assembly of virus particles.
Sismonde de Sismondi's aristocratic republicanism

This article shows through Sismonde de Sismondi’s work how peculiarly modern issues like the revolution, equal political rights (universal suffrage) and an industrial and commercial society contributed to renewing the identity of republicanism. That renewal took place in Europe, after the French Revolution, and in a direct confrontation with democracy rather than liberalism. The problem in relation to which Sismondi reflected on the institutions of political liberty, the republican constitution and the role of individual liberty was the unstoppable growth of equality, political and social. In his work, republicanism was intended as an answer against the emergent democratic transformation of society, with a role of moderating equality, dividing and bridling popular sovereignty and containing the immoderate propensities of democracy. The modern threat to liberty did not originate from the power of the few or of the one, but from that of the many. It originated in the majoritarian principle on which democrac...
Automatic Parameter Selection for Denoising Algorithms Using a No-Reference Measure of Image Content

Across the field of inverse problems in image and video processing, nearly all algorithms have various parameters which need to be set in order to yield good results. In practice, usually the choice of such parameters is made empirically with trial and error if no “ground-truth” reference is available. Some analytical methods such as cross-validation and Stein's unbiased risk estimate (SURE) have been successfully used to set such parameters. However, these methods tend to be strongly reliant on restrictive assumptions on the noise, and also computationally heavy. In this paper, we propose a no-reference metric Q which is based upon singular value decomposition of local image gradient matrix, and provides a quantitative measure of true image content (i.e., sharpness and contrast as manifested in visually salient geometric features such as edges,) in the presence of noise and other disturbances. This measure 1) is easy to compute, 2) reacts reasonably to both blur and random noise, and 3) works well even when the noise is not Gaussian. The proposed measure is used to automatically and effectively set the parameters of two leading image denoising algorithms. Ample simulated and real data experiments support our claims. Furthermore, tests using the TID2008 database show that this measure correlates well with subjective quality evaluations for both blur and noise distortions.
Our urban interiors: Recovering use value in the prose poems of Luis García Montero's Una forma de resistencia (2012)

Starting from Luis Garcia Montero's own characterization of his work as constituting “una poesia urbana”, this article approaches his recent book Una forma de resistencia (2012) through an urban lens. While previous work that labels his artistic production as the “poetry of experience” is not wholly irrelevant here, it is through theories of the everyday urban experience that we can best appreciate this series of prose poems on everyday objects by a renowned left-leaning author and critic. Thus while Garcia Montero clearly draws inspiration from Baudelaire here, the ideas of Henri Lefebvre, Guy Debord, Manuel Delgado Ruiz, Andy Merrifield, Marshall Berman and David Harvey are also relevant to understanding these narrations of a contemporary indoor flâneur. Ultimately, the poet centers the work around an urban form of resistance that is just as material as it is inmaterial – one that recovers the notion of use value within a postwar capitalistic everyday life that has been colonized. For the famed prose po...
Behavior Analysis and HIV Prevention

Very specific behaviors and environments perpetuate the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Thus, writes the National Commission on AIDS (1993), it is logical that behavioral and social science expertise should be fully utilized in our national and global response to the epidemic, particularly in prevention efforts. However, in sharp contrast to the energetic involvement by behavioral scientists in other health areas such as smoking, safety, and exercise, there has been relatively little activity in HIV prevention by those of us with expertise in behavior change. What are the barriers keeping us so inactive? What can we contribute? How can we accelerate our involvement? This chapter addresses these questions and invites readers to apply the logic and practice of behavioral analysis to the expanding local and global tragedy of AIDS.
Using the False Discovery Rate Approach in the Genetic Dissection of Complex Traits: A Response to Weller et al.

WELLER et al. ([1998][1]) proposed controlling the “false discovery rate” (FDR) or the expected proportion of false rejections within the class of rejected null hypotheses when performing preliminary genome scans, adopting the method of Benjamini and Hochberg ([1995][2]; hereafter BH). The BH
Mechanisms of pulmonary cyst pathogenesis in Birt–Hogg–Dube syndrome: The stretch hypothesis

Loss-of-function mutations in the folliculin gene (FLCN) on chromosome 17p cause Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome (BHD), which is associated with cystic lung disease. The risk of lung collapse (pneumothorax) in BHD patients is 50-fold higher than in the general population. The cystic lung disease in BHD is distinctive because the cysts tend to be basilar, subpleural and lentiform, differentiating BHD from most other cystic lung diseases. Recently, major advances in elucidating the primary functions of the folliculin protein have been made, including roles in mTOR and AMPK signaling via the interaction of FLCN with FNIP1/2, and cell-cell adhesion via the physical interaction of FLCN with plakophilin 4 (PKP4), an armadillo-repeat containing protein that interacts with E-cadherin and is a component of the adherens junctions. In addition, in just the last three years, the pulmonary impact of FLCN deficiency has been examined for the first time. In mouse models, evidence has emerged that AMPK signaling and cell-cell adhesion are involved in alveolar enlargement. In addition, the pathologic features of human BHD cysts have been recently comprehensively characterized. The "stretch hypothesis" proposes that cysts in BHD arise because of fundamental defects in cell-cell adhesion, leading to repeated respiration-induced physical stretch-induced stress and, over time, expansion of alveolar spaces particularly in regions of the lung with larger changes in alveolar volume and at weaker "anchor points" to the pleura. This hypothesis ties together many of the new data from cellular and mouse models of BHD and from the human pathologic studies. Critical questions remain. These include whether the consequences of stretch-induced cyst formation arise through a destructive/inflammatory program or a proliferative program (or both), whether cyst initiation involves a "second hit" genetic event inactivating the remaining wild-type copy of FLCN (as is known to occur in BHD-associated renal cell carcinomas), and whether cyst initiation involves exclusively the epithelial compartment versus an interaction between the epithelium and mesenchyme. Ultimately, understanding the mechanisms of cystic lung disease in BHD may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, with more than 20,000 cases reported annually in the United States alone.
Anthropomorphism, empathy, and perceived communicative ability vary with phylogenetic relatedness to humans.

Participants in the present study completed an online questionnaire that assessed empathy for a list of animals and perceived empathic and communicative abilitiesanthropomorphic attributions—of said list of animals varying in phylogenetic relatedness to humans. Results showed near-perfect relationships between perceived empathic and communicative variables, and near-perfect relationships between these variables and phylogenetic relatedness to humans. Further, the majority of participants were more likely to use the animate pronouns “he” and “she” versus the inanimate pronoun “it” when referring to all animal exemplars except invertebrates, and this animate pronoun use was highly correlated with phylogenetic relatedness to humans. These data substantiate that the tendency to anthropomorphize varies with a species’ genetic relatedness to humans. Further, these data provide evidence for the interconnectedness of empathy and communication and highlight the relationship between these cognitive processes and anthropomorphism. The relationship between anthropomorphism and animal welfare is discussed.