cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gabor functions versus circular-Mellin features for texture segmentation

Texture is an important preattentive cue in region-based segmentation of images. In this paper, we provide an objective comparison of the properties of the Gabor functions and the circular- Mellin features for texture segmentation. The Gabor functions provide a spectral decomposition of a windowed image about a unique spatial frequency in the Cartesian coordinate system. The circular-Mellin operators represent the spectral decomposition of the image scene in the polar-log coordinate system and are invariant to both scale and orientation of the target. Coupled with the unique shift invariance property of the correlator architecture, these circular-Mellin operators can be used for rotation- and scale-invariant feature extraction. We note that while both these feature extractors have similar functional form, the distortion- invariant characteristics of the circular-Mellin operators make them preferable for texture segmentation. Segmentation results to demonstrate their salient properties are presented.
The Performance of Underground Radioactive Waste Storage Tanks at the Savannah River Site: A 60-Year Historical Perspective

The Savannah River Site produced weapons-grade materials for nearly 35 years between 1953 and 1988. The legacy of this production is nearly 37 million gallons of radioactive waste. Since the 1950s, the liquid waste has been stored in large, underground carbon steel waste tanks. During the past 20 years, the site has begun to process the waste so that it may be stored in vitrified and grout forms, which are more suitable for long-term storage. Over the history of the site, some tanks have experienced leakage of the waste to the secondary containment. This article is a review of the instances of leakage and corrosion degradation that the tanks and associated equipment have experienced since the first tanks were built. Furthermore, the activities that the site has taken to mitigate the degradation and manage the service life of the tank for its anticipated lifetime are reviewed.
Broadband Internet access, awareness, and use: Analysis of United States household data

Abstract Data obtained from a nationwide survey of US residences during September and October 2002 are used to investigate household awareness of high-speed Internet access, profile Internet access and use, and gain insight into how important always-on, price, speed, installation, and reliability attributes are in their choice of service. Preliminary analysis suggests relatively high awareness of cable modem and DSL availability. Almost 19 percent of the sample have high-speed connectivity, and the mean price paid per month for dial-up and high-speed access is $19.76 and $42.36, respectively. Preference for high-speed access is apparent among households with higher income and college education. About 63 percent of high-speed users have more than five years of online experience, compared to 48 percent of dial-up users, and high-speed users are twice as likely to share music files and photos, bank, trade stocks, and pay bills “many times a week” than dial-up users. Willingness-to-pay estimates indicate reliability of service, speed, and always-on connectivity are important Internet access attributes.
Effect of selective beta-adrenergic blockade and stimulation on regional myocardial blood flow following acute coronary artery occlusion in the awake dog

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of alterations of beta-receptor activity on intercoronary collateral blood flow after acute coronary artery occlusion in the awake dog. Blood flow following acute circumflex coronary occlusion was measured during: 1) control conditions; 2) selective beta1-blockade with practolol; 3) combined beta1 and beta2 blockade with propranolol; and 4) selective beta2 stimulation. Neither practolol nor propranolol significantly altered the volume or distribution of blood flow into the normally perfused or ischaemicmyocardial areas, while beta2 stimulation increased blood flow to the normally perfused myocardium from 1.13 +/- 0.12 to 1.28 +/- 1.10 cm3 .min-1 .g-1 (P <0.05). This increase in flow, which was directed preferentially to the subepicardium, was mediated by a significant decrease in coronary vascular resistance. In contrast to the effect on normally perfused myocardiu, beta2 stimulation resulted in a 47 +/- 12% decrease in collateral flow into the central ischaemic zone (P <0.05), which was mediated by a combination of decreased arterial pressure and increased collateral vascular resistance during beta2-agonist administration. Thus, although beta2 stimulation produced a modest increase in blood flow to normally perfused myocardium, in the setting of acute myocardial ischaemia, beta2 stimulation resulted in a significant decrease in intercoronary collateral flow.
Social influence and creativity: Setting the stage for inventiveness

This special issue of Social Influence examines how social influences can affect such outcomes as creativity, innovation, originality, and inventiveness. While major advances have been made, many q...
Estimating historical exposures of workers in a beryllium manufacturing plant.

Background Beryllium is known to be toxic to the lungs, causing beryllium lung disease and associated with increased lung cancer risk. Airborne beryllium exposures have been monitored since the 1940s. This study describes methods used to measure airborne beryllium concentrations and how historical measurements from a beryllium manufacturing plant were used to estimate workers' exposures in a lung cancer case–control study. Methods Airborne beryllium concentrations had been measured using all-glass impingers, high-volume air filters, and personal respirable and total dust samplers. To provide consistency in exposure estimates over time, measurements collected by the other monitoring methods were converted to approximate the most frequently used high-volume, time-weighted average measurements. Because industrial hygiene measurements were not collected in every year for all jobs throughout the duration of the case–control study, exposure estimates had to be extrapolated from the existing measurements over time and across jobs. Results Over 7,000 historical measurements were available to estimate beryllium exposures of workers over time. Average exposures between jobs varied considerably and exposures for all jobs decreased dramatically between the 1940s and 1970s due to major plant production changes. Conclusions Although error in the exposure metrics for the cases and controls likely occurred due to limitations of the exposure assessment data, the exposure estimates for each job over time provided a reasonable, objective mechanism for categorizing workers by the relative exposures they were likely to have encountered during their tenure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:145–157, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pancreatic cancer with Nest-in tendencies.

Commentary to: Nestin is a novel target for suppressing pancreatic cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis Yoko Matsuda, Zenya Naito, Kiyoko Kawahara, Nando Nakazawa, Murray Korc and Toshiyuki Ishiwata
Material model for composites using neural networks

Introduction A materials such as composites are being used in a variety of engineering applications. These composites exhibit complex behaviors such as anisotropy, microcracking, fiber breakage, etc. Constitutive equations are being developed to describe these complex behaviors using some mathematical rules and expressions based on either experimental data or a theory. The constitutive equations describe the relationship between stresses and strains. A new computational paradigm using Artificial Neural Network provides a fundamentally different approach to the derivation and representation of composite material behavior relationships. Neural network (NN) is a paradigm for computation and knowledge representation inspired by the neuronal architecture and operation of the brain.' There have been considerable research efforts in different applications of NN: signal processing, robotics, structural analysis and design, and pattern recognition' to name a few. Other related work in the use of NN for effective modeling of complex, highly nonlinear relationship among data sets can be found in Ref. 7. The resurgence of earlier research in NN has facilitated the development of a totally different approach to the derivation and representation of material behavior. With this new approach, the knowledge of the material's behavior is captured within the connections of a self-organizing NN that has been trained with experimental data. Recently, the stress-strain behavior of concrete material under the plane stress condition was modeled with a back-propagation (BP) neural network. A neural-network-based material model is developed as an alternative to mathematical modeling of composite material behavior. Neural-network-based modeling solutions are better than conventional methods, such as nonlinear regression analysis, etc., for handling unknown data sets, large dimensional data sets, and noisy data. In this Note, the nonlinear stress-strain behavior of (±6) graphite-epoxy laminates under monotonic and cyclic loadings is modeled with a back-propagation neural network. The NN predicted stress-strain behavior is compared to the experimental data for both monotonic and cyclic loadings.
Confounding in Educational Computing Research.

Despite considerable evidence in research that computer-based instruction enhances student learning, an argument is presented that most of this research is confounded. Wherever computers are used to deliver instruction (including the teaching of programming languages), any resulting change in student learning or performance may be attributed to the uncontrolled effects of different instructional methods, content and/or novelty. The evidence for this confounding places the independent variables in most of these studies in doubt and diminishes the role of educational computing research in the development of instructional theory but not in instructional development or delivery.
Measurement and Prediction of Thermal Contact Resistance Across Coated Joints

An integrated experimental and numerical investigation of the thermal contact resistance across two nominally flat, coated metallic engineering surfaces in contact is presented. The model consists of a surface deformation computation, which determines the actual contact area and number of contacting asperities at a joint, and a constriction resistance analysis, which determines the constriction resistance through each individual contacting asperity. Predictions from the model are validated against experiments conducted for the purpose. The experiments are performed according to a “design of experiments” approach and evaluated using statistical regression. Three substrates (copper, brass, and aluminum) and three coatings (silver, nickel, and tin) are considered with a variety of coating thicknesses and substrate roughnesses. The contact load is also varied. The experimental measurements show that the best choice of a coating for contact resistance mitigation depends on the substrate material and roughness,...
Penile traction therapy in Peyronie's disease

Penile traction therapy has traditionally been implemented to increase penile length but has recently been investigated for reducing the curvature associated with Peyronie's disease. The results of a few initial investigations have been conflicting, and further research is needed to confirm the true benefit of such therapy and its potential role in treating Peyronie's disease as both a monotherapy and in combination with other therapeutic options.
Dysregulated Toll-like receptor expression and signaling in bone marrow-derived macrophages at the onset of diabetes in the non-obese diabetic mouse

The expression, responsiveness and regulation of mouse Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BM-O) were investigated prior to and following the development of diabetes. Expression of TLR3 and TLR5 was significantly higher in newly diabetic non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice when compared with pre-diabetic and control strains of mice. The TLR3 ligand poly(I)poly(C) triggered up-regulation of its own receptor in NOR and pre-diabetic NOD, but TLR3 was already highly expressed in diabetic NOD mice. Expression levels of TLR3 correlated with poly(I)poly(C)-triggered IFN activity. LPS triggered down-regulation of TLR4 in pre-diabetic NOD, NOR and BALB/c, while levels of TLR4 remained consistently elevated in type 1 diabetic NOD and type 2 diabetic NZL mice. Dysregulation of TLR4 expression in the diabetic state correlated with increased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation in response to the TLR4 ligand LPS and higher expression of IL-12p40, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), IL-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase but lowered expression of IL-10. Exposure of bone marrow precursor cells from NOD mice to a hyperglycemic environment during differentiation into macrophages resulted in elevated levels of TLR2 and TLR4 and the cytokine TNFalpha. The results indicate that macrophage precursors are influenced by systemic changes in diabetes favoring altered TLR expression and sensitivity that may influence susceptibility to macrophage-mediated diabetes complications and explain inappropriate responses to infection in diabetes.
The Epidemiology and Control of Measles in Yaoundé, Cameroun, 1968–1975

Surveillance data on measles in Yaounde during the 8 years from 1968-1975 have been reviewed. Measles epidemics occurred in every year except 1969-1970, the period of the attach phase of the Smallpox Eradication and Measles Control Programme. Subsequent biennial mass measles immunisation campaigns and maintenance measles immunisation at the child health centre failed to interrupt epidemic transmission. 70-80% of cases were under 24 months of age. Annual outbreaks occurred during the first half of each year, but smaller numbers of cases continued throughout the year. The outbreaks came to an end despite 32-41% of 6 through 36 month old children remaining susceptible. The seasonality of measles was not simply related to the annual rainfall pattern. Rather it is hypothesised that measles seasonality depends on the movement of young children with their mothers during the annual agricultural cycles. Measles immunisation programmes must be adapted to local epidemiological and cultural conditions in order to interrupt transmission.
Religion An Overlooked Dimension in Cross-Cultural Psychology

This article argues that religion should be fully integrated into cross-cultural research for four reasons: (a) religion, by itself, occupies a substantial role in people's lives across different cultures; (b) religion has been found to be a strong predictor of important life domains among individuals all over the world; (c) religion has a strong influence on cross-cultural dimensions; and (d) culture also influences and shapes religious beliefs and practices. The authors present a five-dimensional framework of religion and provide recommendations on ways it can be integrated within cross-cultural research.
A quantitative approach to camera fixation

The quantitative aspects of camera fixation for a static scene are addressed. In general, when the camera undergoes translation and rotation, there is an infinite number of points that produce equal optical flow for any instantaneous point in time. Using a camera-centered spherical coordinate system, it is shown how to find these points in space. For the case where the rotation axis of the camera is perpendicular to the instantaneous translation vector, these points lie on cylinders. If the elevation component of the optical flow is set to zero then these points form a circle (called the equal flow circle or simply EFC) and a line, i.e. all points that lie on this circle or line are observed as having the same azimuthal optical flow. A special case of the EFCs is the zero flow circle (ZFC) where both components of the optical flow are equal to zero. A fixation point is the intersection of all the ZFCs. Points inside and outside the ZFC can be quantitatively mapped using the EFCs. It is shown how the concept of the EFC and ZFC can be used to explain the optical flow produced by points near the fixation point. >
Predictive technology characterization, missing links between TCAD and compact modeling

Predictive modeling of components in IC manufacturing technologies is an essential part of coupled technology and circuit development. TCAD simulation is often viewed as the best method to generate predictive simulations; however, it has some limitations. Engineering experience, extrapolated technology requirements, and compact models all must be invoked in the provision of predictive circuit level technology data. This paper describes the techniques and information required for effective and efficient engineering predictions of technology capability, including statistical variations, and notes deficiencies (and therefore opportunities) in the TCAD simulations that underlie compact modeling for predictive technology characterization.
Cloning and characterization of the S1 domain of four myosin isoforms from functionally divergent fiber types in adult Rana pipiens skeletal muscle

The motor properties of myosin reside in the globular S1 region of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) subunit. All vertebrates express a family of MHC isoforms in skeletal muscle that have a major influence on the mechanical properties of the various fiber types. Differences in molecular composition of S1 among MHC isoforms within a species have not been studied to any great detail. Presently, we have isolated, cloned and sequenced the S1 subunit of four MHC isoforms from skeletal muscle in Rana pipiens that are specifically expressed in four mechanically divergent fiber types. Paired analysis showed that the overall amino acid identity was higher between the three S1 isoforms expressed in twitch fibers than between the twitch and tonic isoforms. Relatedness in amino acid composition was evaluated in regions reported to govern cross-bridge kinetics. Surface loops 1 and 2, thought to influence motor velocity and ATPase, respectively, were both highly divergent between isoforms. However, the divergence in the loops was roughly equal to that of the amino-terminal region, a domain considered less important for motor function. We tested the hypothesis that the loops are more conserved in pairs of isoforms with more similar kinetics. Comparisons including other vertebrate species showed no tendency for loops from pairs with similar kinetics to be more conserved. These data suggest that the overall structure of loops 1 and 2 is not critical in regulating the kinetic properties of R. pipiens S1 isoforms. Cloning of this family of frog S1 isoforms will facilitate future structure/function studies of the molecular basis of variability in myosin cross-bridge kinetics.
T cell-induced inflammation of the small and large intestine in immunodeficient mice

It is well known that transfer of CD4+CD45RBhigh (naive) T cells into syngeneic lymphocyte-deficient mice induces chronic colitis. However, no studies have reported the presence of small bowel infl...
Detailed phenotypic characterization of five temperature-sensitive mutants in the 22- and 147-kilodalton subunits of vaccinia virus DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Abstract We have carried out detailed phenotypic characterization of five temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of vaccinia virus, the ts lesions of which have previously been mapped to two different subunits of the viral RNA polymerase. We have also attempted to determine the mechanism of temperature sensitivity in these mutants. Phenotypic characterization of each of the mutants showed that at the nonpermissive temperature, all five mutants exhibited normal levels of early viral mRNA and protein synthesis, but for an extended period of time, all mutants accumulated normal levels of DNA in abnormally large pools in the cell cytoplasm; all mutants were defective in the synthesis of late viral mRNA and proteins and in viral morphogenesis. In an attempt to address the mechanism of temperature sensitivity in these mutants, we measured the effect of a temperature shift on the ability of the mutants to direct late viral protein synthesis. If infected cells were shifted down from a nonpermissive temperature late during infection, late protein synthesis was initiated after a lag period of 1 to 2 h. If infected cells were shifted up from a permissive temperature early during infection, late protein synthesis continued to be defective. If infected cells were shifted up to the nonpermissive temperature after late protein synthesis had commenced, late protein synthesis was maintained at the nonpermissive temperature at the level observed when the temperature was shifted up. We interpret these results to mean that once a functional RNA polymerase has been assembled at the permissive temperature during a mutant infection, it remains functional at the nonpermissive temperature, but that the ts mutants are defective in the assembly of a newly synthesized RNA polymerase at the nonpermissive temperature. This interpretation implies that the virion RNA polymerase is responsible for early viral transcription and that a newly synthesized RNA polymerase transcribes late viral genes.
Apple polyphenols require T cells to ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and dampen proinflammatory cytokine expression

Human IBD, including UC and Crohn's disease, is characterized by a chronic, relapsing, and remitting condition that exhibits various features of immunological inflammation and affects at least one/1000 people in Western countries. Polyphenol extracts from a variety of plants have been shown to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, treatment with APP was investigated to ameliorate chemically induced colitis. Oral but not peritoneal administration of APP during colitis induction significantly protected C57BL/6 mice against disease, as evidenced by the lack of weight loss, colonic inflammation, and shortening of the colon. APP administration dampened the mRNA expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and IFN-γ in the colons of mice with colitis. APP-mediated protection requires T cells, as protection was abated in Rag-1(-/-) or TCRα(-/-) mice but not in IL-10(-/-), IRF-1(-/-), μMT, or TCRδ(-/-) mice. Administration of APP during colitis to TCRα(-/-) mice actually enhanced proinflammatory cytokine expression, further demonstrating a requirement for TCRαβ cells in APP-mediated protection. APP treatment also inhibited CXCR3 expression by TCRαβ cells, but not B or NK cells, in the colons of mice with colitis; however, depletion of CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells alone did not abolish APP-mediated protection. Collectively, these results show that oral administration of APP protects against experimental colitis and diminishes proinflammatory cytokine expression via T cells.
Rescuing recombinant proteins by sequestration into the P22 VLP

Here we report the use of a self-assembling protein cage to sequester and solubilize recombinant proteins which are usually trafficked to insoluble inclusion bodies. Our results suggest that protein cages can be used as novel vehicles to rescue and produce soluble proteins that are otherwise difficult to obtain using conventional methods.
Bad Habits May Be Hard to Break

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)–based screening for prostate cancer (PCa) is likely here to stay. This conclusion seems inescapable, notwithstanding two large random prospective trials that show either no benefits (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial [PLCO]) or fairly modest benefits (European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer) for reducing PCaspecific mortality [1,2]. The inevitability of PSA testing is supported by other observations including the behavior of the control group of the PLCO [3] and ‘‘popular opinion,’’ through which large segments of patients in the United States undergo frequent testing. This has been long recognized, and the age stratum most likely to be screened is the upper 70s [4]. Now the data from Nordstrom et al. [5] show a similar pattern emerging in Stockholm County, Sweden. These new data raise important questions: If PSA testing is inevitable, can it nonetheless be discouraged for the men who are least likely to benefit from it due to their age or comorbidity [6]? And can retesting be discouraged for men with very low initial PSA levels (eg, 1), namely, men who have a very low likelihood of future development of a clinically significant cancer [7,8]? It is difficult to make general suggestions on ways to reduce PSA testing among men with a low likelihood of benefiting from it. Perhaps a candid discussion of the reality that the presence of one comorbidity or more significantly lessens a man’s chance of dying from PCa [6] (and thus benefiting from diagnosis and treatment) would reduce a man’s preference for testing or at least motivate him to improve his overall lifestyle. Materials delineating the likelihood of overdiagnosis [9], which is very common among men who get screened, and that fairly represent the impact of subsequent overtreatment [10] may also be beneficial. However, once annual screening has begun, it can be quite difficult to change. There is an urgent need to educate patients and physicians about the best use of PSA. Unfortunately, the first 25 yr of the PSA era were marked by extensive overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Those are things we need to avoid during the next 25 yr.
The structure and origin of mastigonemes in Ochromonas minute and Monas sp.

SYNOPSIS Structure, function, and development of mastigonemes (flagellar hairs) of 2 chrysophycean flagellates were examined with light and electron microscopy in whole mount and sectioned preparations. Mastigonemes of both organisms are identical, consisting of a tapered base 0.25–0.3 μm long, maximum width of 0.03 μm; a hollow shaft 0.85 μm × 23 nm; and 2 types of laterally projecting filaments. Two rows of mastigonemes are attached to the long flagellum, one on each side in the same plane as the central pair of microtubules. One row is composed of single mastigonemes while the other bears them in “tufts.” The primary mastigonemal attachment is on the flagellar membrane. Developmental sequences as supported by electron micrographs and kinetic studies demonstrate the intracellular location of promastigonemes during reflagellation, colchicine-inhibited reflagellation, and release from inhibition. The promastigonemes first appear in the peri-nuclear space in association with the outer nuclear membrane and several dozen may accumulate there. These may pinch off as bundles and move into the cytoplasm, or if mastigonemes are being utilized rapidly by the cell, the promastigonemes are channeled a few at a time from the perinuclear space into the Golgi apparatus where some structural modifications are made. The mastigonemes are then transported in Golgi-derived secretory-type vesicles to the cell surface near the base of the growing flagellum where the vesicle membrane fuses with the plasma membrane and the mastigonemes become extracellular, although the membrane association is retained. The origin of the asymmetric arrangement of mastigonemes on the flagellum is discussed.
Wnt Inhibitory Factor 1 (Wif1) Is Regulated by Androgens and Enhances Androgen-Dependent Prostate Development

Fetal prostate development from urogenital sinus (UGS) epithelium requires androgen receptor (AR) activation in UGS mesenchyme (UGM). Despite growing awareness of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the UGS, we are still limited in our knowledge of androgen-responsive genes in UGM that initiate prostate ductal development. We found that WNT inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1) mRNA is more abundant in male vs. female mouse UGM in which its expression temporally and spatially overlaps androgen-responsive steroid 5α-reductase 2 (Srd5a2). Wif1 mRNA is also present in prostatic buds during their elongation and branching morphogenesis. Androgens are necessary and sufficient for Wif1 expression in mouse UGS explant mesenchyme, and testicular androgens remain necessary for normal Wif1 expression in adult mouse prostate stroma. WIF1 contributes functionally to prostatic bud formation. In the presence of androgens, exogenous WIF1 protein increases prostatic bud number and UGS basal epithelial cell proliferation without noticeably altering the pattern of WNT/β-catenin-responsive Axin2 or lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (Lef1) mRNA. Wif1 mutant male UGSs exhibit increased (Sfrp)2 and (Sfrp)3 expression and form the same number of prostatic buds as the wild-type control males. Collectively our results reveal Wif1 as one of the few known androgen-responsive genes in the fetal mouse UGM and support the hypothesis that androgen-dependent Wif1 expression is linked to the mechanism of androgen-induced prostatic bud formation.
Implementing URL-based forwarding on a network processor-based router platform

We describe the implementation of a URL-based forwarding function on a network processor-based programmable router (NPR). URL-based forwarding is an important tool for overlay networks. This paper presents a data path for overlay networks and the effectiveness of a programmable router.
Morphology of sodium deoxycholate-solubilized apolipoprotein B-100 using negative stain and vitreous ice electron microscopy.

The primary and secondary structures of apoli- poprotein B-100 (apoB-100) are well established. Previous morphological studies have suggested that apoB is a long, flexible, threadlike molecule that encircles the low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle. Several large domain regions of the protein have been observed in frozen hydrated LDL and may be involved in anchoring of the protein to the lipid surface of LDL. Calorimetric studies of sodium deoxycho- late (NaDC)-solubilized apoB indicated a similar number of independently melting domains. We therefore undertook a morphological study of NaDC-solubilized apoB-100 using negative stain and vitreous ice cryoelectron microscopy, a nonperturbing preservation technique. Negative staining experiments were performed in two ways: 1 ) grids were pulled through NaDC-containing buffer surfaces on which monolayers of apoB had been promoted, or 2 ) apoB mole- cules were allowed to diffuse onto carbon surfaces of grids that were floated on sample droplets. Vitrified molecules of apoB were obtained by plunging a thin fluid layer of protein adhered to a holey carbon-coated grid into supercooled ethane and by preserving the molecules in liquid nitrogen. The majority of molecules prepared in negative stain and vitreous ice were curved or arced and had alternating thin and thick regions. In negative stain, the apoB molecules lay on the grid perpendicular to the electron beam and had a mean length of 650 A. In vitreous ice the molecules were ran- domly oriented and their images ranged from 160 to 650 A in length. Vitrified molecules provided visualization of one or two beaded regions. Similar regions were observed in nega- tive stain but the overall thickness was two to three times greater. Some vitrified molecules contained ribbon-like por- tions. Our study supports previously obtained data on mol- ecule length but suggests that negative staining overestimates molecule width. These first images of vitrified NaDC-solubi- lized apoB-100 confirm the long, flexible, beaded thread morphology of the molecule and support the unique poten- tial of this technique when coupled with proper molecule orientation and antibody labeling to correlate the tertiary structure of apoB seen in the intact particle with that of the isolated molecule. —Gantz, D. L., M. T. Walsh, and D. M. Small. Morphology of sodium deoxycholate-solubilized apolipoprotein B-100 using negative stain and vitreous ice electron microscopy. J. Lipid Res. 2000. 41: 1464-1472.
Autonomous Patterns and Scientific Realism

Taking Bogen and Woodward's discussion of data and phenomena as his starting point, McAllister presents a challenge to scientific realism. I discuss this challenge and offer a suggestion for how the scientific realist could respond to both its epistemic and ontological aspects. In so doing, I urge that the scientific realist should not reject ontological pluralism from the start, but should seek to explore versions of scientific realism that leave open the possibility of certain kinds of pluralist ontology. I investigate the available options (in terms of foundationalism, reductionism, and universalism) and use a law-constitutive approach to offer a strategy for the scientific realist who is open-minded about ontological pluralism.
Abstract W P397: Severity of White Matter Hyperintensities Is Associated With Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation During Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: Impaired autoregulation during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with perioperative mortality and morbidity. Identifying risk factors for impaired autoregulation during CPB surgery may facilitate risk stratification, and guide intra- and postoperative monitoring of high-risk patients. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) detected with MRI is associated with impaired cerebral autoregulation during CPB surgery. Methods: From a prospective cohort of 280 patients whom underwent cerebral autoregulation monitoring during CPB, 97 patients had research brain MRIs within 5-7 days of surgery. Intraoperative autoregulation monitoring was performed by generating a continuous moving Pearson’s correlation coefficient between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebral blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral arteries measured with transcranial Doppler to generate the mean velocity index (Mx). Impaired autoregulation was defined as an Mx ≥ 0.4 at all MAPs. WMHs were assessed by blinded review of FLAIR images of all patients. WMHs were graded on a 0 to 9 scale. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between the degree of WMHs and impaired autoregulation as the primary outcome. Results: Twenty-two (22.7%) of 97 patients had impaired autoregulation. Age, sex, race, and other medical comorbidities did not significantly differ between patients with intact and impaired autoregulation. In univariate analysis, each 1-point increase in white matter (WM) score was associated with 1.64-fold increased odds (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-2.27, p=0.003) of impaired autoregulation. WM score remained an independent predictor of impaired autoregulation after adjusting for age, sex, race, hypertension, and prior stroke (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.21-2.63, p=0.003). In adjusted models, severe white matter disease (WM score ≥3) was associated with nearly 5-times higher odds of impaired autoregulation compared to a WM score <3 (OR 4.75, 95% CI 1.58-14.27, p=0.005). Conclusions: WMHs are independently associated with impaired cerebral autoregulation during cardiac surgery and may increase the risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality.
Toward single-cell analysis by plume collimation in laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Ambient ionization methods for mass spectrometry have enabled the in situ and in vivo analysis of biological tissues and cells. When an etched optical fiber is used to deliver laser energy to a sample in laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) mass spectrometry, the analysis of large single cells becomes possible. However, because in this arrangement the ablation plume expands in three dimensions, only a small portion of it is ionized by the electrospray. Here we show that sample ablation within a capillary helps to confine the radial expansion of the plume. Plume collimation, due to the altered expansion dynamics, leads to greater interaction with the electrospray plume resulting in increased ionization efficiency, reduced limit of detection (by a factor of ∼13, reaching 600 amol for verapamil), and extended dynamic range (6 orders of magnitude) compared to conventional LAESI. This enhanced sensitivity enables the analysis of a range of metabolites from small cell populations and single cells in t...
Abstract P4-17-07: Reconstructive Outcomes of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Five Year Experience

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has gained popularity, but remains contoversial as the procedure9s reconstructive outcomes and oncologic safety are still somewhat uncertain. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the New York University-Langone Medical Center experience with NSM from 2006–2011. Outcomes measured include post-operative complications, breast cancer recurrence, presence of cancer at the nipple-areolar complex, and nipple-areolar complex viability. Results: Our data include patients who underwent NSM from 2006–2011. In total, the records of 235 (145 prophylactic, 90 theraputic) NSM at NYULMC were reviewed. Our reconstructive dta included all forms of reconstruction, including 144 tissue expanders, 74 microvascular free flaps, 16 immediate implants, and 1 combination latissimus dorsi flap with implant. Mean follow-up time was 19 months. No differences existed between the theraputic and prophylactic breast patients. The major complication rate of 4.3% (10/235) included 4 intraoperative hematoma evacuations, 1 flap anastomosis revision, and 3 explanted implants. One patient expired 4 months following surgery secondary to progression of disease. The microvascular free flap loss rate for this group was 0. Minor complications in 6.8% of patients consisted of implant exchange for asymmetry, operative revision of partial flap necrosis, intravenous antibiotics for infection, and 1 non-operative hematoma. In total, 5.9% of nipples were resected due to malignant or premalignant disease. There were 3 positive intraoperative biopsies with 9 additional biopsies positive on final pathology. To date, there have been no recurrences involving the nipple-areolar complex. The viability rate for the remaining nipples was 93.2% with1.7% of nipples undergoing complete necrosis, 3.8% partial necrosis, and 1.3% undergoing epiderolysis. Conclusions: This experience with NSM demonstrates the in a carefully selected cohort, oncologic safety and reconstructive outcome are comparable to the current standard of total mastectomy. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-17-07.
Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Injury and Seizures in Abusive Head Trauma (P3.254)

Objective: Characterize hypoxic ischemic injury in patients with abusive head trauma who underwent continuous EEG monitoring per our protocol. Background: We have observed that hypoxic ischemic (HI) brain injury and seizures are common findings in our cohort of patients with abusive head trauma (AHT) Methods:A single center retrospective study of children diagnosed with AHT between Oct 2010 and Dec 2014 who underwent EEG monitoring via standardized protocol. EEG data was scored by a single epileptologist. A single neuroradiologist scored all MRIs for severity of traumatic and hypoxic injury. Results: Sixty children were diagnosed with AHT. 0f 58 children with full EEGs available, 52[percnt] had seizures. Of 53 patients who had MRI, 77[percnt] had HI. The median age was younger in patients with seizures (4.5 months, IQR 3.0-9.5) compared to those without (12 months IQR 5-26, P<0.01). In a logistic regression model to determine which factors are associated with seizures (age, type of ICH, neurosurgical procedure, ICP lowering agent, and HI on MRI), only HI on MRI (OR 10.8, p=0.001) and age (p=0.008) were associated with seizures. A hierarchical linear regression model was run to determine if severity of HI predicted seizure severity above age alone. The full model of age and HI score was statistically significant (R2 = 0.45, F(2,47)=19.1, p<0.0005). The addition of HI score to age led to a statistically significant increase in R2 of 0.27 (F(1,47)=22.7, P<0.005). Traumatic injury score was not predictive of seizure burden. Three children had no HI on the initial MRI, but did on subsequent MRIs. Conclusion: HI score is predictive of seizure severity in children with AHT. In some cases hypoxic changes on MRI were delayed. Therefore, children with suspected AHT should be monitored with continuous EEG. Children with high seizure burden should be re-imaged to evaluate for evolving HI. Disclosure: Dr. DINGMAN has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stence has nothing to disclose. Dr. Allen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chapman has nothing to disclose.
Study on the thermal desorption gas chromatographic method in determining n-hexane in the air of workplace

ObjectiveTo establish thermal desorption gas c hromatographic method for determining n-hexane in the air of workplace.[Methods]Exp eriment in labora tory and on site were carried out according to "Standardization of methods for d etermination of toxic substances in workplace air".[Results]B reath through capa city7.2mg/100mg absorbent charcoal. The absorption efficiency was 99.1%～100% wh en N-hexane concentration was at 83.0～177.3 mg/m 3. The storage period was at leas t 8 days. Precision (RSD): 2.2%～3.0%; desorption efficiencies: 81.2%～88.2%; d ete ction limit: 0.8 mg/m 3. The coexistence of benzene, toluene, and butyl acetate do es not interfere the determination.[Conclusion]This method me ets the requireme nt of "Standardization of methods for determination of toxic substances in workp lace air". It is suitable for determination of n-hexane in the air of workplace.
Alternating Direction Method of Multiplier for Euler’s Elastica-Based Denoising

Inspired by recent numerical developments, we propose a new version of alternating direction method of multiplier (ADMM) for Euler’s Elastica-based denoising model. The main contribution is to design a simple and fast method, which it is also easy to choose its parameters values. regularizer for instance the so called staircasing effect. The solution of each subproblem is given in a closed form using a discrete Fourier transform, a soft shrinkage operator, and a coupled Fourier transform. Compared to other methods, this algorithm has less parameters and we provide some insight on their values. provide some insights on how their values need to be determined. Numerical experiments on image denoising application demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
BETA BLOCKERS IN THE· ELDERLY

Adrenergic blocking drugs have become one of the most widely prescribed groups of agents in the current armamentarium of drugs for the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular disorders. Because diseases such as hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias are so prevalent among the elderly, beta blockers are commonly used in this population. There is, however, a significant amount of controversy involving the need to treat some of these problems in the elderly and additional doubt as to whether geriatric patients are less sensitive to the therapeutic effects of these drugs or are at greater risk of toxicity from this class of agents. The purpose of this chapter is to review the evidence documenting the efficacy of β-adrenergic blocking agents in the elderly as well as the data that quantitate the altered pharmacokinetics of beta blockers in the geriatric population. In addition, we will discuss methodology that is most appropriate to study β-blocking drugs in the elderly.
Recommendations for Professional Use of Social Media, Digital Technology, and the Internet

How can health-care professionals meet standards of professionalism online? General recommendations include using the most appropriate medium for a given communication; knowing how to use technological devices and software safety and appropriately; being aware of guidelines by health-care institutions, licensing boards, professional associations, and malpractice insurers (discussed here); using password-protection, encryption, and other security devices; setting the frame around the use of technology ahead of time with written privacy notices and informed consents; taking particular care with mobile devices; and obtaining technological, legal, ethical or clinical consultation as appropriate. Health-care professionals should take care not to violate the principles discussed in this book: the standard of care; confidentiality of patient information; individuals’ privacy; libel; conflict of interest; academic integrity; mandated reporting requirements; and netiquette. Particular issues and requirements regarding email, websites/blogs/chat rooms, texting, search engines, social media, and media-sharing sites are also discussed.
Medicare Part D's Effects on Drug Utilization and Out-of-Pocket Costs: A Systematic Review.

Objective To update a past systematic review on whether Medicare Part D changed drug utilization and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs overall and within subpopulations, and to identify evidence gaps. Data Sources/Study Setting Published and gray literature from 2010 to 2015 meeting prespecified screening criteria, including having a comparison group, and utilization or OOP cost outcomes. Study Design We conducted a systematic literature review with a quality assessment. Data Collection/Extraction Methods For each study, we extracted information on study design, data sources, analytic methods, outcomes, and limitations. Because outcome measures vary across studies, we did a qualitative synthesis rather than meta-analysis. Principal Findings Sixty-five studies met screening criteria. Overall, Medicare Part D enrollees have increased drug utilization and decreased OOP costs, but coverage gaps limit the program's impact. Beneficiaries whose insurance becomes more generous after enrollment had disproportionately increased drug utilization and decreased OOP costs. Outcomes among dual-eligibles were mixed. Conclusions There is strong evidence on how Medicare Part D and the donut hole coverage gap affect utilization and OOP costs, but weak evidence on how effects vary among dual-eligibles or across diseases. Findings suggest that the Affordable Care Act's provisions to expand coverage and reduce the donut hole should improve patient outcomes.
Downregulation of the proapoptotic protein MOAP-1 by the UBR5 ubiquitin ligase and its role in ovarian cancer resistance to cisplatin

Evasion of apoptosis allows many cancers to resist chemotherapy. Apoptosis is mediated by the serial activation of caspase family proteins. These proteases are often activated upon the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, which is promoted by the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, Bax. This function of Bax is enhanced by the MOAP-1 (modulator of apoptosis protein 1) protein in response to DNA damage. Previously, we reported that MOAP-1 is targeted for ubiquitylation and degradation by the APC/CCdh1 ubiquitin ligase. In this study, we identify the HECT (homologous to the E6-AP carboxyl terminus) family E3 ubiquitin ligase, UBR5, as a novel ubiquitin ligase for MOAP-1. We demonstrate that UBR5 interacts physically with MOAP-1, ubiquitylates MOAP-1 in vitro and inhibits MOAP-1 stability in cultured cells. In addition, we show that Dyrk2 kinase, a reported UBR5 interactor, cooperates with UBR5 in mediating MOAP-1 ubiquitylation. Importantly, we found that cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines exhibit lower levels of MOAP-1 accumulation than their sensitive counterparts upon cisplatin treatment, consistent with the previously reported role of MOAP-1 in modulating cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Accordingly, UBR5 knockdown increased MOAP-1 expression, enhanced Bax activation and sensitized otherwise resistant cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, UBR5 expression was higher in ovarian cancers from cisplatin-resistant patients than from cisplatin-responsive patients. These results show that UBR5 downregulates proapoptotic MOAP-1 and suggest that UBR5 can confer cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer. Thus UBR5 may be an attractive therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment.