cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized, controlled trial of endovenous thermal ablation using the 810-nm wavelength laser and the ClosurePLUS radiofrequency ablation methods for superficial venous insufficiency of the great saphenous vein

Background Great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence is the most common cause of superficial venous insufficiency. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is superior to conventional ligation and stripping, and endovenous laser treatment (EVL) has emerged as an effective alternative to RFA. This randomized study evaluated RFA and EVL for superficial venous insufficiency due to GSV incompetence and compared early and 1-year results. Methods Between June 2006 and May 2008, patients with symptomatic primary venous insufficiency due to GSV incompetence were randomized to RFA or EVL. Patients with bilateral disease were randomized for treatment of the first leg and received the alternative method on the other. Pretreatment examination included a leg assessment using the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and CEAP classification. Patients completed the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire 2 (CIVIQ2). RFA was performed with the ClosurePlus system (VNUS Medical Technologies, Sunnyvale, Calif). EVL was performed with the EVLT system (AngioDynamics Inc, Queensbury, NY). Early (1-week and 1-month) postoperative results of pain, bruising, erythema, and hematoma were recorded. Duplex ultrasound (DU) imaging was used at 1 week and 1 year to evaluate vein status. VCSS scores and CEAP clinical class were recorded at each postoperative visit, and quality of life (QOL) using CIVIQ2 was assessed at 1 month and 1 year. Results The study enrolled 118 patients (141 limbs): 46 (39%) were randomized to RFA and 48 (40%) to EVL, and 24 (20%) had bilateral GSV incompetence. At 1 week, one patient in the RFA group had an open GSV and was deemed a failure. More bruising occurred in the EVL group ( P = .01) at 1 week, but at 1 month, there was no difference in bruising between groups. At 1 year, DU imaging showed evidence of recanalization with reflux in 11 RFA and 2 EVL patients ( P = .002). The mean VCSS score change from baseline to 1 week postprocedure was higher for RFA than EVL ( P = .002), but there was no difference between groups at 1 month ( P = .07) and 1 year ( P = .9). Overall QOL mean score improved over time for all patients ( P P Conclusion Both methods of endovenous ablation effectively reduce symptoms of superficial venous insufficiency. EVL is associated with greater bruising and discomfort in the perioperative period but may provide a more secure closure over the long-term than RFA.
More on a New Concept of Entropy and Information

An alternative notion of entropy called CRE is proposed in [Ra1] Rao et al. (IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory 50, 2004). This preserves many of the properties of Shannon Entropy and possesses mathematical properties, which we hope will be of use in statistical estimates. In this article, we develop some more mathematical properties of CRE, show its relation to the L log L class, and characterize among others the Weibull distribution.
The functions of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and malic enzyme in the anaerobic formation of succinate by Ascaris lumbricoides.

Abstract 1. 1. Carbon dioxide stimulates two- to threefold the formation of pyruvate from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), and lactate from fructose-1,6-diphosphate by Ascaris muscle homogenates. 2. 2. The apparent Km value of Ascaris PEP carboxykinase for PEP is approximately one-seventh that for oxalacetate, which may account partially for the enzyme acting in a direction opposite to that reported for mammalian tissues. 3. 3. Distribution of enzymes and balance studies of malate utilization by Ascaris mitochondria suggest that cytoplasmic malate enters the mitochondrion, whereupon half is oxidized via the malic enzyme to pyruvate and acetate, while the remainder is reduced to succinate and propionate with the generation of ATP.
ELECTROPHORETIC SEPARATION OF MULTIPLE FORMS OF PARTICLE ASSOCIATED ACID PHOSPHATASE.

Summary The acid phosphatases of rat liver mitochondrial-lysosomal fractions have been examined by quantitative and electrophoretic means. Disruption of mitochondrial-lysosomal material by freeze-thawing, sonication, or by blendor treatment released approximately 55.0 to 65.0 per cent of the total acid phosphatase activity of the fraction into the unsedimentable phase. Electrophoretic preparations of this material showed a single acid phosphatase-active site. Treatment of mitochondrial-lysosomal fractions with 5.0 per cent Triton X-100 released 98.0 per cent of the total acid phosphatase activity of the fraction into the unsedimentable phase. Electrophoretic preparations of this material showed two major sites of acid phosphatase activity. One of these was identical to that resolved following physical disruption. The other site was characteristically seen only after treatment with Triton X-100. This acid phosphatase was also released by treatment with digitonin but to a lesser extent. Quantitative and electrophoretic examination indicated that both components of acid phosphatase were concentrated in the mitochondrial-lysosomal fraction. Physical separation of the acid phosphatase released by detergent treatment from the acid phosphatase released by physical disruption was achieved. It was concluded that two categories of acid phosphatase may reside in lysosomal particles. These phosphatases differ in the nature of their binding to lysosomal structure as well as in their electrophoretic properties.
Network access protocols for real-time distributed control systems

The concepts for pertinent network parameters are introduced, and an analytical base for system design is established. A simulation methodology has been developed for performance evaluation of real-time control system networks for distributed dynamical processes (e.g. autonomous manufacturing), electric power and chemical plants, and aircraft and spacecraft. The network-induced delays, resulting from data latencies, data loss, and missynchronism between system components, degrade the dynamic performance of the controlled process and are a source of potential instability. The impact of delays induced by different network access protocols on the control system performance is investigated. The results of combined discrete-event and continuous-time simulation are presented. >
High Oxygen Partial Pressure Decreases Anemia-Induced Heart Rate Increase Equivalent to Transfusion

Background: Anemiaisassociatedwithmorbidityandmortalityandfrequentlyleadstotransfusionoferythrocytes.The authorssoughttodirectlycomparetheeffectofhighinspired oxygen fractionversustransfusion of erythrocytes on the anemia-induced increased heart rate (HR) in humans undergoing experimental acute isovolemic anemia. Methods: The authors combined HR data from healthy subjects undergoing experimental isovolemic anemia in seven studies performed by the group. HR changes associated with breathing 100% oxygen by nonrebreathing facemask versus transfusion of erythrocytes at their nadir hemoglobin concentration of 5 g/dl were examined. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects model. Results: HR had an inverse linear relationship to hemoglobin concentration with a mean increase of 3.9 beats per min per gram of hemoglobin (beats/min/g hemoglobin) decrease (95% CI, 3.7–4.1 beats/min/g hemoglobin), P 0.0001. Return of autologous erythrocytes significantly decreased HR by 5.3 beats/min/g hemoglobin (95% CI, 3.8–6.8 beats/min/g hemoglobin) increase,P0.0001. HR at nadir hemoglobinof5.6g/dl(95%CI,5.5–5.7g/dl)whenbreathing air (91.4 beats/min; 95% CI, 87.6–95.2 beats/min) was reduced by breathing 100% oxygen (83.0 beats/min; 95% CI, 79.0–87.0 beats/min), P 0.0001. The HR at hemoglobin 5.6 g/dl when breathing oxygen was equivalent to the HR at hemoglobin 8.9 g/dl when breathing air. Conclusions: High arterial oxygen partial pressure reverses the heart rate response to anemia, probably because of its usability rather than its effect on total oxygen content. The benefit of high arterial oxygen partial pressure has significant potential clinical implications for the acute treatment of anemia and results of transfusion trials.
Context in Translation: Definition, Access and Teamwork

It is generally agreed that when translating, context is essential. An individual word, such as "key" (to a door? on a keyboard?) cannot be translated in isolation, unless the target language happens to maintain the same ambiguity as the source language. However, there is a lesser degree of consensus on the full extent of what comprises context in the world of translation and who is responsible for providing it. After a brief survey of prior discussion of context in translation, this article derives a five-aspect, translation-specific definition of context from one general description. Section A of this paper then describes these five aspects of context, termed co-text, rel-text, chron-text, bi-text, and non-text. Three of these aspects are monolingual: portions of a text (co-text), versions of a text (chron-text), and related text (rel-text). The fourth aspect (bi-text) covers bi-lingual resources. And the fifth aspect (non-text) is beyond text. Section B demonstrates, through real-life examples, that each of the five aspects is indeed relevant to the work of a translator and that translators thus need access to all aspects of context. Section C asks a broader question: "How can everyone in the multilingual communication chain work together to improve translations through providing and using needed context?" This article is directed at a broad audience that reaches beyond those who conduct research in Translation Studies and includes translators, translation project managers, buyers of translation services, and those responsible for the authoring of texts that will be translated. Hopefully, an increased understanding of the importance of context will help everyone involved in multilingual communication to better cooperate in providing appropriate, efficient, and effective translations.
Effective treatment of experimental human non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) were shown to inhibit the growth of various cancers. We investigated the antitumor activity and the mechanism of action of GHRH antagonists in human non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). Nude mice bearing xenografts of RL and HT human NHL were treated with GHRH antagonists MZ-5-156 and MZ-J-7-138 at a dose of 40 μg twice daily. The concentrations of serum IGF-1 and GHRH, bFGF, and VEGF in tumor tissue were measured by radioimmunoassays. Expression of GHRH and splice variant 1 of the GHRH receptor in both cell lines was examined by RT-PCR. The effects of MZ-5-156, MZ-J-7-138 and GHRH on cell proliferation were evaluated in vitro. Treatment with MZ-5-156 and MZ-J-7-138 significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the growth of RL and HT tumors by 59.9-73.9%. High-affinity binding sites for GHRH and mRNA for GHRH and splice variant-1 of the GHRH receptors were found on RL and HT tumors. RL and HT cells contained GHRH peptide, and their growth in vitro was significantly inhibited by both antagonists. IGF-I levels in serum of mice were significantly decreased by antagonist MZ-5-156. Therapy with GHRH antagonists also significantly reduced tumoral bFGF, whereas VEGF levels were not suppressed. Our findings suggest that GHRH antagonists inhibit the growth of RL and HT lymphomas by direct effects mediated by tumoral receptors for GHRH. GHRH antagonists could offer a new therapeutic modality for the management of advanced NHL.
An electron spin resonance study of cholestane spin label in aqueous mixtures of biliary lipids.

The effect of cholesterol on the fluidity of the phospholipid matrix in mixed micelles derived from bile salts and lecithin has been determined by the paramagnetic probe technique. It was found that correlation times for the cholestane spin label were discontinuous functions of choles- terol content and that these dicontinuities correlate with the equilibrium solubility limit for cholesterol in this quaternary system. The origin of these discontinuities is attributed to the existence of another aggregate in addition to the disc- shaped mixed micelle in lipid solutions supersaturated with cholesterol.
Dispersion relation of the electron beam inside reltron cavity

Summary form only given. Reltrons are a class of high power microwave sources that utilize a resonating cavity to cause electrons to oscillate at a desired frequency, This is accomplished by passing a continuous beam of electrons through the Reltron's modulating cavity. The beam of electrons gets compressed longitudinally into bunches due to Lorentz forces from the standing wave inside the cavity. The bunched electrons that oscillate with a common frequency are post-accelerated to the extraction cavity. Microwave energy is then extracted from the beam bunches.Space charge waves exist because of the oscillating electrons. The dispersion relation for the space charge waves inside an unbounded relativistic electron beam is derived. Boundary conditions consisting of the beam radius and waveguide radius are included to obtain the dispersion relation of the beam inside the cavity. The cavity beam dispersion relation comprises of Bessel functions and is solved numerically. The solution is compared with the semianalytic solution obtained by Breizman & Ryutov (B&R). Both curves are found to be in good agreement. The cavity dispersion relation is plotted with the B&R dispersion relation. The point of intersection gives the frequency of the TM010 and TM020 modes inside the hot cavity. The MAGIC particle-in-cell code is used to validate the results and provide additional insight on the beam dynamics.
The effect of surface probe density on DNA hybridization

The hybridization of complementary strands of DNA is the underlying principle of all microarray-based techniques for the analysis of DNA variation. In this paper, we study how probe immobilization at surfaces, specifically probe density, influences the kinetics of target capture using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, an in situ label-free optical method. Probe density is controlled by varying immobilization conditions, including solution ionic strength, interfacial electrostatic potential and whether duplex or single stranded oligonucleotides are used. Independent of which probe immobilization strategy is used, we find that DNA films of equal probe density exhibit reproducible efficiencies and reproducible kinetics for probe/target hybridization. However, hybridization depends strongly on probe density in both the efficiency of duplex formation and the kinetics of target capture. We propose that probe density effects may account for the observed variation in target-capture rates, which have previously been attributed to thermodynamic effects.
Agentive learning in engineering research labs

Over the last two years, we have been conducting NSF-funded research on learning in two biomedical engineering research laboratories. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms that support student learning in such innovation communities. We have identified five characteristics of what we call "agentive" learning environments, which seem to account for the rapid membership and robust learning we have chronicled. In using this term, we refer to students both as agents of their own learning but also as assigning agency to the devices and technologies they encounter in the laboratories. In this paper, we present the five principles of an agentive learning environment with examples of how it unfolds day to day life in the labs. Finally we discuss the implications of these principles and our findings for the development of classrooms as sites of learning which better replicate the agentive learning found in the laboratories.
Disturbance‐driven changes in the variability of ecological patterns and processes

Understanding how disturbance shapes the dynamics of ecological systems is of fundamental importance in ecology. One emerging approach to revealing and appreciating disturbance effects involves examining disturbance-driven changes in the variability of ecological responses. Variability is rarely employed as a response variable to assess the influence of disturbance, but recent studies indicate that it can be an extremely sensitive metric, capturing differences obscured by averaging and conveying important ecological information about underlying causal processes. In this paper, we present a conceptual model to understand and predict the effects of disturbance on variability. The model estimates qualitative changes in variability by considering disturbance extent, frequency and intensity, as well as ecosystem recovery, and thereby captures not only the immediate effects of disturbance but also those that arise over time due to the biotic response to an event. We evaluate how well the model performs by comparing predictions with empirical results from studies examining a wide variety of disturbances and ecosystems, and discuss factors that may modify or even confound predictions. We include a concise guide to characterizing and detecting changes in variability, highlighting the most common and easily applied methods and conclude by describing several future directions for research. By considering variability as a response to disturbance, we gain another metric of fundamental system behaviour, an improved ability to identify organizing features of ecosystems and a better understanding of the predictability of disturbance-driven change ‐ all critical aspects of assessing ecosystem response to disturbance.
Current demand balancing: a technique for minimization of current surge in high performance clock-gated microprocessors

We propose an integrated architectural and physical planning approach to minimize the current surge in high-performance clock-gated microprocessors. In our approach, we use priority assignment optimization (PAO) and dynamic functional unit (FU) selection (DFS) to balance current demand in the floorplan. Two complementary methods-FU ordering with submodule design and issue pattern management-are also proposed to enhance the above techniques. Experimental results show that at the 0.18-/spl mu/m technology node, the PAO can reduce the peak noise by 11.75% and consequently, the decoupling capacitance (Decap) requirement by 24.22% without any degradation in instructions per cycle (IPC). Moreover, an enhanced DFS reduces the peak noise by 13.39% as well as Decap requirement by 29.58%. Experiments at the 90-nm technology node show that our methodology can further reduce the peak noise and the Decap requirement by 16.57% and 44.85% with PAO, or 18.16% and 47.58% with DFS. We also show that our approach does not increase the clock period for 0.18-/spl mu/m technology and beyond.
ANALYSIS OF KINETICS OF QUALITY CHANGE IN FROZEN FOODS1

Temperature fluctuations of frozen foods are of influence on frozen food quality. Prediction of quality changes under temperature fluctuations is therefore important in assuring high product quality and, by optimizing storage temperature, in conserving energy. This study is focused on applying kinetic models in analyzing Time-Temperature-Tolerance (TTT) data for frozen food storage and investigating the potential for use of kinetic parameters to describe quality degradation in frozen foods. Based on theoretical considerations, quality life and activation energy are related by the equation: ln tQ= ln B+Ea/R· 1/T where B is a function of the pre-exponential of Arrhenius equation, initial and end point quality magnitude. Reasons for some TTT data to deviate from this relationship are: A. Different standards for measuring quality lives of different storage temperatures or experiments. B. Negative effect of temperature. C. Variations in initial or final quality magnitudes for a given experiment. D. Variations in packaging material and other factors influencing the quality magnitude or mode. ITT experiments are suitable approaches for obtaining activation energy constants, although they are not applicable for determination of reaction order and rate constant. When dealing with overall quality life of several contributing factors, quality life for each component is needed to get a better description. Quality changes in terms of fraction of initial quality magnitude retained can be described by quality life, activation energy, temperature history and the constant, α= CtQ/C0.
Gene expression during mammalian spermatogenesis. II. Evidence for stage-specific differences in mRNA populations.

Gene expression during murine spermatogenesis has been studied using highly enriched populations of cells obtained by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity and further purified by density gradient centrifugation through Percoll. Polypeptides whose synthesis was directed by total cytoplasmic RNA from round spermatids, pachytene spermatocytes, primitive type A spermatogonia, and Sertoli cells in cell-free translation systems have been compared by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by fluorography. At the level of detection provided by the electrophoretic methods used, each population of cells contained mRNAs encoding over 200 polypeptides, many of which were present in high abundance in all four cell types. However, for each cell type examined, a minimum of 5-10% of these polypeptides appear to be either specific to or greatly enriched within a particular cell type. Analysis of the polysomal and nonpolysomal cell fractions from pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids revealed that the two compartments share many identical mRNAs but specific mRNAs are selectively compartmentalized between the cell fractions and between the two cell types. Movement between compartments was seen; e.g., some polypeptides encoded by mRNA found primarily in the nonpolysomal fraction of pachytene cells were later seen in the polysomal fraction from round spermatids. Virtually every other combination was also observed. These results suggest that the control of gene expression at the level of selective production of mRNA and selective utilization of mRNA are among the mechanisms involved in regulation of spermatogenic cell differentiation.
Emerging role of intensity-modulated radiation therapy in anorectal cancer

Although radiation therapy has an established role to play in the management of rectal and anal tumors, there are often treatment-related morbidities that negatively impact on patients. There is a long-standing interest in radiation oncology on maximizing treatment efficacy while minimizing treatment-related toxicities, which can be pronounced in the treatment of pelvic malignancies. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy is a recently introduced technology that has the potential to increase the efficacy:toxicity ratio. It has been implemented in the treatment of prostate and head and neck tumors with success. This article reviews the rationale for its use in treating anorectal tumors and discusses early clinical data supporting its continued investigation.
Longitudinal Validation of Hemoglobin A1c Criteria for Diabetes Diagnosis: Risk of Retinopathy

Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes has significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences (1). The development of precise diagnostic criteria is critical both to avoid the unnecessary burden of treatment in individuals who do not have the disease and to promptly identify individuals who are at risk for developing complications from diabetes so they can be appropriately counseled on disease management. Traditionally, the diagnosis of diabetes was based on glucose levels associated with the progression to overt, symptomatic disease. In 1997, the Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus refocused the basis of the diagnosis to the relationship between glucose levels and the presence of long-term complications (2). This recommendation was based on the available epidemiological literature demonstrating the association between various glucose measures and microvascular complications of diabetes—particularly retinopathy, which tends to have a stronger correlation to glycemia (2–4). These studies were mainly cross-sectional, although one study did examine microvascular complications longitudinally (4). Most recently, an international expert committee and the American Diabetes Association further specified that diabetes should be diagnosed if hemoglobin A1c is ≥6.5% (5,6). This was based in part on additional studies showing a …
Human Salivary Mucin MUC7 12-Mer-l and 12-Mer-d Peptides: Antifungal Activity in Saliva, Enhancement of Activity with Protease Inhibitor Cocktail or EDTA, and Cytotoxicity to Human Cells

MUC7 12-mer-l exhibits potent in vitro antifungal activity in low-ionic-strength buffers. In this study, we investigated the anticandidal activity and stability of MUC7 12-mer-l and its all-d-amino-acid isomer, along with Hsn5 12-mer (P113) and magainin-II, in human clarified and unclarified saliva in the absence or presence of protease inhibitor cocktail (PIC, which includes EDTA) or EDTA alone. In the absence of PIC or EDTA in saliva, only MUC7 peptides showed significant candidacidal activity. At a 100 μM concentration in clarified saliva and unclarified saliva, MUC7 12-mer-d demonstrated 94 versus 64% killing, respectively; MUC7 12-mer-l showed 57 versus 32% killing; Hsn5 12-mer showed 16 versus 0% killing; and magainin-II showed no killing. Addition of PIC or EDTA to either saliva caused the enhancement of antifungal activities of all peptides, although to different degrees. Taken together, the results suggest that EDTA (a metal-dependent protease inhibitor and/or divalent cation chelator) enhanced the antifungal activity of all four peptides mainly by chelation of divalent cations present in saliva (known to inhibit peptide antifungal activity), and PIC enhanced the activity of the three l peptides above that achievable by EDTA alone through inhibition of all classes of proteases. Peptide stability in saliva monitored by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed no degradation of MUC7 12-mer-d and 23, 60, and 75% degradation of MUC7 12-mer-l, Hsn5 12-mer, and magainin-II, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays determined that, at 100 μM peptide concentrations, MUC7 12-mer-d and 12-mer-l caused 3.5 and 4.3% hemolysis in phosphate-buffered saline and no toxicity to the HOK-16B cell line (derived from normal human oral keratinocytes). In summary, MUC7 12-mer peptides appear to be excellent candidates for investigation of antifungal activity in in vivo models of oral candidiasis.
Microfabricated inductive linear micro positioning sensor

The inductance of an inductive device with a moving core changes as a function of the core position. By extending this principle to a microtransformer with multiple, evenly spaced cores, a measurement system combining features of analog (variable reluctance) and incremental positioning may be devised. For detecting the direction of motion (to know in which direction to count), an incremental length measurement system requires not just one, but two output signals, which have to be offset by 90 degrees. The paper presents a microtransformer based positioning system fulfilling these requirements. It presents the fabrication technology employed and discusses experimental test results.
Casting No Shadow: Assessing Vocational Overshadowing:

Vocational overshadowing has been defined as an underemphasis on career concerns when personal problems coexist. This study explored whether vocational overshadowing occurred based on observers’ perception of the setting (i.e., either career counseling center or mental health counseling center). Clinicians in-training viewed an analogue counseling session in which the only difference between the two vignettes was whether the session was conducted in a career counseling center versus a mental health counseling agency. The participants then completed measures of the working alliance, evaluation of session process, and level of client’s neuroticism. Clinicians in-training perceived the working alliance, session factors (i.e., depth, smoothness, and arousal), and client’s level of neuroticism similarly, regardless of the setting of the session. The only slight difference was in the participants’ perceptions of the session conducted in a career center. Implications of these findings for research, practice, and...
A database-based distributed computation architecture with Accumulo and D4M: An application of eigensolver for large sparse matrix

NoSQL distributed databases have been devised to tackle the challenges resulting from volume, velocity and variety of big data. Graph representation of datasets requires efficient distributed linear algebra operations for large sparse matrix constructed from big data. Storing the transformed matrix into the database not only speeds up the big data analysis process but also facilitates the computation because of indexing. The Hadoop based approach does not natively support iterative algorithms due to data shuffling during each iteration. This paper presents a novel database-based distributed computation architecture bridging the gap between Hadoop and HPC. The novelty results from exploring the indexing capability of D4M (Dynamic Distributed Dimensional Data Model) to support linear algebra operations in a distributed computation environment. The idea is to store input data and intermediate results in associative array format inside Accumulo table to facilitate the data sharing among working nodes. pMatlab is deployed as the parallel computation engine. Our proposed architecture is proved to be lighter, easier and faster than MapReduce based approach. One example application is calculating top k eigenvalues and eigenvectors for large sparse matrix. Experiments on Graph500 benchmark datasets demonstrate 2X speedup of our architecture as compared to HEIGEN (An eigensolver for billion-scale matrices using MapReduce).
A Model of Whole-Body Protein Turnover Based on Leucine Kinetics in Rodents

The measurement of fractional synthesis rate is based on the following assumptions: amino acids for protein synthesis are supplied by an intracellular pool; amino acids from protein degradation are not recycled preferentially to protein synthesis; and proteins turn over at a homogeneous rate. To test these assumptions, a mechanistic, theoretical model of protein turnover for a nongrowing 26-g mouse was developed on the basis of data from the literature. The model consisted of three protein pools turning over at fast (102 micromol Leu, t1/2= 11.5 h), medium (212 micromol Leu, t1/2 = 16.6 h) or slow (536 micromol Leu, t1/2 = 71.5 h) rates and extracellular (1.69 micromol Leu), leucyl-tRNA (0.0226 micromol Leu) and intracellular (5.72 micromol Leu) amino acid pools that exchanged amino acids. The flow of amino acids from the protein pools to the leucyl-tRNA pool determined the amount of recycling. The flow of amino acids from the extracellular pool to aminoacyl tRNA determined the amount of channeling. Two flooding dose data sets were used to evaluate specific radioactivity changes predicted by the model. Predictions of specific radioactivities using flooding dose, pulse dose or continuous infusion methods indicated that the model can be a useful tool in estimating the rates of channeling and recycling. However, it was found that use of data from flooding dose experiments might cause inaccurate predictions of certain fluxes.
Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) results of a phase I study of PD-0325901, a second generation oral MEK inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer

B109 Background: The RAS, RAF, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway represents a promising therapeutic target. It is activated in several human tumors, often through gain-of-function mutations of RAS and RAF family members that might involve similar downstream dependencies. Since ERK is the only known MEK substrate, MEK inhibition is a key target of this pathway. PD-0325901 is a potent and selective MEK1/2 inhibitor. Methods: PD-0325901 was administered orally at 1 mg QD, and at 1 to 30 mg BID in the first-in-human phase 1 study. Three dosing schedules were evaluated in 28-day (D) cycles (C): intermittent (3 weeks on/1 week off), continuous (every D), and continuous with breaks (5 D on/2 D off). Serial blood samples were obtained on C1D1 and C1D21 (or C1D19) in 58 patients, and urine samples were collected in intervals on C1D21 in 35 patients. Plasma and urine concentrations of PD-0325901, its carboxylic acid metabolite (PD-0315209), and its S-enantiomer (PD-0326116) were determined. The effect of food on PD-0325901 PK was evaluated in 16 patients. Tumor tissue was sampled at baseline and C1D15 (or C1D19) from 27 patients and assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for pERK modulation. Other biomarker evaluations included: Ki-67, pAKT, and PTEN methylation. Mutational analysis of select regions of BRAF, NRAS, and KRAS genes were also performed. Plasma drug concentrations were also determined at tumor tissue collection. Results: In general, both Cmax and AUC(0-24) of PD-0325901 increased proportionally with the doses tested. The time to peak plasma concentration occurred within 1-2 hours after administration on an empty stomach, and was delayed for 2-8 hours with a meal. The mean elimination plasma half-life (t1/2) was 8.8 hours. The exposure of PD-0315209 was comparable to that of the parent; the mean ratios of PD-0315209 to PD-0325901 plasma AUC(0-24) were approximately 124% following repeated dosing. The terminal t1/2 of PD-0315209 appeared to be longer than that of the parent drug. About 2.5% of the administered PD-0325901 dose was excreted from urine as unchanged. PD-0325901 suppressed tumor pERK in a dose-dependent trend. Doses ≥ 2mg BID, at which the plasma concentration exceeded the minimum target level based on xenograft mouse models, consistently caused >60% suppression of pERK in tumors. Ki-67 was also reduced in some cases. BRAF and KRAS or NRAS mutations were detected in 20 of 41 cases screened and were mutually exclusive. Fourteen of 30 patients with melanoma had mutations in the BRAF gene, all of which were at the V600E site. Conclusion: The PK of PD-0325901 was characterized by rapid absorption, with generally dose-proportional increases in Cmax and AUC. PD-0325901 suppresses pERK in tumor tissue. Correlations between mutational status and clinical benefit will be presented.
Costs of group spawning to guarding males in the rainbow darter, Etheostoma caeruleum

The rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) is a promiscuous fish with a moderate rate of group spawning and sperm competition (1-5 males may simultaneously mate with one female). In any given spawning event, males may spawn as either a guarder or sneaker. Theory indicates that the manner in which individual males behave in sperm competition depends on the expected fitness they receive when spawning in either the guarder or sneaker role. This study uses allozyme markers to compare the fertilization success of males spawning as guarders and sneakers for a common set of eggs. Two points emerge from this study. First, group spawning is costly to guarders in terms of lost paternity. Males spawning as guarders did not achieve 100% paternity. When group spawns involve two males, each male has roughly an equal probability of fertilizing the eggs. Second, male competitive ability is associated with male size. In paired contests, larger males spawn singly with females and spawn as guarding males in group spawnings more often than smaller males. The benefits to competitively superior males may come from single spawns with females where they are assured 100% paternity.
A double whammy effect of ethnicity and gender on consumer responses to management level service failures

Purpose – Existing research on demographic stereotypes of employees suggests that ethnicity and gender are important determinants of consumer perceptions and behaviors. Based on the Stereotype Content Model and the Role Congruity Theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of ethnicity and gender stereotypes on management-level service failures in a US context. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a 2 (ethnicity: Caucasian vs Hispanic) × 2 (gender: male vs female) between-subjects design, two studies were conducted with US consumers to test whether a double whammy effect of ethnicity and gender exists for management-level, but not line-level, service failures. Findings – The results of this study suggest that Hispanic female managers suffer from a double whammy effect due to ethnic and gender-based stereotyping in the USA. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the serial mediation via competence perceptions and blame attributions are the underlying psychological mechanism of this effect. As predicted, occupational status functions as a boundary factor to the double whammy effect. Originality/value – The findings of this paper contribute to the service management literature by examining the role of demographic characteristics in influencing US consumers’ responses to management-level service failures.
An information model for computable cancer phenotypes

Standards, methods, and tools supporting the integration of clinical data and genomic information are an area of significant need and rapid growth in biomedical informatics. Integration of cancer clinical data and cancer genomic information poses unique challenges, because of the high volume and complexity of clinical data, as well as the heterogeneity and instability of cancer genome data when compared with germline data. Current information models of clinical and genomic data are not sufficiently expressive to represent individual observations and to aggregate those observations into longitudinal summaries over the course of cancer care. These models are acutely needed to support the development of systems and tools for generating the so called clinical “deep phenotype” of individual cancer patients, a process which remains almost entirely manual in cancer research and precision medicine. Reviews of existing ontologies and interviews with cancer researchers were used to inform iterative development of a cancer phenotype information model. We translated a subset of the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) models into the OWL 2 Description Logic (DL) representation, and added extensions as needed for modeling cancer phenotypes with terms derived from the NCI Thesaurus. Models were validated with domain experts and evaluated against competency questions. The DeepPhe Information model represents cancer phenotype data at increasing levels of abstraction from mention level in clinical documents to summaries of key events and findings. We describe the model using breast cancer as an example, depicting methods to represent phenotypic features of cancers, tumors, treatment regimens, and specific biologic behaviors that span the entire course of a patient’s disease. We present a multi-scale information model for representing individual document mentions, document level classifications, episodes along a disease course, and phenotype summarization, linking individual observations to high-level summaries in support of subsequent integration and analysis.
Stabilizing Highly Loaded Silicon Nitride Aqueous Suspensions Using Comb Polymer Concrete Superplasticizers

The stabilization of highly loaded silicon nitride suspensions will afford the processing of complex and near-net shaped parts using methods such as injection molding or direct write additive manufacturing. In this study, aqueous silicon nitride suspensions up to 45 vol% solids loading were dispersed using commercially available comb-type copolymer. These copolymers are used as superplasticizers in the concrete industry and are referred to as water-reducing admixtures (WRAs). Four different WRA dispersants were examined and chemical analysis determined that each was made up of a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid (PAA-Na) backbone with neutral polyethylene oxide (PEO) side chains that afford steric stabilization. The general structures of the WRAs were compared to each other by measuring the relative areas of their prominent FTIR peaks and calculating a PAA-Na/PEO peak ratio. Suspensions were made with as-received silicon nitride powders with 5 wt% aluminum oxide and 5 wt% yttrium oxide added as sintering aids. Three of the four WRA dispersants studied were able to produce suspensions with 43 vol% solids loading and 5 vol% polymer dispersant, while exhibiting a yield-pseudoplastic behavior up to 30 s−1. At higher solids loading (45–47 vol%), a shift to shear-thickening behavior was observed at a critical shear rate for these WRAs. Those WRAs with a lower PAA-Na/PEO peak ratio displayed better stabilization and diminished shear-thickening behavior. The vol% of the dispersant was optimized producing yield-pseudoplastic suspensions containing 45 vol% solids loading with yield stresses less than 75 Pa, no shear-thickening behavior, and viscosities less than 75 Pa·s for shear rates in the range of 1–30 s−1.
Translational compensation of gene copy number alterations by aneuploidy in Drosophila melanogaster

Chromosomal or segmental aneuploidy-the gain or loss of whole or partial chromosomes-is typically deleterious for organisms, a hallmark of cancers, and only occasionally adaptive. To understand the cellular and organismal consequences of aneuploidy, it is important to determine how altered gene doses impact gene expression. Previous studies show that, for some Drosophila cell lines but not others, the dose effect of segmental aneuploidy can be moderately compensated at the mRNA level - aneuploid gene expression is shifted towards wild-type levels. Here, by analyzing genome-wide translation efficiency estimated with ribosome footprint data from the aneuploid Drosophila S2 cell line, we report that the dose effect of aneuploidy can be further compensated at the translational level. Intriguingly, we find no comparable translational compensation in the aneuploid Kc167 cell line. Comparing the properties of aneuploid genes from the two cell lines suggests that selective constraint on gene expression, but neither sequence features nor functions, may partly explain why the two cell lines differ in translational compensation. Our results, together with previous observations that compensation at the mRNA level also varies among Drosophila cell lines and yeast strains, suggest that dosage compensation of aneuploidy is not general but contingent on genotypic and/or developmental context.
Light-directed growth of metal and semiconductor nanostructures

External parameters such as temperature, pressure, and concentration are typically used to control chemical transformations in molecules and materials. Many classes of inorganic materials are also responsive to external stimuli, such as electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields. This Review article will explore examples of how light can guide the growth of metal and semiconductor nanostructures. Plasmon excitation in metals and electronic excitation in semiconductors mediate interfacial charge-transfer reactions to alter the growth rates of these materials at the nanoscale. Light-driven growth of inorganic materials provides a route to achieve morphological control over colloidal particles and nanostructured films for potential applications in solar energy conversion, photonic computing, and holography.
Inequality is Always in the Room: Language & Power in Deliberative Democracy

Deliberative democracy has the potential to legitimize collective decisions. Deliberation's legitimating potential, however, depends on whether those who deliberate truly enter as equals, whether they are able to express on equal terms their visions of the common good, and whether the forms and practices that govern deliberative assemblies advance or undermine their goals. Here, we examine these sources of deliberation's legitimating potential. We contend that even in situations of apparent procedural equality, deliberation's legitimating potential is limited by its potential to increase normatively focal power asymmetries. We conclude by describing how deliberative contexts can be modified to reduce certain types of power asymmetries, such as those often associated with gender, race, or class. In so doing, we hope to help readers consider a broader range of factors that influence the outcomes of attempts to restructure power relationships through communicative forums.
Adrienne Rich: Teaching at CUNY, 1968–1974 (Parts I & II), edited by Iemanjá Brown, Stefania Heim, erica kaufman, Kristin Moriah, Conor Tomás Reed, Talia Shalev, Wendy Tronrud, and Ammiel Alcalay

(2017). Adrienne Rich: Teaching at CUNY, 1968–1974 (Parts I & II), edited by Iemanja Brown, Stefania Heim, erica kaufman, Kristin Moriah, Conor Tomas Reed, Talia Shalev, Wendy Tronrud, and Ammiel Alcalay. Women's Studies: Vol. 46, Adrienne Rich, pp. 737-739.
Molecular imaging of calcific aortic valve disease

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) can progress to symptomatic aortic stenosis in a subset of patients. The severity of aortic stenosis and the extent of valvular calcification can be evaluated readily by echocardiography, CT, and MRI using well-established imaging protocols. However, these techniques fail to address optimally other important aspects of CAVD, including the propensity for disease progression, risk of complications in asymptomatic patients, and the effect of therapeutic interventions on valvular biology. These gaps may be addressed by molecular imaging targeted at key biological processes such as inflammation, remodeling, and calcification that mediate the development and progression of CAVD. In this review, recent advances in valvular molecular imaging, including 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) PET, and matrix metalloproteinase-targeted SPECT imaging in the preclinical and clinical settings are presented and discussed.
Evidence for Ion-Templation During Macrocyclooligomerization of Depsipeptides

The ion-mediated Mitsunobu macrocyclooligomerization (M-MCO) reaction of hydroxy acid depsipeptides provides small collections of cyclic depsipeptides with good mass recovery. The approach can produce good yields of a single macrocycle or provide rapid access to multiple oligomeric macrocycles in good overall yield. While Lewis acidic alkali metal salts are known to play a role in the outcome of MCO reactions, it is unclear whether their effect is due to an organizational (e.g., templating) mechanism. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to study macrocycle–metal ion binding interactions, and this report correlates these thermodynamic measurements to the (kinetically determined) size distributions of depsipeptides formed during a Mitsunobu-based macrocyclooligomerization (MCO). Key trends have been identified in quantitative metal ion-cyclic depsipeptide binding affinity (Ka), enthalpy of binding (ΔH), and stoichiometry of complexation across discrete series of macrocycles, and they provide the...
Standards and Imaging Materials

In today's complex society, all industries and technologies must have a code of written and approved standards and specifications. It is absolutely essential if the products of this technology are to be widely used and if they are to make productive contributions. Such standards are required not only on the national level, but with the importance of world trade, they are equally important on the international level.
The social Ultimatum Game and adaptive agents

The Ultimatum Game is a key exemplar that shows how human play often deviates from "rational" strategies suggested by game-theoretic analysis. One explanation is that humans cannot put aside the assumption of being in a multi-player multi-round environment that they are accustomed to in the real world. We introduce the Social Ultimatum Game (SUG), where players can choose their partner among a society of agents, and engage in repeated interactions of the Ultimatum Game. We develop mathematical models of human play that include "irrational" concepts such as fairness and adaptation to the expectations of the society. We will display a system where people can play SUG against a mixed system of other humans and autonomous agents based on our mathematical models.