cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and rationale of a randomized-controlled trial of home-delivered meals for the management of symptomatic ascites: the SALTYFOOD trial.

Background When patients with cirrhosis develop ascites, it is associated with sharply increased mortality and healthcare utilization with decreased quality of life. Dietary salt restriction is first-line therapy for ascites but it is limited by poor adherence. Methods We will recruit 40 patients with cirrhosis and ascites who have received a recent paracentesis or hospitalization for a 1:1 randomized trial of standard care (education on salt restriction) versus home-delivered meals. Our primary outcome is the number of paracenteses needed over 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include hospital-bed days, health-related quality of life (HRQOL, Ascites Symptom Inventory-7 and Visual Analogue Scale) and performance on batteries of physical function including hand grip (kg) and walk speed (m/s). All subjects follow up through a series of calls where any paracenteses, hospital readmissions, weight changes and diuretic dosage changes are recorded. In a final Week 12 visit, knowledge of dietary sodium intake, quality of life and frailty are reassessed, and satisfaction with the meal-delivery program is evaluated. Paired comparison testing will be conducted between the two arms. Discussion A nutritionally standardized meal-delivery program for patients with cirrhosis and ascites post discharge has a variety of potential patient-based benefits, including the effective management of ascites, reduction of healthcare utilization and improvement of HRQOL. We have three core hypotheses. First, patients will report interest in and satisfaction with a home-delivered meals program. Second, subjects on a salt-restricted (2 g sodium) meal-delivery program will have fewer therapeutic paracenteses and all-cause readmissions than subjects receiving standard of care. Third, subjects on a salt-restricted (2 g sodium) meal-delivery program will report increased HRQOL compared to subjects receiving standard of care.
Amorphous X-Ray Scattering in Coals and Devolatilized Coal By-Products

The X-ray powder pattern of a partially combusted coal product has been separated into its diffraction component (caused by die crystalline minerals present in the sample) and its amorphous scattering component which is due to the fixed carbon retained in the sample. Analysis of the atompair intensity of the amorphous scattering component indicates that the molecular scatterer(s) in the fixed carbon fraction are similar, at least in short range structural details, to those in an amorphous carbon black sample which was prepared by high temperature combustion of polynuclear aromatic materials.
Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) Modulates Encystation in Entamoeba via Stage-Specific Expression of the NF-YB and NF-YC Subunits.

ABSTRACT Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is a heterotrimeric transcription factor composed of three subunits, namely, NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC, which are conserved throughout evolution. In higher eukaryotes, NF-Y plays important roles in several cellular processes (development, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and response to growth, stress, and DNA damage) by controlling gene expression through binding to a CCAAT promoter motif. We demonstrated that NF-Y subunits in the protist Entamoeba, while significantly divergent from those of higher eukaryotes, have well-conserved domains important for subunit interactions and DNA binding and that NF-YB and NF-YC are developmentally expressed during encystation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that the NF-Y protein(s) from Entamoeba cysts binds to a CCAAT motif. Consistent with a role as a transcription factor, the NF-Y proteins show nuclear localization during development. Additionally, we demonstrated that NF-YC localizes to the chromatoid body (an RNA processing center) during development, indicating that it may have a role in RNA processing. Finally, silencing of the NF-YC subunit resulted in reduced stability of the NF-Y complex and decreased encystation efficiency. We demonstrated that the NF-Y complex functions at a time point subsequent to the NAD+ flux and expression of the transcription factor encystation regulatory motif-binding protein, both of which are early regulators of Entamoeba development. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the NF-Y complex plays an important role in regulating encystation in Entamoeba and add to our understanding of the transcriptional networks and signals that control this essential developmental pathway in an important human pathogen. IMPORTANCE The human parasite Entamoeba histolytica is an important pathogen with significant global impact and is a leading cause of parasitic death in humans. Since only the cyst form can be transmitted, blocking encystation would prevent new infections, making the encystation pathway an attractive target for the development of new drugs. Identification of the genetic signals and transcriptional regulatory networks that control encystation would be an important advance in understanding the developmental cascade. We show that the Entamoeba NF-Y complex plays a crucial role in regulating the encystation process in Entamoeba.
Effects of highways on bird distribution and soundscape diversity around Aldo Leopold’s shack in Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA

Abstract In the 1940s, Aldo Leopold took extensive notes on birds and their sounds near his iconic shack in Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA. His observations, along with his land management techniques, helped frame his seminal book, A Sand County Almanac. After his death, two interstate highways were built near his property and subjected this historically significant area to traffic noise. While highways currently represent vital transportation corridors, their observed and potential impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are cause for concern. As the area including Leopold’s shack is now an Important Bird Area, we sought to evaluate the impact of these highways on the bird community and its related acoustic diversity. In 2011, 150 avian point counts were conducted in the three main habitats composing the landscape—upland deciduous forest, floodplain forest, and herbaceous wetland. In 2012, soundscape recordings were collected in seven floodplain forest sites using automated passive acoustic recorders. We described the local bird communities and measured their acoustic diversity. Linear models accounting for additional factors including land cover and vegetation structure characteristics showed that as the distance from highways increased, bird community descriptors (overall abundance and species richness) and acoustic diversity increased (when relationships were significant). On the species level, forest interior specialists were negatively affected by the presence of the highways, contrary to edge specialists. In addition to the direct effects of the edges produced by the highway structure, this difference might be due to the masking effect of traffic noise on interior specialists’ low-frequency vocalizations and their reliance on acoustic, as opposed to visual, communication. We conclude that while habitat structure is a principle driver of bird diversity on a broader scale, highway-induced changes in both habitat structure and soundscapes may affect bird communities.
Conformational sampling and kinetics changes across a non-Arrhenius break point in the enzyme thermolysin.

Numerous studies have suggested a significant role that protein dynamics play in optimizing enzyme catalysis, and changes in conformational sampling offer a window to explore this role. Thermolysin from Bacillus thermoproteolyticus rokko, which is a heat-stable zinc metalloproteinase, serves here as a model system to study changes of protein function and conformational sampling across a temperature range of 16–36 °C. The temperature dependence of kinetics of thermolysin showed a biphasic transition at 26 °C that points to potential conformational and dynamic differences across this temperature. The non-Arrhenius behavior observed resembled results from previous studies of a thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, which also indicated a biphasic transition at ambient temperatures. To explore the non-Arrhenius behavior of thermolysin, room temperature crystallography was applied to characterize structural changes in a temperature range across the biphasic transition temperature. The alternate conformation of side chain fitting to electron density of a group of residues showed a higher variability in the temperature range from 26 to 29 °C, which indicated a change in conformational sampling that correlated with the non-Arrhenius break point.Numerous studies have suggested a significant role that protein dynamics play in optimizing enzyme catalysis, and changes in conformational sampling offer a window to explore this role. Thermolysin from Bacillus thermoproteolyticus rokko, which is a heat-stable zinc metalloproteinase, serves here as a model system to study changes of protein function and conformational sampling across a temperature range of 16–36 °C. The temperature dependence of kinetics of thermolysin showed a biphasic transition at 26 °C that points to potential conformational and dynamic differences across this temperature. The non-Arrhenius behavior observed resembled results from previous studies of a thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, which also indicated a biphasic transition at ambient temperatures. To explore the non-Arrhenius behavior of thermolysin, room temperature crystallography was applied to characterize structural changes in a temperature range across the biphasic transition temperature. The alternate conformatio...
Immersive Rehearsal in a Simulated Environment.

INTRODUCTION Recent advancements in virtual environment (VE) technology and the increasing use of VEs for treatment are opening up possibilities for rehearsal in safe and rich environments. Research has shown that VEs can be used to treat individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little research has been done to suggest guidelines for creating an effective environment. The aim of this study was to determine the design of systems that would allow military veterans to rehearse potentially stressful events in a VE before having to step into the actual environment. This research evaluated the responses to six stimuli: startle sound, direct eye contact, horizontal movement across the visual field, social conflict, an abandoned item, and a crowded auditorium. Measures used included change in heart rate (ΔHR), change in subjective unit of discomfort scores, and participant behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-eight participants, both with and without PTSD, experienced two VEs in first person using an Oculus Rift device. The first VE consisted of a tranquil garden, which allowed the participants to practice in the system, whereas baseline data were collected. The second VE was the experimental condition where the participant completed tasks within the VE and encountered stimuli designed to evoke responses from those with PTSD. RESULTS There was a significant difference in ΔHR between the PTSD and non-PTSD groups (P = .008), and the PTSD group had a higher mean ΔHR for all stimuli. The stimulus type was also significant for all participants (P < .001). Crowded auditorium and startle sound had the largest impact on the participants' ΔHR. Change in subjective unit of discomfort showed a significant interaction between the group factor (PTSD, non-PTSD) and stimulus (P = .043). Individuals with PTSD also presented more avoidance behavior than those without PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Findings imply that VEs other than virtual combat zones can elicit behavioral, emotional, and physiological responses in individuals with PTSD, and these types of environments should be further studied for use with veterans suffering from PTSD. In future studies, systems should include initial stimuli that can be configured to allow focus on specific past traumatic experiences. Stimuli should also include both a crowded room and a startle noise scenario.
Community Resilience in the Face of Natural Disaster: Puerto Rico’s Adventure Tourism Industry

This chapter explores community resilience in the context of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s adventure tourism industry following Hurricane Maria, the worst natural disaster in the Commonwealth’s recorded history. A pilot study centered on interviews with owners/operators of adventure tour companies and other industry experts provide the foundation for the chapter. Among other objectives, the study aimed to explore the factors that contribute to the community resilience of the adventure tourism industry and to determine if a natural disaster could catalyze change. The resilience of individual adventure tourism businesses, natural resources, and institutional structures were key elements in the community’s resilience. Additionally, Hurricane Maria was a catalyst for several critical changes within the community (e.g. new operating models and consolidation). However, despite the community’s resilience, it exhibits weak spots which will continue to be tested by natural disasters and other crises, overshadowing the adventure tour operators’ positive outlook. The community would benefit from a more formal structure and other measures to help buttress its vulnerabilities. Resilient people are pivotal to community resilience. Without their resolve, neither individual businesses nor Puerto Rico’s adventure tourism community would have survived or emerged stronger after Hurricane Maria.
Nitrogen Limitation of the Microbial Biomass in an Old-Growth Forest Soil

We assessed whether the microbial biomass of an old-growth mixed-conifer forest soil was N limited by applying the equivalent of 450 kg N/ha as (NH4)2SO4 at a 2-cm depth to mineral soil contained i...
2 – FORAGE QUALITY: THE BASICS

The most successful forage-plant breeding and management programs generally combine high yields with better quality. Greater emphasis on nutrient yields, especially with alfalfa, has been made possible by new plant cultivars with multiple pest resistance and rapid regrowth characteristics. Highest quality can be obtained by selecting only the new shoots of the forage plant, but this would result in large sacrifice of yield. On the other hand, there is a point beyond which projected increases in yield would not offset the loss in quality that results from the larger quantity of dry matter characteristic of older plants. The point at which the most favorable quantity:quality ratio is obtained is different differs among the many forage species. The balance between forage quality and quantity depends largely on the production desired for a particular class of livestock, and the optimization of forage quality and quantity may be quite different between different livestock enterprises and between different phases of the production cycle within each enterprise. The relative dependence on forages and supplemental feeds in a livestock enterprise generally reflects profit making, involving production costs and marketing returns. High-quality forages can be at least a partial alternative to buying supplemental concentrates.
Security Operations in the Management Environment

This chapter introduces how organizations work and the role of security management within them. The science of management is not old, and that of security management less so. How security relates to senior management is discussed. What senior management expects of security is presented. The importance of ethics and its connection to security is evaluated.
Adaptive Search by Learning from Incomplete Explanations of Failures

In this paper we presented FAILSAFE-II, a system that performs adaptive search by learning on-line form its failures. The key contribution of this system is its use of the preservability of failures. Preservability assumption allows FAILSAFE-II to over-generalize the failures and discard some solutions to the problem along with the non-solutions. This leads to learning of search control rules which could not be learned by systems like PRODIGY [4], STATIC [2] or the other systems that learn from search failures. We demonstrated FAILSAFE-II's performance improvement in three domains including one in which PRODIGY failed to learn effective control rules.
Detection of Mutated KRAS2 Sequences as Tumor Markers in Plasma/Serum of Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer

Mutated KRAS2 commonly can be detected in the plasma/serum of patients with pancreatic or colorectal cancers possessing this mutated gene. Positive assays are more common in patients with higher stage tumors but some smaller cancers can also be detected; occasionally, patients with large tumors have negative assays. Because relatively few patients with low-stage tumors have been evaluated, more studies in patients with smaller tumors are needed to further define the clinical usefulness of these assays. The reasons for variable results, particularly in patients with larger tumors, is unclear, although a variety of factors may be involved. More sensitive assays need to be developed that will increase the detection rates, although the problem of producing false positives must be minimized. The presence of mutated KRAS2 sequences in the plasma/serum seems to be quite specifically associated with the presence of cancer containing this mutated gene. This is an important feature of KRAS2 as a tumor marker. Preliminary studies in patients with pancreatic cancer suggest that assays for mutated KRAS2 can complement the commonly used CA19-9 assay and provide additional clinically useful information. The results from currently completed studies on the detection of mutated KRAS2 in patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancer are promising, and the potential usefulness of KRAS2 as a clinically important tumor marker should encourage future research.
Pseudo-exhaustive testing of sequential circuits

A new sequential circuit partitioning algorithm is introduced which enhances pseudo-exhaustive testing. Our PIFAN algorithm is based on an analysis of Primary Input cones and FANout values. Results are presented which show that PIFAN offers significant reductions in hardware overhead and test time when compared to alternative partitioning algorithms.
Improvisational science discourse: Teaching science in two K-1 classrooms

Abstract Improvisational teaching is informed both by students’ interests and ideas and teachers’ deep understandings of curricular goals; it is purposeful, but not predetermined. This approach contrasts with teacher-dominated classroom discourse in which discussions are controlled by the teacher and focused on the transmission of facts.This paper examines the instructional practices of a pair of exemplary K-1 teachers in order to better understand how they responded to students’ unexpected insights about science to further their participation in scientific practice. The analysis focuses on two episodes in which the teachers improvisationally transformed students’ unexpected insights. We identify discourse strategies that helped the teachers provide the structure and flexibility for students to improvise scientifically: positioning students as scientists and expanding scientific repertoires.
Conditions for the onset of temperature oscillations in a simulated floating-zone configuration

Abstract The floating-zone method for crystal growth is studied in simulated low-gravity conditions by suspending a drop of fluid vertically between two circular rods and heating the upper rod with a heater. Flow and temperature oscillations are observed under certain conditions. The temperature oscillation level and the oscillation frequency are measured against the Marangoni number for several aspect ratios using hexadecane and Fluorinert as the test fluids. It is observed that, contrary to what has been believed, the Marangoni number is not the proper parameter to describe the onset of oscillation.
HEXAFLUORENIUM-SUXAMETHONIUM INTERACTION IN PATIENTS WITH NORMAL VERSUS ATYPICAL CHOLINESTERASE

SUMMARY The effect of hexafluorenium 0.3 mg/kg on the neuromuscular block of suxamethonium 0.1 mg/kg in a child with homozygote atypical plasma cholinesterase activity and in one of his normal brothers has been compared. In the normal child, hexafluorenium produced a marked potentiation of suxamethonium block, while partially antagonizing the block in the atypical homozygote child. In both situations, the hexa-fluorenium-suxamethonium block appeared to be antidepolarizing in nature as indicated by tetanic fade and post-tetanic facilitation. It is concluded that, in man, hexafluorenium can modify the action of suxamethonium by two different mechanisms. In patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity, the anti-esterase effect predominates and results in marked potentiation of suxamethonium block, while in atypical homozygotes a direct antidepolarizing action at the neuromuscular junction may result in a dimir-ished response.
Energetic 1,5-diamino-4H-tetrazolium nitro-substituted azolates

1,5-Diaminotetrazole (DAT) is a fascinating component in the construction of high-energy-density materials because of its extremely high nitrogen content (∼84%). Three DAT nitro-substituted azolate salts were synthesized and fully characterized by IR, NMR, elemental analysis, thermal stability, phase behavior, and density. 1,5-Diamino-4H-tetrazolium 5-nitrotetrazolate salt (2) crystallizes in the orthorhombic system Pbca. The detonation pressure (P) values calculated for these salts range from 28.05 to 29.88 GPa, and the detonation velocities (D) from 8343 to 8655 m s−1, which make them competitive energetic materials. Each of the compounds has an oxygen balance approaching zero (−23.8 to −33.5%). Their impact sensitivities were determined. The salts were compared using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of the nitro-substituted azolate anions. These CHNO-explosives, DAT nitro-substituted azolate salts, are potential green energetic materials which are obtained via a straightforward synthetic route.
Design and Simulation of PEM Control System for Reactive Sputtering Coating

During the reactive sputtering process, due to the hysteresis effect, the sputtering state should be maintained in the transition region of the hysteresis curve which can used to obtain stoichiometric compound films at a high deposition rate. If sputtering state changes, it is impossible to make the sputtering state step back to the original point by manually control the process parameters, because the hysteresis is irreversible. Thus it requires a method of fast feedback to control the sputtering power and the reaction gas flow rate into the chamber. In this paper the PEM (plasma emission monitor) control system and the single neuron self-adaptive PID algorithm have been designed to maintain the sputtering state in proper condition, namely preventing the target from poisoned in the reactive sputtering. The signal acquisition and the controller design were the major parts of the PEM system. The signal acquisition was realized by the optical emission spectrometer. And the single neuron self-adaptive PID controller has been designed in the paper. Using the MATLAB software, the simulation experiments have been done. The output waveforms showed that using traditional non-adaptive PID control algorithm, the overshoot is over 6% and the regulation time is over 1.8s, but using single neuron self-adaptive PID algorithm the overshoot 0 and regulation time 0.5s. Monitoring the target spectral intensity at various reaction gas flow rate, several conclusions could be obtained. The overshoot 6% indicated that the reactive gas flow into the chamber was excessive, the target was poisoned and the sputtering state in chemical mode. And while the overshoot was zero which indicated that the target poisoned was avoided and the reaction ran in defined condition. The PEM using the single neuron self-adaptive PID algorithm responded faster than that using the traditional PID algorithm. The PEM system designed in the paper can effectively avoid the target poisoned and make the reactive sputtering maintain at an ideal state.
Optical I/O technology for digital VLSI

We describe the development of a high-speed, 12-channel (8-data, 2-clock and 2-alignment channels), parallel optical link with a unique packaging concept. The package is used to demonstrate the viability of chip-to-chip optical I/O in very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits. However, for implementation of optical systems in high performance computing applications, the cost of components and packaging has to come down significantly from the traditional optical communication distances. In the current work we attempted to realize such a system by using power efficient optical and electronic components together with a potentially low cost packaging solution compatible with the electronics industry. Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL), positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) photodetectors, polymer waveguide arrays as well as CMOS transceiver chip were heterogeneously integrated on a standard microprocessor flip-chip pin grid array (FCPGA) substrate. The CMOS transceiver chip from 0.18μm processing technology contains VCSEL drivers, transimpedance and limiting amplifiers and on-chip self-testing circuits. A self-test circuit in such high-speed systems will be highly beneficial to reduce the testing cost in real products. For fully assembled packages we measured a 3 Gb/s optical eye for the transmitter (24Gb/s aggregate data rate) and a transmission over the complete link was achieved at 1 Gb/s (8 Gb/s aggregate data rate).
In vivo visualization of type II plasmid segregation: bacterial actin filaments pushing plasmids

Type II par operons harness polymerization of the dynamically unstable actin-like protein ParM to segregate low-copy plasmids in rod-shaped bacteria. In this study, we use time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to follow plasmid dynamics and ParM assembly in Escherichia coli. Plasmids lacking a par operon undergo confined diffusion with a diffusion constant of 5 × 10−5 μm2/s and a confinement radius of 0.28 μm. Single par-containing plasmids also move diffusively but with a larger diffusion constant (4 × 10−4 μm2/s) and confinement radius (0.42 μm). ParM filaments are dynamically unstable in vivo and form spindles that link pairs of par-containing plasmids and drive them rapidly (3.1 μm/min) toward opposite poles of the cell. After reaching the poles, ParM filaments rapidly and completely depolymerize. After ParM disassembly, segregated plasmids resume diffusive motion, often encountering each other many times and undergoing multiple rounds of ParM-dependent segregation in a single cell cycle. We propose that in addition to driving segregation, the par operon enables plasmids to search space and find sister plasmids more effectively.
Polarizability of a small sphere including nonlocal effects

We develop a simple semiclassical method for calculating the polarizability of a very small spherical particle by taking into account the nonlocal nature of the dielectric response. Our theory is very general in the sense that it can be applied to any material which can be characterized by a bulk dielectric function of the form ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{B}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}},\ensuremath{\omega})$: We introduce a new additional boundary condition (ABC) which is similar but not exactly equivalent to the Fuchs-Kliewer ABC. The theory is applied to calculate the polarizabilities of dielectric and metallic spheres.
Approximate k-nearest neighbor method

Memory based techniques are becoming increasingly popular as learning methods. The k- nearest neighbor method has often been mentioned as one of the best learning methods but it has two basic drawbacks: the large storage demand and the often tedious search of the neighbors. In this paper, we present a method for approximating k-th nearest neighbor methods by using a hybrid kernel function and explicit data representation and thus reducing the amount of data used. This method will not use the correct nearest neighbors to a point but will use an average measure of them. Finding the real neighbors is not always needed for accurate classification but finding a few nearby points is sufficient for most cases.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A study on the systematic control of CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel power plants in the U.S.

The increase in atmospheric CO/sub 2/ which results primarily from combustion of fossil fuels for energy, could cause dramatic global climatic and environmental changes-the so called ''greenhouse effect.'' This study explores the technical feasibilities and the cost of controlling CO/sub 2/ emissions from the stacks by removing, recovering, and disposing of CO/sub 2/ from fossil-fuel power plants in the U.S. It is estimated that up to a 10% reduction in the annual incremental atmospheric CO/sub 2/ content would be achieved by the study control system. The total power required for such a control system ranges from 11 to 16% of the power-generating capacity in various regions of the U.S. Overall, the study system could essentially increase the capital investment of a power plant by 70 to 150%, and increase production cost of electricity by 56 to 100%, depending on the location of the plant.
Joseph Stiglitz and the Critique of Free Market Analysis

Why is Joseph Stiglitz ignored? Because the profession and its many business and Western government clients cannot accept the implication of his theories, argues this economist.
Multiple isoforms of myosin light chain 1 in pig diaphragm slow fibers: correlation with maximal shortening velocity and force generation.

Abstract Pig diaphragm slow fibers exhibit heterogeneity in myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) isoform expression, with many expressing fast-type MLC1 (MLC1F), as well as two isoforms of slow-type MLC1 (MLC1Sa and MLC1Sb). The goal of this study was to test if there is a relationship between MLC1 isoform expression and contractile properties among these fibers. Maximal shortening velocity ( V max ) and maximal isometric force generation, normalized with fiber cross-sectional area ( P o /CSA), were measured in single fibers. V max was inversely related to the relative level of MLC1Sa. The level of MLC1Sa was reciprocally related to the levels of MLC1Sb and of MLC1F among individual fibers. Fibers expressing MLC1Sa and in which MLC1Sb was not detected generated greater P o /CSA, compared to fibers expressing MLC1Sb and not MLC1Sa. The results indicate a complex pattern of MLC1 isoform expression among pig diaphragm slow fibers and suggest that shortening velocity and force generation are modulated, in these fibers, by the MLC1 isoform composition.
Smoking cessation: techniques and potential benefits.

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and is responsible for 20% of all deaths, or more than 400,000 deaths annually [1]. The potential health benefits of smoking cessation are substantial. Smoking cessation reduces the risk and slows the progression of already established smoking-related lung disease and increases life expectancy, even when smokers stop smoking after age 65 years or after the development of a tobaccorelated disease [2]. Each year, 10% of the general population may undergo surgery with general anesthesia. Although complications rates vary with the type of surgery performed and the patient’s underlying health status, pulmonary and cardiovascular complications occur in 10% of the cases [3]. Because smokers have a sixfold increase in intraoperative and postoperative complications, efforts directed at reducing smoking prevalence in prospective surgical patients might be beneficial in reducing perioperative medical problems [4].
Rho kinase inhibitors: a patent review (2012 – 2013)

Introduction: The Rho kinase/ROCK is critical in vital signal transduction pathways central to many essential cellular activities. Since ROCK possess multiple substrates, modulation of ROCK activity is useful for treatment of many diseases. Areas covered: Significant progress has been made in the development of ROCK inhibitors over the past two years (Jan 2012 to Aug 2013). Patent search in this review was based on FPO IP Research and Communities and Espacenet Patent Search. In this review, patent applications will be classified into four groups for discussions. The grouping is mainly based on structures or scaffolds (groups 1 and 2) and biological functions of ROCK inhibitors (groups 3 and 4). These four groups are i) ROCK inhibitors based on classical structural elements for ROCK inhibition; ii) ROCK inhibitors based on new scaffolds; iii) bis-functional ROCK inhibitors; and iv) novel applications of ROCK inhibitors. Expert opinion: Although currently only one ROCK inhibitor (fasudil) is used as a drug,...
Time-lapse mining from internet photos

We introduce an approach for synthesizing time-lapse videos of popular landmarks from large community photo collections. The approach is completely automated and leverages the vast quantity of photos available online. First, we cluster 86 million photos into landmarks and popular viewpoints. Then, we sort the photos by date and warp each photo onto a common viewpoint. Finally, we stabilize the appearance of the sequence to compensate for lighting effects and minimize flicker. Our resulting time-lapses show diverse changes in the world's most popular sites, like glaciers shrinking, skyscrapers being constructed, and waterfalls changing course.
Peritonectomy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Long-Term Outcomes from a Single Brazilian Institution

I read with great pleasure the article entitled ‘‘Peritonectomy for peritoneal carcinomatosis: long-term outcomes from a single Brazilian institution.’’ The results by Akaishi and colleagues and the morbidity/mortality that they report document the feasibility of this new treatment strategy [1]. These authors have established that a dedicated team with a committed leader can perform at a high level of expertise to provide new hope to patients with carcinomatosis. It is clear that these treatment strategies have evolved to the point that they are applicable outside the United States and Europe without compromising the quality of the outcome. A 4-year overall survival rate of 56% documents the change in our attitude toward this manifestation of cancer. Accepting carcinomatosis as a locoregional extension of cancer allows comprehensive locoregional treatment strategies when employed with great skill to eradicate the disease completely. Not only are there great palliative benefits with prolonged survival, but patients are being cured as a result of this new treatment strategy. The efforts of Akaishi and his colleagues at the Hospital Sirio Libanes in Sao Paulo, Brazil need to be repeated at hundreds of institutions in South America. This group provides a role model by which other efforts in carcinomatosis should proceed. The extent of the disease at the current point in time is far greater than our capacity as a health care system to provide treatment. In this respect, this original scientific report takes on great significance for expanding the health care system to patients with carcinomatosis. I congratulate these authors on their important success, which opens a new chapter in oncology.
Crystallographic angles for alpha plutonium

Standard 010 stereographic projections of the angles between planes and the angles between directions were prepared for the crystal structure of alpha plutonium in order to provide means of interpreting Laue x-ray patterns and x-ray measurements of preferred orientation. Lattice constants of the monoclinic structure (space group P2/sub 1//m) were used for the calculations. A partial listing of the angles wherein the absolute value of each index does not exceed three is tabulated. (P.C.H.)
CpG-enhanced CD8+ T-cell responses to peptide immunization are severely inhibited by B cells

Synthetic peptides encoding protective pathogen-derived epitopes represent--in principle--an ideal approach to T-cell vaccination. Empirically, however, these strategies have not been successful. In the current study, we profiled the early activation of CD8+ T cells by MHC class I-restricted peptide immunization to better understand the biology of this response. We found that CD8+ T cells proliferated robustly in response to low doses of short synthetic peptides in PBS, but failed to acquire effector function or form memory populations in the absence of the TLR ligand CpG. CpG was unique among TLR ligands in its ability to enhance the response to peptide and its adjuvant effects had strict temporal requirements. Interestingly, CpG treatment modulated T-cell expression of the surface receptors PD-1 and CD25, providing insight into its possible adjuvant mechanism. The effects of CpG on peptide immunization were dramatically enhanced in the absence of B cells, demonstrating a unique system of regulation of T-cell responses by these lymphocytes. The results reported here provide insight into the complex response to a simple vaccination regimen, as well as a framework for a rational peptide-based vaccine design to both exploit and overcome targeted aspects of the immune response.
Improvement of the Thermal Stability of Li-Ion Batteries by Polymer Coating of LiMn2O4

A new approach has been used to minimize surface degradation of the LiMn2O4 cathode in lithium-ion batteries by using surface modification. LiMn2O4 particles used as the active material in cathode fabrication were modified by surface adsorption of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). The adsorption and electrochemical performance of the modified cathode material were characterized and compared with that of the untreated LiMn2O4-based cathode. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) confirmed the formation of a thin polymer film on the surface of LiMn2O4 particles. The modified LiMn2O4-based cathode showed improved stability during charge/discharge cycling in an organic electrolyte at room temperature. Further, the measured capacity fading after storage at elevated temperature decreased. Capacity fading measured on cathodes made of PDDA-coated LiMn2O4 powder was lowest for cathodes obtained from powder coated in solut...
Vaginal burn injury due to alkaline batteries.

Abstract Background Alkaline batteries are known to cause caustic burns to the esophagus when ingested. We report a case of alkaline burns to the vagina. Case A 13-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain. She was admitted for necrotic vaginal burns after batteries were removed from her vagina. Examination under anesthesia revealed multiple third degree burns without perforation into adjoining structures. Management included topical estrogen, topical antibiotic, and an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. She was re-examined under anesthesia at 5 days, then weekly as an outpatient. Follow-up examinations at 5 and 36 months later confirmed complete healing. Conclusion In this unique case, we discuss the treatment options and postulate reasons for the excellent outcome in this patient.
(2-(Dimethylammonium)ethyl)cyclopentadienyltricarbonylmetalates: Group VI Metal Zwitterions. Attenuation of the Brønsted Basicity and Nucleophilicity of Formally Anionic Metal Centers

Protonation of (2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)cyclopentadienyl (CpN) group VI metal carbonyl anions with acetic acid proceeds at the amine to provide zwitterionic (2-(dimethylammonium)ethyl)cyclopentadienyltricarbonylmetalates, M(CO)3(η5-CpNH) (M = Cr (1), Mo (2), W (3)). Few zwitterionic organometalates with anionic metal centers and positive charges that cannot be delocalized have been reported to date. The impact of the intramolecular charge separation on the structures and reactivity of zwitterionic organometalates is of current interest. The M(CO)3 units of structurally characterized 1−3 are significantly perturbed in solution and the solid state due to ion-pairing between the pendant ammonium cation and anionic metal center. The concentration and solvent dependence of the 1H NMR ammonium hydrogen chemical shifts of 1−3 and the intramolecular N···M separations of these zwitterions in the solid state are consistent with three-center−four-electron N−H···M hydrogen bonding. One other hydrogen bond with a zerov...
Detection of Specific Antigen in SV40-Transformed Cells by Immunofluorescence

Immunofluorescent techniques have been used by several investigators to study the replication of SV40 virus (1–3); in all cases, antiviral immune serum was used, which would detect antigens on the surface of the viral particle. In African green monkey kidney cell cultures (AGMK) infected with SV40 virus, viral antigen appeared in the nucleus at 18 hours and reached a peak at 38 hours, after which nuclear antigen decreased and a cytoplasmic stage occurred (1). Nuclear fluorescence was also observed 10 days after infection of cells of grivet monkey kidney, rhesus monkey kidney, human embryo kidney, and Syrian hamster kidney (2). The same techniques were applied to cells transformed by SV40 virus in a search for evidence of viral antigen. Faint nuclear fluorescence, interpreted as non-specific, was observed in transformed Syrian hamster kidney cells (2). In cultures of transformed human embryo kidney cells, which were producing virus, less than 0.1 per cent of cells showed nuclear fluorescence (3) and it seems probable that these were the cells responsible for virus replication.
Does Pressure Regulating Balloon Location Make a Difference in Functional Outcomes of Artificial Urinary Sphincter

Purpose: We compared functional outcomes in patients who received an artificial urinary sphincter in the space of Retzius vs the same device placed at a high submuscular location.Materials and Methods: We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients who received an artificial urinary sphincter between July 2007 and December 2014. After cuff placement was completed via a perineal incision, a 61 to 70 cm H2O pressure regulating balloon was placed through a separate high scrotal incision in the space of Retzius or in a high submuscular tunnel. Demographics, perioperative comorbidities and functional outcomes were compared between the groups.Results: A total of 294 consecutive patients underwent artificial urinary sphincter placement. Mean followup was 23 months. Space of Retzius and high submuscular placement was performed in 140 (48%) and 154 patients (52%), respectively. Functional outcomes were similar between the groups, including the continence rate (defined as 0 or 1 pad daily) in 81% vs 88...
TU-C-ValB-07: Evaluation of 4DRT: CT Acquisition and Gated Delivery System

Introduction: Our objective was to characterize retrospectively acquired 4DCT data for prospective gated delivery, and the effects of gate length on beam energy stability, output constancy, and positional accuracy / inter‐device constancy. Materials and Methods: A barometric sensor gated the Siemens Oncor linac and Siemens Sensation CT scanner. Respiratory motion of 20 mm at 15 bpm over a stationary jig was used to assess radio‐opaque marker positions. Retrospective 4DCT reconstructions were obtained at 6 phases of inspiration and expiration, ranging from 0% to 100% by 20% intervals. The center of the pin was identified using 50% threshold values on the CT dataset. On the linac, gate windows of 1500, 850, 500, 350, 300, and 250 ms for the 12 phases were studied. Ion chambers were used to measure the beam energy and output stability at 10 cm and 20 cm in solid water simultaneously. Marker position during gated delivery was determined via film. Nine profiles, centered around the marker, were extracted for both the static and moving axes. The averages were smoothed, and the peak position and full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) were determined. The difference in FWHM along the static and moving axis is the intra‐gate motion. Results:Dosimetry for gates >= 500 ms was excellent. Although the average energy was constant, gate length reduction from 500ms to 250 ms resulted in an energy standard deviation increase of 1–14%, an output constancy increase from 1.6% to 4.6%, and a 50% dose rate decrease. Mean discrepancies between marker position measured on CT and linac were 3 mm, with 8 mm maximum. Conclusions: Dosimetric characteristics of the linac are reasonable for gating windows ⩾ 500 ms. Target position measured on retrospective 4DCT can introduce significant uncertainty for several phases of the respiratory cycle.
Phosphorylation of selected substrates by semipurified cytoplasmic kinases of three P815 murine leukemias exhibiting collateral sensitivity (P815/TG), sensitivity (P815) or resistance (P815/ARA-C) to 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine

Abstract Partial separation and purification of the kinases phosphorylating 2'-deoxycytidine (EC 2.7.1.74) (D-K), pyrimidine nucleoside-5'-monophosphate (EC 2.7.4.14) (PM-K) and nucleoside-5'-diphosphate (EC 2.7.4.6) (NDP-K) were achieved by high performance liquid chromatography on Micro Pak TSK-gel 3000 SW columns. Using the standard conditions for all three kinases investigated, the following observations were made: a comparison of the D-K activities using deoxycytidine (dCyd) or l-β- d -arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) as substrate in peak fractions derived from homogenates of murine neoplasms P815, either sensitive (P815) or resistant to ara-C (P815/ara-C) or resistant to 6-thioguanine (P815/TG), revealed comparable specific activities for dCyd and somewhat lower specific activities for ara-C in fractions derived from P815 and P815/TG cells, while substantially reduced specific activities were observed for both substrates in fractions derived from P815/ara-C cells. The 5'-monophosphate of ara-C (ara-CMP) exhibited a higher specific activity than 2'-deoxycytidine-5'-monophosphate (dCMP) in peak fractions with PM-K activity derived from all three cell lines. The 5'-diphosphate of dCyd (dCDP) was phosphorylated to comparable extents by peak fractions with NDP-K activity derived from all three cell lines. The 5'-diphosphate of ara-C (ara-CDP) is a substrate with specific activities comparable to dCDP in peak fractions with NDP-K activity derived from P815/ara-C and P815/TG cell lines, but with somewhat lower specific activities than the dCDP substrate in P815-derived fractions. The ratios of total enzyme activities recovered after injection of a crude P815 cell homogenate were: 1:260:20,000 for D-K (dCyd as substrate), PM-K (dCMP as substrate) and NDP-K (CDP as substrate); their yield was 100% for D-K and NDP-K, and 40% for PM-K activities. The purification achieved ranged from 5 to 33 times, with substantial reductions in the number of bands observed in disc electrophoresis when compared with those in the crude extracts. Experiments evaluating the inhibitory activity of ara-C and its 5′-mono-, di- and triphosphates upon the phosphorylation by these semipurified kinases of dCR and its 5′-phosphates revealed the possibility that ara-CDP and, less so, ara-CTP effectively inhibit the phosphorylation of dCDP to dCTP in the de novo biosynthesis of the latter and, thus, provide insufficient amounts of dCTP for DNA synthesis.
Modular System for the Construction of Zinc-Finger Libraries and Proteins

Engineered zinc-finger transcription factors (ZF-TF) are powerful tools to modulate the expression of specific genes. Complex libraries of ZF-TF can be delivered into cells to scan the genome for genes responsible for a particular phenotype or to select the most effective ZF-TF to regulate an individual gene. In both cases, the construction of highly representative and unbiased libraries is critical. In this protocol, we describe a user-friendly ZF technology suitable for the creation of complex libraries and the construction of customized ZF-TFs. The new technology described here simplifies the building of ZF libraries, avoids PCR-introduced bias and ensures equal representation of every module. We also describe the construction of a customized ZF-TF that can be transferred to a number of expression vectors. This protocol can be completed in 9-11 d.