cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization and correction of pulse pile-up in simultaneous emission–transmission computed tomography

We have developed an emission–transmission CT (ETCT) system capable of both single‐photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)imaging and x‐ray transmission CTimaging using a common photon counting detector. In principle, SPECT and x‐ray CT projection data can be acquired simultaneously with the ETCT system; however, doing so results in contamination of the SPECT projection data due to pulse pile‐up caused by the relatively high x‐ray fluence rate. In this study, we characterize the effects of pulse pile‐up for simultaneous ETCT imaging through computer simulation and experimental studies. We demonstrate that pulse pile‐up in the SPECT energy window can be well approximated by a simple quadratic relationship between the pile‐up rate and the x‐ray fluence rate for sufficiently small x‐ray fluence rates. Using this quadratic relationship, we developed a simple pile‐up correction scheme that subtracts the pile‐up counts from the emission data and also truncates the exterior regions of the emission projection data. Analysis of difference images and profiles indicate that this method permits us to reconstructSPECTimages with no apparent noise or resolution degradation in comparison to those obtained via sequential emission and transmission scans.
Storage characteristics of three selenium species in water

The storage characteristics of selenate, selenite, and selenomethionine in low and high ionic strength water were investigated. Each water matrix, which contained all three selenium forms, was subjected to three different selenium concentrations (10, 50, and 100 ppb), two different container materials (borosilicate glass and high density polyethylene), and two temperatures (glass: 4°C; polyethylene: −20°C) over a period of 120 days. Ligand exchange chromatography using copper chelex was used to separate organic from inorganic selenium forms.
Multi‐material and advanced geometry deposition via laser chemical vapor deposition

Laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) as a manufacturing process holds the potential to build compositionally and geometrically unique objects. Georgia Tech's LCVD system has been used in the past to create three‐dimensional and laminate structures out of carbon. Recently molybdenum and boron nitride were successfully deposited and upgrades to the system have allowed for higher spatial resolutions and more varied geometric capabilities. Upgrades include the addition of a fourth linear stage and implementation of an argon ion laser. Detailed thermal and fluid modeling have provided more insight as to the important parameters and characteristics of the LCVD process.
Sign language: its history and contribution to the understanding of the biological nature of language.

Conclusion The development of conceptualization of a biological basis of language during the 20th century has come about, in part, through the appreciation of the central nervous system's ability to utilize varied sensory inputs, and particularly vision, to develop language. Objective Sign language has been a part of the linguistic experience from prehistory to the present day. Data suggest that human language may have originated as a visual language and became primarily auditory with the later development of our voice/speech tract. Sign language may be categorized into two types. The first is used by individuals who have auditory/oral language and the signs are used for special situations, such as communication in a monastery in which there is a vow of silence. The second is used by those who do not have access to auditory/oral language, namely the deaf. Material and methods The history of the two forms of sign language and the development of the concept of the biological basis of language are reviewed f...
Variable domain I of nematode CLEs directs post-translational targeting of CLE peptides to the extracellular space

Effector proteins expressed in the esophageal gland cells of cyst nematodes are delivered into plant cells through a hollow, protrusible stylet. Although evidence indicates that effector proteins function in the cytoplasm of the syncytium, technical constraints have made it difficult to directly determine where nematode effector proteins are initially delivered: cytoplasm, extracellular space, or both. Recently, we demonstrated that soybean cyst nematode CLE (HgCLE) propeptides are delivered to the cytoplasm of syncytial cells. Genetic and biochemical analyses indicate that the variable domain (VD) sequence is then required for targeting cytoplasmically delivered nematode CLEs to the apoplast where they function as ligand mimics of endogenous plant CLE peptides. The fact that nematode CLEs are targeted through the gland cell secretory pathway and delivered as mature propeptides into plant cells makes it impossible for these proteins to be subsequently delivered to the extracellular space via co-translational translocation through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) secretory pathway of the host cell. However, when expressed in transgenic plants, if the mature nematode CLE propeptide harbored a functional cryptic signal peptide, it could possibly traffic to the apoplast through the ER secretory pathway by co-translational translocation. Here, we present evidence that VDI, the N-terminal sequence of the variable domain of HgCLE2, is sufficient for trafficking CLE peptides to the apoplast and that trafficking is indeed through an alternative pathway other than co-translational translocation.
Rydberg photochemistry of methyl radicals

Using 10.5 eV photoionization and time-of-flight mass analysis of the dissociation products of CH3(B 2A′1) in a free jet, we have observed the photochemical production of CH2. This application of pulsed supersonic jet flash pyrolysis takes advantage of the nearly quantitative radical yield in the nozzle source to eliminate interference from other molecular species that could obscure the predicted methyl radical photochemistry.
Electronic spectra of some tetragonal complexes of rhodium(III), iridium(III) and platinum(IV) [1]

Abstract Solution electronic spectral data are reported for 30 tetragonal complexes of the types trans-M(en)2Xn+2, M(NH3)5Xn+ (M = Rh(III), Ir(III), or Pt(IV); X = Cl, Br, or I); trans-M(NH3)4Xn+2 (M = Rh(III) or Pt(IV); X = Cl, Br, or I); trans-PtL4X2−2 (L = CN− or NO−2, X = Cl or Br); and Pt(CN)5X2− (X = Cl, Br, or I). These data are interpreted in terms of ligand field (LF) excited states in C4v or D4h symmetry and ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) excited states involving the halide ligands. Intensity patterns among the LMCT transitions of intermediate intensity are rationalized by including halide spin-orbit coupling in excited configurations. Trends in LF and LMCT excited state energies are discussed.
Functional integral representation of Glauber theory for high-energy heavy-ion scattering

Abstract A functional integral representation is presented for the Glauber theory amplitude for high- energy heavy-ion scattering with arbitrary nucleon-nucleon interactions, closely related to that previously obtained by Winbow using Reggeon field theory. As in Winbow's paper the amplitude can be evaluated in the large- A limit using a saddle point technique. The evaluation is carried out in a simple case: it predicts less absorption than does the double-folding model.
Diagnostic Performance of Resting CT Myocardial Perfusion in Patients With Possible Acute Coronary Syndrome

OBJECTIVE. Coronary CT angiography has high sensitivity, but modest specificity, to detect acute coronary syndrome. We studied whether adding resting CT myocardial perfusion imaging improved the detection of acute coronary syndrome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Patients with low-to-intermediate cardiac risk presenting with possible acute coronary syndrome received both the standard of care evaluation and a research thoracic 64-MDCT examination. Patients with an obstructive (> 50%) stenosis or a nonevaluable coronary segment on CT were diagnosed with possible acute coronary syndrome. CT perfusion was determined by applying gray and color Hounsfield unit maps to resting CT angiography images. Adjudicated patient diagnoses were based on the standard of care and 3-month follow-up. Patient-level diagnostic performance for acute coronary syndrome was calculated for coronary CT, CT perfusion, and combined techniques. RESULTS. A total of 105 patients were enrolled. Of the nine (9%) patients with acute coronary syndrome,...
Implementation of inpatient and outpatient tobacco-cessation programs

Purpose. Two programs in which pharmacists have an active role in the provision of tobacco-cessation education are described. Summary. An algorithm for tobacco- cessation education was created for use in an inpatient tobacco-cessation program. Patient education handouts were created, and the content of each handout varied by the patient’s level of readiness to make a quit attempt. Doctor of pharmacy students who were assigned to the general internal medicine clerkship rotation at the hospital provided tobacco-cessation education to patients. During monthly rotations, these students assess the smoking status of each patient, gauge the patient’s readiness to quit, and provide brief tobacco-cessation education to those who smoke. Patients who are willing to quit smoking are asked if they can be contacted by a representative of the health system’s tobacco-cessation program. This program includes a series of three group classes focusing on behavior modification and pharmacotherapy provided at a discounted price. An outpatient tobacco-cessation clinic was initiated to provide all patients of the network an opportunity to participate and have access to tobacco-cessation services. The clinic consists of group and individual classes using the principles and interventions highlighted in national clinical practice guidelines. All referred patients must attend an initial one-on-one visit with the clinical pharmacist before enrollment into the group class. During this visit, general medical information is collected, and the patient’s stage of change and willingness to set a quit date are determined. A medication review for drug–smoking interactions is conducted, individual goals are discussed, and a care plan is created. Conclusion. Tobacco-cessation services were implemented by pharmacists working in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Guiding Bacteria with Small Molecules and RNA

Chemotactic bacteria navigate their chemical environment by coupling sophisticated information processing capabilities to molecular motors that propel the cells forward. The ability to reprogram bacteria to follow entirely new chemical signals would create powerful new opportunities in bioremediation, bionanotechnology, and synthetic biology. However, the complexities of bacterial signaling and limitations of current protein engineering methods combine to make reprogramming bacteria to follow novel molecules a difficult task. Here we show that by using a synthetic riboswitch rather than an engineered protein to recognize a ligand, E. coli can be guided toward and precisely localized to a completely new chemical signal.
Gas-liquid chromatography of trimethylsilyl and alkyl oxime-trimethylsilyl derivatives of some prostaglandins.

Abstract Retention indices for trimethylsilyl (TMS), methyloxime-trimethylsilyl (MO-TMS), and ethyl oxime-trimethylsilyl (EO-TMS) derivatives of prostaglandins A 1 , B 1 , B 2 , E 1 , 8-iso-E 1 , E 2 , and 8-iso-E 2 , and for TMS derivatives of prostaglandins F 1α , F 2α , and F 2β are reported and discussed. The MO-TMS and EO-TMS derivatives of prostaglandins of the E series are more stable than the TMS derivatives and exhibit more regular retention increments. Stereochemical differences in prostaglandins are readily discerned by gas chromatography of these derivatives.
Futurism: Its Potential and Actual Role in Master of Business Administration (MBA) Education.

In this article, the author highlights the potential role of "futurism" in master of business administration (MBA) curricula and the conceivable offerings of futurism to business planners. This article serves as a corollary to educators in MBA business education and concerns to the nature of futurism, the benefits of futurism to managerial planning, the use of futurism in industry, and the various techniques for producing long-term scenarios. In addition, the author describes the results of an exploratory study on the extent of knowledge that MBA students possess on this subject. The results of this study suggest that MBA students are not well-informed about this approach.
Human leukocyte acid hydrolases: Characterization of eleven lysosomal enzymes and study of reaction conditions for their automated analysis

The optimal reaction conditions and kinetic properties of eleven leukocyte acid hydrolases determined with the use of fluorigenic derivatives of 4-methyl-umbelliferone are described. The enzymes studied were acid phosphatase, aryl sulfatase, alpha- and beta-glucosidase, alpha- and beta-galactosidase, alpha-mannosidase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, N-acetyl-beta-galactosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase and alpha-fucosidase. More than 90% of the activity of each enzyme was released into a 27,000 X g supernatant by a double sonication procedure employing 0.9% sodium chloride and 0.1% Triton X-100. The Km values obtained were similar to those previously reported for chromogenic subtrates. A single Km value could not be derived for beta-galactosidase because its double reciprocal plot was not linear. All enzymes could be measured with less than 10 mug of protein within 15 min. Activators and inhibitors studied included the chloride salts of Na+, K+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Hg2+, and Fe2+ as well as p-chloromercuriphenysulfonate, glutathione, BAL, EDTA, EGTA, Triton X-100 and sodium taurocholate. The reaction conditions described in this report can be used for the diagnosis of various lysosomal storage diseases and should facilitate the development of automated procedures for the analysis of these eleven enzyme activities with small quantities of blood.
A unified approach to simulation and timing verification at the functional level

This paper describes an integrated pair of tools - one designed for Timing Verification and the other designed for Logic Simulation - in a multi-level, mixed mode description environment.Historically, Logic Simulators and Timing Verifiers have been used for different types of verification, due to an inherent weakness in each. Particularly, Logic simulators have been weak in timing constraint checking, and Timing Verifiers in handling functional descriptions.An integrated Computer Aided Design system is described. Each tool in this integrated system is briefly presented. Then the problems normally encountered in Timing Verification at the functional level, as well as detailed timing analysis in Logic Simulators are described.A unified approach is presented to solve the difficulties presented above. First it is shown how the same description and the same set of support tools are shared by the two programs. An implementation of the timing constraint checking function, using special primitive elements is shown. Then it is shown how these primitives can be generated 'on the fly' from within a functional description, as well as in an interactive session through commands.
Synovial Fluid Glycosidase Activity

One hundred thirty-five joint fluids were evaluated with respect to enzymatic activity of three glycosidases. These enzymes, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, β-glucuronidase, and β-galactosidase, were markedly elevated in inflammatory joint effusions and minimally elevated in osteoarthritis. All three enzymes correlated with joint fluid white cell count in non-rheumatoid arthritis patients, while in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the β-N-acetylglucosaminidase and β-galactosidase activities did not correlate so well. In individual patients, enzyme activity correlated with the clinical status of the involved joint and the clinical response to intra-articular steroid therapy, thus offering a possible method for the quantitation of inflammatory joint disease.
Simulation of two‐phase flow with sub‐scale droplet and bubble effects

We present a new Eulerian-Lagrangian method for physics-based simulation of fluid flow, which includes automatic generation of sub-scale spray and bubbles. The Marker Level Set method is used to provide a simple geometric criterion for free marker generation. A filtering method, inspired from Weber number thresholding, further controls the free marker generation (in a physics-based manner). Two separate models are used, one for sub-scale droplets, the other for sub-scale bubbles. Droplets are evolved in a Newtonian manner, using a densityextension drag force field, while bubbles are evolved using a model based on Stokes’ Law. We show that our model for sub-scale droplet and bubble dynamics is simple to couple with a full (macro-scale) Navier-Stokes two-phase flow model and is quite powerful in its applications. Our animations include coarse grained multiphase features interacting with fine scale multiphase features.
Fidaxomicin Inhibits Clostridium difficile Toxin A-Mediated Enteritis in the Mouse Ileum

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common, debilitating infection with high morbidity and mortality. C. difficile causes diarrhea and intestinal inflammation by releasing two toxins, toxin A and toxin B. The macrolide antibiotic fidaxomicin was recently shown to be effective in treating CDI, and its beneficial effect was associated with fewer recurrent infections in CDI patients. Since other macrolides possess anti-inflammatory properties, we examined the possibility that fidaxomicin alters C. difficile toxin A-induced ileal inflammation in mice. The ileal loops of anesthetized mice were injected with fidaxomicin (5, 10, or 20 μM), and after 30 min, the loops were injected with purified C. difficile toxin A or phosphate-buffered saline alone. Four hours after toxin A administration, ileal tissues were processed for histological evaluation (epithelial cell damage, neutrophil infiltration, congestion, and edema) and cytokine measurements. C. difficile toxin A caused histologic damage, evidenced by increased mean histologic score and ileal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) protein and mRNA expression. Treatment with fidaxomicin (20 μM) or its primary metabolite, OP-1118 (120 μM), significantly inhibited toxin A-mediated histologic damage and reduced the mean histology score and ileal IL-1β protein and mRNA expression. Both fidaxomicin and OP-1118 reduced toxin A-induced cell rounding in human colonic CCD-18Co fibroblasts. Treatment of ileal loops with vancomycin (20 μM) and metronidazole (20 μM) did not alter toxin A-induced histologic damage and IL-1β protein expression. In addition to its well known antibacterial effects against C. difficile, fidaxomicin may possess anti-inflammatory activity directed against the intestinal effects of C. difficile toxins.
Experimental Comparison of Robust H Control Techniques for Uncertain Structural Systems

Conclusion This Note proposes a method of path planning for space manipulators that reduces disturbances to the spacecraft attitude. The proposed method uses the EDM for planning the manipulator path in the joint space. The method sequentially determines the direction of small steps of joint movements that compromises the biobjectives of minimizing the disturbance to the spacecraft attitude and realizing the terminal end effector position. Numerical simulations have been made for a space robot with a two-link manipulator. The results of the simulations show the feasibility of the present path planning algorithm.
Winning Isn't Everything: Goal Orientation and Gender Differences in University Leisure-Skills Classes:

Achievement motivation is predicated on the notion that a person wants to demonstrate competence and feel successful and is motivated to achieve these outcomes. A person’s goal orientation describes the individual’s motivation—an ego orientation presupposes that achievement is a result of ability, whereas a task orientation ties achievement to effort. Understanding a person’s achievement motivation can help us better understand how to facilitate positive leisure experiences and long-term participation in recreation activities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the goal orientation of male and female university students enrolled in leisure-skills courses. Results suggest that there are gender differences in goal orientation that may have an impact on enjoyment of and intention to continue participation in a recreation activity, regardless of the activity.
An Anti‐Epistemicist Consequence of Margin for Error Semantics for Knowledge

1. Transparent Propositions and Margin for Error Semantics Let us say that the proposition that p is transparent just in case it is known that p, and it is known that it is known that p, and it is known that it is known that it is known that p, and so on, for any number of iterations of the knowledge operator 'it is known that'. If there are transparent propositions at all, then the claim that any man with zero hairs is bald seems like a good candidate. We know that any man with zero hairs is bald. And it also does not seem completely implausible that we know that we know it, and that we know that we know that we know it, and so on. Mario G6mez-Torrente (1997, p. 244) observes that if B(O) is transparent (where in general, B(n) stands for the claim that any man with n hairs is bald), then not all of the following of Timothy Williamson's margin for error principles can be true.
Molecular modeling of shear-induced alignment of cylindrical micelles

This paper presents results from Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the shear-induced long-ranged alignment of cylindrical micelles in thin films. The surfactant is represented on a lattice and the shear flow is simulated via incorporation of a shear-induced potential energy term within the acceptance criteria in the MC simulations. The MD simulations are conducted on a coarse-grained, off-lattice surfactant while the shear flow is imposed in thin films by sliding confining walls in opposite directions. It is shown that the two methods lead to different steady state orientations of micelles. We also discuss several problematic issues concerned with incorporating shear or dynamics within MC schemes.
Do Economics Departments With Lower Tenure Probabilities Pay Higher Faculty Salaries

The simplest competitive labor market model asserts that if tenure is a desirable job characteristic for professors, they should be willing to pay for it by accepting lower salaries. Conversely, if an institution unilaterally reduces the probability that its assistant professors receive tenure, it will have to pay higher salaries to attract new faculty. Our paper tests this theory using data on salary offers accepted by new assistant professors at economics departments in the United States during the 1974-75 to 1980-81 period, along with data on the proportion of new Ph.D.s hired by each department between 1970 and 1980 that received tenure in the department or at a comparable or higher quality department within the first eight years of receipt of their Ph.D.s. We find evidence that supports the hypothesis that a tradeoff existed. Equally importantly, departments that offered low tenure probabilities to assistant professors also paid higher salaries to their tenured faculty. We attribute this to low tenur...
The spatial distribution of attention within and across objects.

Attention operates to select both spatial locations and perceptual objects. However, the specific mechanism by which attention is oriented to objects is not well understood. We examined the means by which object structure constrains the distribution of spatial attention (i.e., a “grouped array”). Using a modified version of the Egly et al. object cuing task, we systematically manipulated within-object distance and object boundaries. Four major findings are reported: 1) spatial attention forms a gradient across the attended object; 2) object boundaries limit the distribution of this gradient, with the spread of attention constrained by a boundary; 3) boundaries within an object operate similarly to across-object boundaries: we observed object-based effects across a discontinuity within a single object, without the demand to divide or switch attention between discrete object representations; and 4) the gradient of spatial attention across an object directly modulates perceptual sensitivity, implicating a relatively early locus for the grouped array representation.
Physical, chemical, and microbiological changes in the crop of broiler chickens subjected to incremental feed withdrawal

Trials were conducted to determine the effect of feed withdrawal on the weight, pH, native bacterial flora, and Salmonella typhimurium persistence in crops of broilers. Six-week-old broilers were provided medicated or unmedicated feed and were subjected to feed withdrawal for 0 to 24 h in transportation crates or on litter. After feed withdrawal, broilers were stunned, bled, scalded, and picked. Crops were aseptically removed and weighed. Crops were then blended in 20 mL distilled water, and pH values of the suspensions were measured. Aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, S. typhimurium, and lactic acid bacteria in the suspension were enumerated on appropriate bacteriological media. Feed withdrawal produced significant decreases in the crop weights. Crop pH increased by 1.0 unit within 6 h of feed withdrawal. Enterobacteriaceae and S. typhimurium populations generally decreased during the first 12 h of feed withdrawal and remained unchanged or increased during the final 12 h of the 24-h feed withdrawal period. The number of lactic acid bacteria recovered from the crop usually decreased as the duration of feed withdrawal increased. Changes in crop weights, pH, native microflora, or the recovery of S. typhimurium from the crop were similar in broilers subjected to feed withdrawal on litter or in crates and in broilers provided medicated or unmedicated feed before initiating feed withdrawal. Findings indicate that a decrease in the number of lactic acid producing bacteria in the crop and an increase in crop pH may be related to the reduction of anti-Enterobacteriaceae activity in the crop during extended feed withdrawal.
Joint model of recurrent events and a terminal event with time-varying coefficients

Joint modeling of recurrent events and a terminal event has been studied extensively in the past decade. However, most of the previous works assumed constant regression coefficients. This paper proposes a joint model with time-varying coefficients in both event components. The proposed model not only accommodates the correlation between the two type of events, but also characterizes the potential time-varying covariate effects. It is especially useful for evaluating long-term risk factors' effect that could vary with time. A Gaussian frailty is used to model the correlation between event times. The nonparametric time-varying coefficients are modeled using cubic splines with penalty terms. A simulation study shows that the proposed estimators perform well. The model is used to analyze the readmission rate and mortality jointly for stroke patients admitted to Veterans Administration (VA) Hospitals.
The Regulation of Money Market Funds: Adding Discipline to the Policy Debate.

I develop a general equilibrium model of money market funds (MMFs) and use it to analyze the eect of recently proposed regulations on the liquidity provided by these funds and their fragility. The model captures key institutional features of MMFs, such as the "breaking the buck" liquidation rule and volun- tary sponsor support, and it is consistent with several stylized facts identi…ed in the literature on MMFs. Moreover, the model shows that, even in a stylized setup, the policy analysis is complex. Regulation aects the payos from intermediation not only directly, but also through the fees, the sponsor's support decision, and asset prices, all of which are determined in equilibrium. The model takes into account general equilibrium eects that are not present in the current policy discussion and shows that they can overturn conventional intuition.
Substance use disorders among inhalant users: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on alcohol and related conditions.

Objective To assess the prevalence, correlates, and age of onset of DSM-IV substance use disorders (SUDs) among adult inhalant users.
Acoustic and laryngographic measures of the laryngeal reflexes of linguistic prominence and vocal effort in German

This study uses acoustic and physiological measures to compare laryngeal reflexes of global changes in vocal effort to the effects of modulating such aspects of linguistic prominence as sentence accent, induced by focus variation, and word stress. Seven speakers were recorded by using a laryngograph. The laryngographic pulses were preprocessed to normalize time and amplitude. The laryngographic pulse shape was quantified using open and skewness quotients and also by applying a functional version of the principal component analysis. Acoustic measures included the acoustic open quotient and spectral balance in the vowel /e/ during the test syllable. The open quotient and the laryngographic pulse shape indicated a significantly shorter open phase for loud speech than for soft speech. Similar results were found for lexical stress, suggesting that lexical stress and loud speech are produced with a similar voice source mechanism. Stressed syllables were distinguished from unstressed syllables by their open phase and pulse shape, even in the absence of sentence accent. Evidence for laryngeal involvement in signaling focus, independent of fundamental frequency changes, was not as consistent across speakers. Acoustic results on various spectral balance measures were generally much less consistent compared to results from laryngographic data.
The IEEE Engineering Skills Assessment Program

Th history, objectives, structure, and volunteer activity in the Program are defined and discussed. >
Welch bounds for cross correlation of subspaces and generalizations

Lower bounds on the maximal cross correlation between vectors in a set were first given by Welch and then studied by several others. In this work, this is extended to obtaining lower bounds on the maximal cross correlation between subspaces of a given Hilbert space. Two different notions of cross correlation among spaces have been considered. The study of such bounds is done in terms of fusion frames, including generalized fusion frames. In addition, results on the expectation of the cross correlation among random vectors have been obtained.
Pathogenesis of serous, extra-uterine Müllerian epithelial cancer and therapeutic implications

Serous extra-uterine Mullerian tumors include lesions previously classified either as serous ovarian, fimbrial, or primary peritoneal tumors. They should be distinguished from intra-uterine (endometrial) serous tumors in spite of their common Mullerian differentiation lineage due to distinctive clinical-pathological parameters. Increased risk for these cancers is driven primarily by cell non-autonomous hormonal factors associated with menstrual cycle progression, which can be accentuated by mutations in BRCA1/2. Additional factors, such as inflammatory conditions and others, may also contribute to elevated cancer risk in some individuals. The most consistent molecular alterations associated with serous extra-uterine Mullerian carcinomas, whether they arise in the context of familial predisposition or BRCA-independent hormonal factors, include severe aneuploidy superimposed on P53 mutations. Their near polyploid nature strongly suggests a role for mitotic errors associated with cytokinesis failure in their pathogenesis. A molecular mechanism is proposed involving a combination of both cell non-autonomous and cell autonomous factors in the development and progression of serous extra-uterine Mullerian tumors. Cell non-autonomous factors lead to increased cellular proliferation in extra-uterine serous Mullerian epithelium and contribute to the site-specificity of cancers associated with germline BRCA mutations. Cell autonomous factors in individuals with BRCA1 mutations lead to failure of cytokinesis following recovery from a cell cycle arrest at the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint. In individuals with intact BRCA1/2 function, recovery from such arrest might be facilitated by CCNE1 amplification and ensuing centrosome duplication leading to increased microtubule anchoring, accounting for frequent amplification of this cyclin observed in tumors not associated with BRCA1/2 mutations. The cell non-autonomous factors provide an opportunity for using pharmacological means to control cancer incidence in individuals at elevated risk for these cancers such as BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, underscoring the importance of better understanding their determinants and downstream targets. The cell autonomous factors discussed here account for the molecular features of high-grade serous extra-uterine Mullerian carcinomas, which are regarded as a disease of chromosomes, and underscore the potential merit of targeting components of the spindle assembly checkpoint in their clinical management.
Change in platelet count as a prognostic indicator for response to primary tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE To evaluate change in platelet count as an indicator of response to primary tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a multicentre retrospective analysis of patients with mRCC undergoing primary TKI therapy from May 2005 to August 2014. Change in platelet count was defined as post-treatment platelet count after the first cycle of treatment minus the pretreatment platelet count. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours were used to define partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Analysis was conducted between subgroups with stable/increased (+ΔPlt) and decreased (-ΔPlt) counts. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariable analysis was conducted for risk factors associated with PD. RESULTS A total of 115 patients with mRCC were analysed, of whom 19 (16.6%) had a +ΔPlt and 96 (83%) a -ΔPlt. More patients with a +ΔPlt had a Karnofsky score 2 metastatic sites (78.9 vs 51%; P = 0.041). More patients with +ΔPlt than with -ΔPlt had PD (89.4 vs 19.1%; P 2 metastatic sites at presentation (OR 1.87, P = 0.013) were risk factors for PD. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower 5-year OS in patients with +ΔPlt than in those with -ΔPlt (23 vs 53%; P < 0.0001). +ΔPlt had a sensitivity of 48.6%, a specificity of 97.4%, a positive predictive value of 89.5% and a negative predictive value of 80.9% for PD. CONCLUSIONS Patients with a -ΔPlt were more likely to respond to TKI therapy and had longer OS. +ΔPlt above baseline had a high specificity for PD after primary TKI. Further investigation is required to determine the utility of ΔPlt.
Handling Techniques for Large Quantities of Ants

Recent work with the Argentine ant, Iridomyrmex humilis (Mayr), in California and the imported fire ant, Solenopsis saevissima richteri Forel, in Mississippi, the 2 ants of primary economic importance in the United States today, has required tremendous numbers of workers, brood, and queens for biological and toxicological studies. This note describes a method by which ants could be readily separated from the soil in which their nests are constructed and collected in large numbers with a minimum loss of delicate eggs and brood.
Register Variation on the Searchable Web: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Most previous linguistic investigations of the web have focused on special linguistic features associated with Internet language (e.g., the use of emoticons, abbreviations, contractions, and acronyms) and the “new” Internet registers that are especially salient to observers (e.g., blogs, Internet forums, instant messages, tweets). Multi-Dimensional (MD) analysis has also been used to analyze Internet registers, focusing on core grammatical features (e.g., nouns, verbs, prepositional phrases). MD research differs theoretically and methodologically from most other research approaches in linguistics in that it is built on the notion of linguistic co-occurrence, with the claim that register differences are best described in terms of sets of co-occurring linguistic features that have a functional underpinning. At the same time, though, most previous MD studies are similar to other previous research in their focus on new Internet registers, such as blogs, Facebook/Twitter posts, and email messages. These are th...
Modeling of Thermal field, Kinetics and Stresses of CdZnTe Bridgman Growth Without Wall Contact

An integrated numerical model for CdZnTe growth has been developed combining global heat transfer and elastic thermal stress sub-models for the proposed modified Bridgman system. The global heat transfer sub-model accounts for heat transfer in the multiphase system, convection in the melt, and interface dynamics. The elastic thermal stress submodel is used to predict the thermal stresses in the growing crystal caused by non-uniform temperature distribution as well as interaction between the crystal and the ampoule. The global temperature distribution in the furnace is predicted. The effects of the Grashof and Marangoni numbers on the shape of growth front are studied. The effect of thermal stresses in the growing crystal due to ampoule wall contact has also been investigated to understand the plastic deformation mechanisms during the growth.
Longitudinal flight control of flapping wing micro air vehicles

This paper presents the control of longitudinal motion of flapping wing micro air vehicles. The method used for control is a combination of vibrational and state feedback controls. Averaging methods are used to determine the control parameters. A quasi-steady aerodynamic model is used to evaluate the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the wings. The controller is designed using the equations of motion of the conventional aircraft model where the inertial effects of the wings are ignored. Then the controller is used to control the multi-body dynamics equation of longitudinal motion where the inertial effects of the wings are taken into account. The simulations show that the proposed controller can overcome the disturbances caused by the inertial effects of the wings and the trajectory following goal is achieved. The physical parameters of the system are chosen to be similar to those of hawkmoth.
Dynamically Responsive Multifunctional Asymmetric Triblock Terpolymer Membranes with Intrinsic Binding Sites for Covalent Molecule Attachment

Asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes derived from block copolymer self-assembly have seen growing attention as a result of their ordered pore structures and scalable fabrication process. One route to extend their utility is to provide, through the molecular architecture of the block copolymer, covalent binding sites for facile attachment of foreign functional molecules. Here, we report the synthesis of triblock terpolymer poly(styrene)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(propylene sulfide) (SVPS) and its fabrication into isoporous ultrafiltration membranes. Final SVPS membrane top surfaces exhibit narrowly dispersed mesopores with 6-fold symmetry. Membranes show a switchable response to pH changes demonstrating the potential as a chemical gate. Membrane pore surfaces are decorated with thiol groups providing active covalent binding sites via versatile thiol–ene click chemistry. The work may open pathways to produce high-performance multifunctional membranes for chem- and bio-sensing and for separation ...
Retinal microcirculation blood flow in myopic patients for LASIK

Objective To investigate the effects of suction on the retinal microcirculation blood flow in myopic patients for LASIK. Methods Heidelberg retina flowmetry (HRF) was performed on 38 patients(62 eyes) , who were entered into the three groups( the low, the middle and the high myopia). Volume, flow and velocity were analyzed in papillary vascular, temporal rim, nasal rim, temporal juxtapapillary retina, nasal juxtapapillary retina and scleral cribrum before and after LASIK. Results Of volume, flow, and velocity,there were no significant differences in papillary vascular, temporal rim, nasal rim, temporal juxtapapillary retina, and nasal juxtapapillary retina before and after LASIK in each group. Conclusion It is postulated that the suction can't significantly affect the retinal microcirculation blood flow in myopic patients for LASIK
Axonal transport and subcellular distribution of molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase in rabbit sciatic nerve.

Rabbit sciatic nerves were incubated in vitro with local cooling of their proximal or distal regions to produce local accumulations and depletions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) undergoing rapid axonal transport. Some nerves were also exposed to echothiophate, an anticholinesterase that is partially selective for external or extracellular enzyme. Samples from various regions of the treated nerves were analyzed by differential ultracentrifugation. Particulate AChE activity was found to be transported at a higher average velocity than soluble activity. Somewhat surprisingly, the latter fraction was more sensitive to echothiophate than was the former. On sucrose density gradients, three forms of AChE were resolved, with sedimentation coefficients of 4S, 10S, and 16S. All three forms were subject both to orthograde and to retrograde axonal transport. The 10S form, which predominated in control samples, was also responsible for most of the accumulation of AChE activity at the borders of cooled regions, but the percentage changes were much larger for the 16S form. Although the results indicated large differences among the average transport velocities of the molecular forms of AChE, these differences are probably explained by differences in the proportion of moving enzyme rather than in the true velocity. The echothiophate-sensitivity of the forms of AChE followed the order, 4S > 10S > 16S, but the differences among forms were not statistically significant, suggesting a similar distribution of these forms between internal and external compartments.
Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors in Normal Pediatric and Myelodysplastic Bladberi

AbstractRadioligand receptor binding experiments and in vitro muscle contractile studies were performed to determine the binding and functional properties of detrusor muscarinic cholinergic receptors in control and myelodysplastic bladders. Control bladder tissue was obtained from 8 children with primary vesicoureteral reflux undergoing ureteral reimplantation and 1 child at the time of organ transplant harvesting. Bladder specimens also were obtained from 10 children with myelomeningocele undergoing augmentation cystoplasty. Preoperative cystograms revealed that all children with vesicoureteral reflux had a smooth-walled bladder with normal capacity, whereas those with myelomeningocele undergoing augmentation cystoplasty had a small capacity bladder with trabeculations.Experiments were performed on detrusor tissue obtained from the bladder body in all cases. Radioligand receptor binding experiments with the 3H-N-methylscopolamine revealed that the equilibrium dissociation constant in control and myelodys...
An unusual complication of dermatillomania.

Dermatillomania or skin picking disorder (sometimes called excoriation disorder, neurotic picking, psychogenic excoriation) is characterized by repetitive skin picking leading to tissue damage. Skin picking may result in significant tissue damage and often leads to medical complications such as localized infections. We present a case of a patient who presented with bacteremia, an extensive workup failed to identify the source of bacteremia. However, skin examination findings helped to identify the source, which was attributed to skin infection secondary to skin picking disorder.
Disseminated Mycobacterium chimaera Presenting as Vertebral Osteomyelitis

Mycobacterium chimaera, a member of the Mycobacterium avium complex, is a slow-growing, nontuberculous mycobacterium associated with outbreaks in cardiac-surgery patients supported on heart-lung machines. We report a case of an elderly woman on chronic prednisone who presented with a six-month history of worsening chronic back pain, recurrent low-grade fevers, and weight loss. Imaging identified multilevel vertebral osteomyelitis and lumbar soft-tissue abscess. Abscess culture identified M. chimaera.
A Model-Based Adaptive Blood Pressure Controller

Abstract Sodium nitroprusside is a fast-acting drug used to reduce blood pressure in hospitalized patients. A wide range of circulatory system responses to the drug is observed. For design of a controller for clinical use, a model of the system related to arterial pressure and its response to nitroprusside was developed and patient-care practices were analyzed. An adaptive, multiple-mode, mult irate sampled-data controller was designed using model-based techniques and implemented with a microcomptuer system. Simulation results were verified by experiments in the animal laboratory. Results from clinical evaluations with postsurgical patients were superior to the performance of previous automated infusion systems.
Disaggregation of the IT capital effects on firm performance: Empirical evidence from an IT asset portfolio perspective

AbstractAlthough prior research has frequently focused on aggregate IT capital, most firms invest in specific types with different goals. Each type of capital represents a distinct factor of a firm’s production function. Drawing on a theory-of-production framework, we disaggregate overall IT capital into specific types to examine their unique effects on firm performance over time. We categorize these IT-specific production factors into a firm’s installed personal computers for individual information access, servers for collective information access, storage capacity for information stock, and nodes for information flow. We investigate when and how each IT capital type contributes to firm performance by analyzing the 5-year panel data of 1,548 US firms. Our findings show that individual information access capital and collective information access capital have immediate effects on profitability through cost efficiency or sales growth. By contrast, information stock capital has a lagged effect on profitabili...
Discovering Synthesis Routes to Hexagonally Ordered Mesoporous Niobium Nitrides Using Poloxamer/Pluronics Block Copolymers

Ordered mesoporous transition metal nitrides are interesting as high-surface-area catalyst supports, as materials for energy conversion and storage devices, and as a platform for investigating mesostructured superconductors. The Pluronics/poloxamer family of ABA triblock copolymers has been widely used to produce crystalline ordered mesoporous transition metal oxides, but is considered to pose a major challenge in the synthesis of the corresponding nitrides and other classes of inorganic materials. We report a synthesis of hexagonally-ordered mesoporous niobium nitrides based on commercially available ABA triblock copolymers of the poloxamer/Pluronics family. Employing in situ small- and wide-angle synchrotron x-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), we demonstrate that successful thermal processing conditions are confined to a narrow parameter window, which explains previous challenges to access such nitrides. These studies further suggest synthesis of high quality nitrides via e.g. rapid thermal processing. We ant...
Some Considerations on the Ecological and Evolutionary Effects of Solar UV

The habitats of the earth are subjected to myriads of measurable factors; chemical, physical, and biological, which could be of significance to the success or even survival of potential inhabitants.