cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase I trial of sequential administration of raltitrexed (Tomudex) and 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdUrd)

Raltitrexed (Tomudex) is a specific inhibitor of thymidylate synthase with clinical activity in colorectal cancer. The combination of raltitrexed and 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdUrd, a cytotoxic pyrimidine analog) resulted in increased IdUrd incorporation into DNA and exhibited in vitro synergism against colon and bladder human carcinoma cell lines. We designed a phase I trial to determine the MTD, pharmacokinetics, and biologic effects of escalating doses of the combination of IdUrd given as a 24-hour infusion after a raltitrexed 15-minute infusion every three weeks. Thirty-four patients received 95 courses of raltitrexed and IdUrd at doses ranging from raltitrexed 1 mg/m2 and IdUrd 750 mg/m2 to raltitrexed 2.5 mg/m2 and IdUrd 10,400 mg/m2. The median number of cycles administered was 2 (range 1-10). Dose limiting hematologic toxicity occurred at doses of raltitrexed 2.5 mg/m2 and IdUrd 10,400 mg/m2. In addition, we determined the mean plasma concentrations C(SS) of IdUrd, the iodouracil level at 22 hours and the IdUrd clearance. Raltitrexed did not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of IdUrd in the dose range tested. The recommended phase II dose is raltitrexed 2 mg/m2 and IdUrd 10,400 mg/m2 repeated every three weeks. Evidence of potential antitumor activity was observed: 1 patient (with colon cancer) had a partial response while 15 others had stable disease.
Raman Study of the Polarizing Forces Promoting Catalysis in 4-Chlorobenzoate-CoA Dehalogenase †

The enzyme 4-chlorobenzoate-CoA dehalogenase catalyzes the hydrolysis of 4-chlorobenzoate-CoA (4-CBA-CoA) to 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA (4-HBA-CoA). In order to facilitate electrophilic catalysis, the dehalogenase utilizes a strong polarizing interaction between the active site residues and the benzoyl portion of the substrate [Taylor, K. L., et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 13881]. As a result of this interaction, the normal modes of the benzoyl moiety of the bound 4-HBA-CoA undergo a drastic rearrangement as shown by Raman spectroscopy. Here, we present Raman difference spectroscopic data on the product−enzyme complex where the product's benzoyl carbonyl is labeled with 18O (C18O) or 13C (13CO) or where the 4-OH group is labeled with 18O. The data demonstrate that the carbonyl group participates in the most intense normal modes occurring in the Raman spectrum in the 1520−1560 cm- 1 region. The substrate analog 4-methylbenzoate-CoA (4-MeBA-CoA) has also been characterized by Raman difference spectroscopy in its ...
Identifying and clarifying values and reason statements that promote effective food parenting practices, using intensive interviews

Abstract Objective Generate and test parents’ understanding of values and associated reason statements to encourage effective food parenting practices. Methods This study was cross-sectional. Sixteen parents from different ethnic groups (African American, white, and Hispanic) living with their 3- to 5-year-old child were recruited. Interested parents were directed to a Web site, where they provided screening information and informed consent. Two types of telephone interviews were used: semistructured intensive interviews and cognitive interviews. Results The most common core values identified in the semistructured interview were religion/spirituality, family, and health, which appeared invariant across parent ethnicity. Parent responses to cognitive interviews enabled rephrasing of statements that were not well understood, the list of values was increased, and reason statements were added to cover the spectrum cited by parents. Conclusions and Implications Values and reason statements will be used to tailor intrinsic motivational messages for effective food parenting practices.
(E,E)‐1,8‐Dioxacyclo­tetra­deca‐3,10‐diene‐2,9‐dione

The title compound, C12H16O4, has an unconventional weak hydrogen-bonding pattern. A network of weak inter­molecular hydrogen bonds between an alkane group and the carbonyl groups stabilizes the mol­ecular packing. The asymmetric unit contains one half-mol­ecule and the complete mol­ecule is generated by an inversion center.
Simulation study via output feedback control design

In this paper, it is shown that the parameterization of a lower-order simulation model with round off error consideration can be treated as an output feedback control design with measurement noise. The design conditions for the simulation model that can bound covariance errors, or deliver mixed H/sub 2//H/sub /spl infin// performance are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMI) and a coupling nonconvex constraint. A convexifying algorithm is applied to attain local optimally.
A developmental study of pronouncing responses in the discrimination learning of words and pictures

Abstract Subjects at three age levels were administered picture pair or word pair discrimination lists. They pronounced or pointed as a method of choice, and they pronounced or pointed at the correct item (or remained silent) during rehearsal. The results indicated that with picture pairs, pronunciation facilitated learning as a method of choice and a type of rehearsal in nursery school Ss. For fifth grade and college Ss, there was no significant difference between pronouncing and pointing as a method of choice. However, spoken rehearsal was superior to control performance for fifth grade Ss. College Ss performed equally well in the control and pronouncing conditions, but pointing during rehearsal produced significantly more errors than pronouncing. Word pairs produced no significant pronunciation effects. These results were discussed within an internalization of speech perspective.
When have violent civil conflicts spread? Introducing a dataset of substate conflict contagion:

The spread, diffusion, spillover, or contagion of violent civil conflict – including insurgencies, coups, or other internal armed conflict – across international borders is of great concern to civi...
Molecular windows into the below-ground interactions of ectomycorrhizal fungi

Over the past decade the use of molecular techniques has provided new ways to study old questions about how ectomycorrhizal fungi interact with each other and their environment. In their simplest form, these methods enable researchers to identify vegetative stages of fungi that would be difficult, slow, or impossible to identify by morphological or culture-based methods. This has resulted in quantitative views of complex fungal communities, which in turn have revealed new and unexpected patterns in community structure. In addition, molecular methods have been used to identify individual genotypes of fungi. This information has provided insights into the way that particular species of ectomycorrhizal fungi spread in nature. In this article we will mention the basic techniques and briefly discuss some of the findings that have resulted. Advances in this field have recently been comprehensively reviewed for scientific audiences, and we refer readers that have a more technical interest or a need to access the current literature to these reviews (Dahlberg, 2001; Horton & Bruns, 2001).
Immunogenicity in xenogeneic scaffold generation: Antigen removal vs. decellularization

Decades of research have been undertaken towards the goal of tissue engineering using xenogeneic scaffolds. The primary advantages associated with use of xenogeneic tissue-derived scaffolds for in vitro development of replacement tissues and organs stem from the inherent extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and architecture. Native ECM possesses appropriate mechanical properties for physiological function of the biomaterial and signals for cell binding, growth and differentiation. Additionally, xenogeneic tissue is readily available. However, translation of xenogeneic scaffold-derived engineered tissues or organs into clinical therapies requires xenoantigenicity of the material to be adequately addressed prior to implantation. Failure to achieve this goal will result in a graft-specific host immune rejection response, jeopardizing in vivo survival of the resultant scaffold, tissue or organ. This review explores (i) the appropriateness of scaffold acellularity as an outcome measure for assessing reduction of the immunological barriers to the use of xenogeneic scaffolds for tissue engineering applications and (ii) the need for tissue engineers to strive for antigen removal during xenogeneic scaffold generation.
Improving transitions of care for complex pediatric trauma patients from inpatient rehabilitation to home: an observational pilot study

Patients requiring inpatient pediatric rehabilitation following trauma or disabling illness often require complex care after hospital discharge. The patients and their families are at risk for loss of continuity of care and increased stress which can adversely affect functional and medical outcomes. This pilot study assesses the complexity of need and difficulty with obtaining services at the time of transition from inpatient to outpatient care for pediatric rehabilitation. Additionally we explored the intervention of a post discharge phone call from an experienced rehabilitation nurse to address any issues identified in this period. A rehabilitation nurse made scripted post discharge phone calls to patients and families 1–2 weeks after discharge from inpatient pediatric rehabilitation inquiring about medical appointments, medications, therapies, adaptive equipment and transition back to school. Results were recorded by the nurse then analyzed and tabulated by a rehabilitation physician. Eighty two percent of patients had needs in 4–5 of the areas assessed as part of their discharge recommendations. Eighty four percent of those families contacted had difficulty with at least one area at discharge. In all cases of confusion or difficulty with the recommendations, the nurse was able to provide needed guidance to ameliorate the situation. This pilot study indicates that pediatric rehabilitation patient require complex care as they transition to an outpatient setting. There is significant confusion and families often have difficulty obtaining necessary care in an efficient and effective way during this transition. A post discharge phone call from an experienced rehabilitation nurse could address most of the issues that arise during the transition. This pilot study indicates a need for more investigation into interventions to improve the transition process for pediatric rehabilitation patients and suggests a post discharge phone call program could be useful intervention for pediatric rehabilitation patients and other patient populations requiring complex care such as polytrauma patients.
Low-frequency leakage current reduction using active control of single-phase PWM rectifier

The leakage current in grid-interfaced converter systems presents a considerable issue in regards to safety and efficiency. In addition to the high-frequency leakage current caused by the PWM switching schemes, low-frequency leakage current limits the value of dc-side common-mode (CM) capacitors, thereby leading to the bulky dc passive filters for many distributed generation (DG) system applications. In order to reduce the low-frequency dc CM voltage ripple, this paper proposes a PWM modulation scheme and an associated controller for the grid-connected converter based on the North American single-phase (1Ф) system. The modeling, controller design and ac passive filter design are analyzed. Experimental evaluation is provided for the design verification.
Functional analysis of tumor metastasis: modeling colon cancer

The primary cause of death from colon cancer results from metastases that withstand conventional therapy and escape locoregional control. The molecular regulation of the tumor cell’s acquired ability for invasion and metastasis is still not completely understood and progress in this field may generate novel therapeutic targets. Osteopontin (OPN) has recently been identified as a lead marker for colon cancer progression with elevated OPN expression correlating with advanced stage and poor survival. This key regulator of metastasis has been shown to induce invasive mechanisms, increase motility, adhesiveness, angiogenesis, and enhance evasion of the immune system to augment the metastatic potential in colon cancer cells. This review will discuss the basic mechanisms underlying tumor metastasis, recent innovations used to screen and identify metastatic genes in colon cancer, and model systems used to analyze these potential targets. Target genes associated with activation of OPN, a master regulator of tumor metastasis, will be described in the context of a colon cancer model. Finally, the innovative techniques of RNA interference and aptamer technology for targeting metastasis genes will be reviewed.
Depletion of Olig2 in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells infected by Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infects the central nervous system of mice and causes a demyelinating disease that is a model for multiple sclerosis. During the chronic phase of the disease, TMEV persists in oligodendrocytes and macrophages. Lack of remyelination has been attributed to insufficient proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), but the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we employed pluripotent stem cell technologies to generate pure populations of mouse OPCs to study the temporal and molecular effects of TMEV infection. Global transcriptome analysis of RNA sequencing data revealed that TMEV infection of OPCs caused significant up-regulation of 1926 genes, whereas 1853 genes were significantly down-regulated compared to uninfected cells. Pathway analysis revealed that TMEV disrupted many genes required for OPC growth and maturation. Down-regulation of Olig2, a transcription factor necessary for OPC proliferation, was confirmed by real-time PCR, immunofluorescence microscopy, and western blot analysis. Depletion of Olig2 was not found to be specific to viral strain and did not require expression of the leader (L) protein, which is a multifunctional protein important for persistence, modulation of gene expression, and cell death. These data suggest that direct infection of OPCs by TMEV may inhibit remyelination during the chronic phase of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease.
Managing student software engineering projects: panel discussion

As Computer Science instructors, we are all faced with the challenge of preparing our students for careers through authentic learning experiences, yet we are often constrained by the structure of the "class" and the limitations imposed by balancing hands-on projects with required coverage of course content, student evaluations, a set 16-week semester, and similar administrative confines. The members of this panel will present a comparison of the ways in which each incorporates software engineering practices into a capstone course or experience with the goal of providing a practical experience for their students which simulates an industry experience as closely as possible.
Fast, Long-Lived Renaming (Extended Abstract)

We consider wait-free solutions to the renaming problem for shared-memory multiprocessing systems [3, 5]. In the renaming problem, processes are required to choose new names in order to reduce the size of their name space. Previous solutions to the renaming problem have time complexity that is dependent on the size of the original name space, and allow processes to acquire names only once. In this paper, we present several new renaming algorithms. Most of our algorithms have time complexity that is independent of the size of the original name space, and some of our algorithms solve a new, more general version of the renaming problem called long-lived renaming. In long-lived renaming algorithms, processes may repeatedly acquire and release names.
PKA and arachidonic acid activation of human recombinant ClC-2 chloride channels

An HEK-293 cell line stably expressing the human recombinant ClC-2 Cl− channel was used in patch-clamp studies to study its regulation. The relative permeabilityP x/P Cl calculated from reversal po...
Meta-analysis of cellular toxicity for cadmium-containing quantum dots

Understanding the relationships between the physicochemical properties of engineered nanomaterials and their toxicity is critical for environmental and health risk analysis. However, this task is confounded by material diversity, heterogeneity of published data and limited sampling within individual studies. Here, we present an approach for analysing and extracting pertinent knowledge from published studies focusing on the cellular toxicity of cadmium-containing semiconductor quantum dots. From 307 publications, we obtain 1,741 cell viability-related data samples, each with 24 qualitative and quantitative attributes describing the material properties and experimental conditions. Using random forest regression models to analyse the data, we show that toxicity is closely correlated with quantum dot surface properties (including shell, ligand and surface modifications), diameter, assay type and exposure time. Our approach of integrating quantitative and categorical data provides a roadmap for interrogating the wide-ranging toxicity data in the literature and suggests that meta-analysis can help develop methods for predicting the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials. Literature data mining and knowledge extraction (known as meta-analysis) can be used to derive the relationships between toxicological outcome and the physicochemical properties of cadmium-containing quantum dots.
Tuning hemoglobin-poly(acrylic acid) interactions by controlled chemical modification with triethylenetetramine.

Protein–polymer interactions play a very important role in a number of applications, but details of these interactions are not fully understood. Chemical modification was introduced here to tune protein–polymer interactions in a systematic manner, where methemoglobin (Hb) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) served as a model system. Under similar conditions of pH and ionic strength, the influence of protein charge on Hb/PAA interaction was studied using chemically modified Hb by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). A small fraction of COOH groups of Hb were amidated with triethylenetetramine (TETA) or ammonium chloride to produce the corresponding charge ladders of Hb-TETA and Hb-ammonia derivatives, respectively. All the Hb/PAA complexes produced here are bioactive, entirely soluble in water, and indicated the retention of Hb structure to a significant extent. Binding of Hb to PAA was exothermic (ΔH < 0). The binding of Hb-TETA charge ladder to PAA indicated decrease of ΔH from −8 ± 0.2 to −89 ± 4 kcal/mol, ...
Descriptions of the Immature Stages and Internal Reproductive Structures of Lixophaga mediocris (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Descriptions of the egg, the larval instars, the puparium, and internal reproductive structures of L. mediocris Aldrich are presented. The 3 larval instars are differentiated by the cephalopharyngeal skeleton and the caudal spiracles. The first and second instars are metapneustic, the third instar amphipneustic. The internal reproductive structures are similar to those of other known tachinid species.
The Role of Nanoscale Confinement of Adhesion Promoting Molecules on the Adhesion and Resistance to Moisture Attack at the Polymer/Silicon Nitride Interface

The interface between a highly-crosslinked polymer film and a thin silicon nitride layer can be regulated using adhesion promoting molecules. This work compares the effects of both indirect polymer/inorganic interface chemistry modification by blending organosilane adhesion promoting molecules into the polymer layer, and direct modification by confining the organosilane molecules to the substrate surface. Of particular interest are the effects of these modifications on the occurrence of an anomalous subcritical debonding phenomenon previously observed for the unmodified interface. While significantly different adhesion values were measured, the influence of the blended organosilanes was limited to moderating moisture diffusion through the polymer layer, which correllates with moderated near-threshold growth rates. Conversely, nanoscale confinement of the adhesion promoting molecules did not result in expected universal increases in adhesion energy but did inhibit anomalous debonding behavior.
Suppressing allergic immune responses.

Abstract While most studies are devoted to understanding the activation of cytokine gene transcription, few studies have focused on the silencing of cytokine gene transcription. This review will focus on the molecular mechanisms by which Th1-promoting factors downregulate the Il4 gene.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a New Type of Cationi Gemini Surfactant

An cationi gemini surfactant ethane-1,2-bis(Cetyl dimethyl brominated ammonium),denoted 16-2-16 was synthesized from ethane and hexadecyl dimethyl amine.The properties of the product were characterized,and the physical and chemical properties were determined.The results show that the synthetic product is the target product,and its surface tension is 3.4×10-4 N/m,and the cmc is 2.2×10-4 mol/L at 25 ℃.At the same time,its synergistic effect with common surfactants is studied,the results show that the synthetic product had good synergic effect.
New Requirements to Mobilization of Military Equipment Under Information War

The new characteristics of the war under information condition raise new requirements to the mobilization of military equipment.The new characteristics,such as its sudden appearance,hasty tempo,high-tech factor and its dependence on informational technology etc.,are the decisive factors that the development of military equipment should fit in with the new situation and new demands and high-efficiency,fast speed and timely and accurate mobilization of military equipment should be conducted in order to provide a strong guarantee for victory.
Design of DCS Control System of Pyrite Tailing Disposal Project

Process of sulfuric acid production of pyrite tailings roasting is introduced.The design of control system using Shanghai Xinhua XDC800 Series DCS controller is discussed in detail.The automatic monitoring of entire process is implemented.
Ultrasound in Orthopedic Diagnosis

The results of an in-progress feasilibity study to determine the value of ultrasound in orthopedic diagnosis will be shown. In reviewing the literature on its application to orthopedics the author found remarkably few reports shoving orthopedic studies. Further investigations revealed that there was a prevailing opinion that the use in orthopedic surgery was restricted because of the bony structures which were involved and their poor display by ultrasound. However, an analysis of orthopedic problems reveals that the interest in soft tissue structures about the bones and joints as veil as the anatomic relationship of one bone to another plays an equally important role in orthopedic investigation and treatment. With this premise, the author began a survey of various joints and structures in the body to determine what technique and which joints would lend themselves to a meaningful investigation. The initial examination vas done with the B-mode and then the Gray scale whenever it was available. Examinations of the shoulder wrist, hand, vertebral column, hips and knees were done. The cross sectional anatomy of each of these areas and x-ray examinations were then correlated with the ultrasound scans and consistent and repeatable images were obtained.
Ageless bodies, happy souls: biotechnology and the pursuit of perfection.

Let me begin by offering a toast to biomedical science and biotechnology: May they live and be well. And may our children and grandchildren continue to reap their ever tastier fruit but without succumbing to their seductive promises of a perfect, better-than-human future, in which we shall all be as gods, ageless and blissful. As nearly everyone appreciates, we live near the beginning of the golden age of biotechnology. For the most part, we should be very glad that we do. We are many times over the beneficiaries of its cures for diseases, prolongation of life, and amelioration of suffering, psychic as well as somatic. We should be deeply grateful for the gifts of human ingenuity and cleverness, and for the devoted efforts of scientists, physicians, and entrepreneurs who have used these gifts to make those benefits possible. And, mindful that modern biology is just entering puberty, we suspect that the finest fruit is yet to come. Yet, notwithstanding these blessings, present and projected, we have also seen more than enough to make us anxious and concerned. For we recognize that the powers made possible by biomedical science can be used for non-therapeutic or ignoble purposes, serving ends that range from the frivolous and disquieting to the offensive and pernicious. These powers are available as instruments of bioterrorism (e.g., genetically engineered drug-resistant bacteria or drugs that obliterate memory); as agents of social control (e.g., drugs to tame rowdies or fertility-blockers for welfare recipients); and as means of trying to improve or perfect our bodies and minds and those of our children (e.g., genetically engineered super-muscles or drugs to improve memory). Anticipating possible threats to our security, freedom, and even our very humanity, many people are increasingly worried about where biotechnology may be taking us. We are concerned about what others might do to us, but also about what we might do to ourselves. We are concerned that our society might be harmed and that we ourselves might be diminished, indeed, in ways that could undermine the highest and richest possibilities of human life.
Interface Growth with Quenched Randomness

Interface growth in a restricted-solid-on-solid model with quenched randomness is studied in d = 2 as a function of a parameter µ which controls the distribution of randomness. The exponents α and s describing the scaling of the interface width w(L, t) on length scale L and time t are found to depend on the parameter µ. For µ = 1, the interface is pinned (growth velocity ~ t -1/2 ) and we find α ≃ 1 and β ≃ 1/2, consistent with the scaling predictions α = (5 - d)/3, β = (5 - d)/6 for growth with surface tension and Gaussian, quenched random noise and no nonlinear term. However, for µ > 2, a linear growth velocity and results consistent with those obtained previously for the Zhang model of interface growth with a power-law noise distribution are obtained. Some unusual pinning effects on the scaling of the interface width with system size as well as the relationship with other models with quenched randomness and the approach to asymptopia are discussed.
Stage-dependent effects of browsing by snowshoe hares on successional dynamics in a boreal forest ecosystem

Herbivores transform landscapes and affect succession via selective foraging that alters vegetation composition. In the boreal forest, mammalian herbivores, mainly moose, facilitate a shift toward the dominance of heavily defended species over time, such as white spruce. The effects of moose herbivory are intensified by the browsing of snowshoe hares. However, unlike moose, snowshoe hares also browse seedlings of white spruce. We quantified herbivory by snowshoe hares on white spruce along the Tanana River, interior Alaska, and assessed the effects on white spruce demography via two different herbivore exclosure experiments. We hypothesized that both experiments would show reduced plant density and height growth in the presence of hares. We found evidence of extensive browsing of white spruce seedlings by snowshoe hares, which negatively affected white spruce establishment along the Tanana River floodplain. Previous research has indicated that hares facilitate floodplain succession in the forward direction. However, hare herbivory can also retard succession by depressing white spruce establishment and increase the time individual trees spend in the understory. This stage-dependent effect on successional dynamics via a unique temporal variation in snowshoe hare herbivory may contribute to alternative successional trajectories in the boreal forest.
Experiences of hand hygiene among acute care nurses: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Objective:Occurrences of healthcare-associated infections are associated with substantial direct and indirect costs. Improvement in hand hygiene among acute care nurses has potential to reduce incidence of healthcare-associated infections. Findings from reviews of intervention research have not conclusively identified components that are more or less efficient or effective. Much prior qualitative research has focused on descriptive analysis of policies and practices rather than providing interpretive explorations of how individuals’ perceptions of hygiene might drive practices.Methods:We conducted qualitative interview research with eight nurses in the United States who were employed in various patient-care roles. We analyzed the data using an interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology to explore how nurses described their perceptions of, and experiences with, hygiene. We developed themes that explored individual, workplace, and management influences on perception of hygiene.Results:Developed th...
Technical Note: Combination of multiple EPID imager layers improves image quality and tracking performance of low contrast-to-noise objects.

Purpose We hypothesized that combining multiple amorphous silicon flat panel layers increases photon detection efficiency in an electronic portal imaging device (EPID), improving image quality and tracking accuracy of low-contrast targets during radiotherapy. Methods The prototype imager evaluated in this study contained four individually programmable layers each with a copper converter layer, Gd2O2S scintillator, and active-matrix flat panel imager (AMFPI). The imager was placed on a Varian TrueBeam linac and a Las Vegas phantom programmed with sinusoidal motion (peak-to-peak amplitude = 20 mm, period = 3.5 s) was imaged at a frame rate of 10 Hz with one to four layers activated. Number of visible circles and CNR of least visible circle (depth = 0.5 mm, diameter = 7 mm) was computed to assess the image quality of single and multiple layers. A previously validated tracking algorithm was employed for auto-tracking. Tracking error was defined as the difference between the programmed and tracked positions of the circle. Pearson correlation coefficient (R) of CNR and tracking errors was computed. Results Motion-induced blurring significantly reduced circle visibility. During four cycles of phantom motion, the number of visible circles varied from 11–23, 13–24, 15–25, and 16–26 for one-, two-, three-, and four-layer imagers, respectively. Compared with using only a single layer, combining two, three, and four layers increased the median CNR by factors of 1.19, 1.42, and 1.71, respectively and reduced the average tracking error from 3.32 mm to 1.67 mm to 1.47 mm, and 0.74 mm, respectively. Significant correlations (P~10−9) were found between the tracking error and CNR. Conclusion Combination of four conventional EPID layers significantly improves the EPID image quality and tracking accuracy for a poorly visible object which is moving with a frequency and amplitude similar to respiratory motion.
The role of surgery and adjuvant therapy in lymph node-positive cancers of the gallbladder and intrahepatic bile ducts.

BACKGROUND Lymph node metastasis is a poor prognostic factor for biliary tract cancers (BTCs). The optimal management of patients who have BTC with positive regional lymph nodes, including the impact of surgery and adjuvant therapy (AT), is unclear. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who had T1-T3N1M0 gallbladder cancer (GBC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) in the National Cancer Database (2004-2012). Patients were classified by treatment approach (nonoperative, surgery, surgery plus AT). Associations between the overall risk of death and treatment strategy were evaluated with multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS Rates of surgical resection were 84.1% for patients with GBC (n = 1335) and 36.6% for those with IHC (n = 1009). The median overall survival of patients in the nonoperative, surgery, and surgery plus AT group was 11.6, 13.3, and 19.6 months, respectively, for those with GBC (log-rank P < .001), and 12.7, 16.2, and 22.6 months, respectively, for those with IHC (log-rank P < .001), respectively. Compared with nonoperative therapy, surgery with or without AT was associated with a lower risk of death from GBC (surgery with AT: hazard ratio [HR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.73; surgery without AT: HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.89) and from IHC (surgery with AT: HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.42-0.63; surgery without AT: HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56-0.87). AT that included radiation was associated with a lower risk of death relative to surgery alone for patients with GBC regardless of margin status (margin-negative resection: HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52-0.84; margin-positive resection: HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.39-0.75), but adjuvant chemotherapy alone was not. For patients with IHC, no survival benefit was detected with adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation for those who underwent either margin-positive or margin-negative resection. CONCLUSIONS The best outcomes for patients who have lymph node–positive BTCs are associated with margin-negative resection and, in those who have GBC, the inclusion of adjuvant chemotherapy with radiation regardless of margin status. Cancer 2018;124:74-83. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Restricted feeding for 9h in the active period partially abrogates the detrimental metabolic effects of a Western diet with liquid sugar consumption in mice.

Abstract Background Obesity is a major public health concern that can result from diets high in fat and sugar, including sugar sweetened beverages. A proposed treatment for dietary-induced obesity is time-restricted feeding (TRF), which restricts consumption of food to specific times of the 24-hour cycle. Although TRF shows great promise to prevent obesity and the development of chronic disease, the effects of TRF to reverse metabolic changes and the development of NAFLD in animal models of a Western diet with sugary water consumption is not known. Objective The objective of the current study was to evaluate the role of TRF in the treatment of obesity and NAFLD through examination of changes in metabolic and histopathologic parameters. Methods To better understand the role of TRF in the treatment of obesity and NAFLD, we investigated the metabolic phenotype and NAFLD parameters in a mouse model of NAFLD in which obesity and liver steatosis are induced by a Western Diet (WD): a high-fat diet of lard, milkfat and Crisco with sugary drinking water. Mice were subjected to a short-term (4-weeks) and long-term (10-weeks) TRF in which food was restricted to 9 h at night. Results Prior to TRF treatment, the WD mice had increased body mass, and exhibited less activity, and higher average daytime energy expenditure (EE) than chow fed mice. Approximately 4- and 10-weeks following TFR treatment, WD-TRF had moderate but not statistically significant weight loss compared to WD-ad libitum (WD-AL) mice. There was a modest but significant reduction in the inguinal adipose tissue weight in both WD-TRF groups compared to the WD-AL groups; however, there was no difference in epididymal and retroperitoneal adipose tissue mass or adipocyte size distribution. In contrast, the diet-induced increase in normalized liver tissue weight, hepatic triglyceride, and NAFLD score was partially abrogated in the 4-week WD-TRF mice, while systemic insulin resistance was partially abrogated and glucose intolerance was completely abrogated in the 10-week WD-TRF mice. Importantly, WD-induced metabolic dysfunction (substrate utilization, energy expenditure, and activity) was partially abrogated by 4- and 10-week TRF. Conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that TRF aids in reducing the detrimental metabolic effects of consuming a WD with sugary drinking water but does not ameliorate obesity.
Decision analytic modeling for the economic analysis of proton radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Although proton radiation treatments are more costly than photon/X-ray therapy, they may lower overall treatment costs through reducing rates of severe toxicities and the costly management of those toxicities. To study this issue, we created a decision-model comparing proton vs. X-ray radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. Methods: An influence diagram was created to model for radiation delivery, associated 6-month pneumonitis/esophagitis rates, and overall costs (radiation plus toxicity costs). Pneumonitis (age, chemo type, V20, MLD) and esophagitis (V60) predictors were modeled to impact toxicity rates. We performed toxicity-adjusted, rate-adjusted, risk group-adjusted, and radiosensitivity analyses. Results: Upfront proton treatment costs exceeded that of photons [$16,730.37 (3DCRT), $23,893.83 (IMRT), $41,061.80 (protons)]. Based upon expected population pneumonitis and esophagitis rates for each modality, protons would be expected to recover $1,065.62 and $1,139.63 of the cost difference compared to 3DCRT or IMRT. For patients treated with IMRT experiencing grade 4 pneumonitis or grade 4 esophagitis, costs exceeded patients treated with protons without this toxicity. 3DCRT patients with grade 4 esophagitis had higher costs than proton patients without this toxicity. For the risk group analysis, high risk patients (age 65, carboplatin/paclitaxel) benefited more from proton therapy. A biomarker may allow patient selection for proton therapy, although the AUC alone is not sufficient to determine if the biomarker is clinically useful. Conclusions: The comparison between proton and photon/X-ray radiation therapy for NSCLC needs to consider both the up-front cost of treatment and the possible long term cost of complications. In our analysis, current costs favor X-ray therapy. However, relatively small reductions in the cost of proton therapy may result in a shift to the preference for proton therapy.
Unity through Omission: Literary Strategies of Recension in Ibn al-Aṯīr’s al-Kāmil fī l-Taʾrīḫ

The historical chronicle al-Kāmil fī l-ta⁠ʾrīḫ ( The Complete History ) of Ibn al-Aṯīr al-Ǧazarī (555/1160-630/1233) treats conservatively the existing corpus of narratives of the fitna , the first Muslim civil war (36/656-41/661). Ibn al-Aṯīr alters his main source’s accounts of troublesome moments, usually through omission, to present a universal history that serves to rehabilitate the reputation of the Umayyads without criticizing the partisans of ʿAlī. While this approach may be understood as remarkable scholarly detachment from perhaps the most contentious episode of the early Islamic narrative, in fact this narrative strategy is carefully calculated to present a past that can serve as an example for the future: one in which the disagreements that had fractured the umma were surmountable, and its unity was recoverable. Such changes, while small, had a large qualitative impact due to the narrative centrality of the fitna within the wider early Islamic narrative.La chronique historique d’Ibn al-Aṯīr al-Ǧazarī (555/1160-630/1233), intitulee al-Kāmil fī l-ta⁠ʾrīḫ ( L’histoire complete ) traite avec prudence le corpus des recits de la fitna , premiere guerre civile des musulmans (36/656-41/661). Ibn al-Aṯīr modifie les recits des moments genants de sa source principale, generalement par le biais d’omissions, afin de presenter une histoire universelle qui rehabilite la reputation des Omeyyades, sans pour autant critiquer les partisans de ʿAlī. Bien que cette approche puisse etre interpretee comme un remarquable detachement de la part d’un savant a l’egard de l’episode le plus litigieux de l’histoire des debuts de l’islam, cette strategie narrative est soigneusement calculee pour faire du passe un exemple pour l’avenir. Un futur dans lequel les desaccords qui avaient fracture la communaute sont surmontables, et l’unite possible. Bien que minimes, de telles de modifications narratives ont un large impact, en raison de la centralite de la fitna dans le recit plus general des premiers temps de l’Islam.This article is in English.
PERMANENCE PROPERTIES OF ABSOLUTE CONTINUITY CONDITIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the permanence of operator-theoretic properties of vector measures given by Riesz theorems under three separate notions of absolute continuity. It discusses whether compactness and weak compactness of operators are preserved under various absolute continuity conditions. A representing measure is countably additive if and only if it is regular. If each of n and m is a representing measure, then n is absolutely continuous with respect to m(n 0, there is a δ > 0. The reflexivity of E immediately implies that n(A) is a weakly compact operator for each A ∈ Σ.
Electromagnetic Modeling of Electrical Machinery for Design Applications

The need for design optimization and operational reliability of electrical machinery necessitates accurate performance prediction at the design stage. This in turn requires the detailed evaluation of the magnetic field distribution in the machine geometry. The finite element method offers a stable numerical solution technique with a good deal of precision. This method requires the formulation of the partial differential equations in variational terms or by a weighted residual procedure. In the case of the former an energy related expression called a functional is minimized with respect to a set of trial solutions. This paper describes the application of the finite element method to electrical machine modeling taking into account iron saturation, eddy currents in conducting parts and the distributed nature of materials and sources. Some of the areas surveyed are utility generators, skin-effect in busbars, eddy current losses in transformers, and others.
Incorporating Brueckner-Hartree-Fock correlations in energy density functionals

Recently, a microscopically motivated nuclear energy density functional was derived by applying the density-matrix expansion to the Hartree-Fock (HF) energy obtained from long-range chiral effective-field theory two- and three-nucleon interactions. However, the HF approach cannot account for all many-body correlations. One class of correlations is included by Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (BHF) theory, which gives an improved definition of the one-body HF potential by replacing the interaction by a reaction matrix $G$. In this paper, we find that the difference between the $G$ matrix and the similarity renormalization group evolved nucleon-nucleon potential ${V}_{\mathrm{SRG}}$ can be well accounted for by a truncated series of contact terms. This is consistent with renormalization-group decoupling generating a series of counterterms as short-distance physics is integrated out. The coefficients ${C}_{n}$ of the power series expansion $\ensuremath{\sum}{C}_{n}{q}^{n}$ for the counterterms are examined for two potentials at different renormalization-group resolutions and at a range of densities. The success of this expansion for $G\ensuremath{-}{V}_{\mathrm{SRG}}$ means we can apply the density-matrix expansion at the HF level with low-momentum interactions and density-dependent zero-range interactions to model BHF correlations.
Truth in Context: Sketching a (New) Historicist Legal Pedagogy

Although law is sometimes considered as (and taught as if it were) an autonomous discipline, it and other cultural artifacts are historically situated — they “grow out of a particular place and time.” One way to examine this intersection is with the tools of historicism, whether traditional (e.g., the historical determinism of Hippolyte Taine) or “New” (e.g., the cultural poetics of Stephen Greenblatt). Historicism teaches that any artifact bobs in a causal stream. It is both producing and produced. Through reverse engineering of artifacts, then, we can learn something about how they issued and what they may have in turn influenced. So just as we can study a fossil to form some idea of the animal that formed it, so may we study any artifact to comprehend its author and to draw what Taine calls a “moral history” from it. My piece will elaborate on this notion and show that law (as found in statutes and cases, for example) can be studied through a historical lens that reveals it as an artifact existing alongside other artifacts, many of them non-textual. And these non-textual artifacts provide a pedagogical shortcut to the law’s larger cultural context. Ultimately, I will argue that non-textual artifacts like painting and illustration illuminate a path to understanding the moral imagination that must inform all just laws.
FIZZy Alveolar Epithelial Cells Induce Myofibroblast Differentiation

While some progress has been made recently in identifying potential candidate genes that may be important in pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, the list certainly is not complete. Using DNA microarray analysis to analyze the lung gene expression profiles in a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis has revealed over 600 genes that were ≥ 2-fold up or down-regulated. The highest up-regulated gene is identified as FIZZ1 (Found in Inflammatory Zone), and found to be expressed primarily by lung epithelial cells and not in fibroblasts. Further analysis shows that FIZZ1 stimulated α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen expression independently of transforming growth factor-β, suggesting its potential as an inducer of myofibroblast differentiation. IL-4 and IL-13 are found to induce FIZZ1 expression in type II alveolar epithelial cells via a STAT6 mediated mechanism, and interestingly IL-4/IL-13 or STAT6 deficient mice shows reduced lung FIZZ1 expression and fibrosis. Thus the potential role of FIZZ1 in fibrosis represents an example of epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk of significance to the genesis of myofibroblasts in lung fibrosis.
Tunable structure priors for Bayesian rule learning for knowledge integrated biomarker discovery.

Tunable structure priors for Bayesian rule learning for knowledge integrated biomarker discovery