cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second-order accurate volume-of-fluid algorithms for tracking material interfaces

We introduce two new volume-of-fluid interface reconstruction algorithms and compare the accuracy of these algorithms to four other widely used volume-of-fluid interface reconstruction algorithms. We find that when the interface is smooth (e.g., continuous with two continuous derivatives) the new methods are second-order accurate and the other algorithms are first-order accurate. We propose a design criteria for a volume-of-fluid interface reconstruction algorithm to be second-order accurate. Namely, that it reproduce lines in two space dimensions or planes in three space dimensions exactly. We also introduce a second-order, unsplit, volume-of-fluid advection algorithm that is based on a second-order, finite difference method for scalar conservation laws due to Bell, Dawson and Shubin. We test this advection algorithm by modeling several different interface shapes propagating in two simple incompressible flows and compare the results with the standard second-order, operator-split advection algorithm. Although both methods are second-order accurate when the interface is smooth, we find that the unsplit algorithm exhibits noticeably better resolution in regions where the interface has discontinuous derivatives, such as at corners.
A report of renal artery embolization for hematuria facilitating neoadjuvant chemotherapy in an unresectable malignant renal rhabdoid tumor

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) of the kidney is a rare pediatric tumor characterized by its aggressive nature and chemoresistance. Our patient had MRT of the right kidney with tumor thrombus in the renal vein, inferior vena cava, and right atrium. He developed transfusion-resistant hematuria. This was successfully controlled with right renal artery embolization allowing completion of his neoadjuvant chemotherapy. He then underwent complete resection of the tumor and thrombus avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass.
Decision-making style and vocational maturity

Abstract This study examines the relationship between decision-making style, scholastic achievement, and vocational maturity for college students. A positive relationship between a rational decision-making style and the multifaceted construct of vocational maturity has been inherent in much theory and has provided the basis for most practice. The hypothesized relationship between rationality and attitudinal and cognitive maturity was not supported by the results reported here. Only a combination of the scholastic achievement variable and a lack of dependent decision style was found to be even moderately predictive of vocational maturity. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Regional peripheral and CNS hemodynamic effects of intrathecal administration of a substance P receptor agonist

Abstract Regional CNS and peripheral hemodynamic effects of the intrathecal (i.t.) administration of a substance P receptor agonist, [ p Glu 5 ,MePhe 8 ,MeGly 9 ]-substance P 5–11 ([DiMe]-SP), were studied in anesthetized rats with the radioactive microsphere technique. It was previously shown that [DiMe]-SP caused a sympathetically mediated increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) by an action within the spinal cord. In this study, [DiMe]-SP (5 and 33 nmol. i.t.) increased MAP. The 5 nmol dose increased resistance in cutaneous, renal, splanchnic, and adrenal vascular beds but decreased resistance, and increased blood flow in some skeletal muscle beds. Total peripheral resistance was unchanged. The 33 nmol dose increased resistance in each peripheral vascular bed analyzed and increased total peripheral resistance. Whereas each dose increased heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output were unchanged with the 5 nmol dose and were reduced with the 33 nmol dose. Neither dose of [DiMe]-SP significantly altered regional brain or spinal cord blood flows. These data show that the i.t. administration of the SP agonist, [DiMe]-SP, increased vascular tone to most peripheral vascular beds whereas the low dose caused a vasodilation of skeletal muscle. These effects are consistent with the notion of a dose-related activation of SP receptors in the spinal cord affecting sympathetic outflow to the adrenals and to the vasculature.
Wavelets and the theory of non-parametric function estimation

Non–parametric function estimation aims to estimate or recover or denoise a function of interest, perhaps a signal, spectrum or image, that is observed in noise and possibly indirectly after some transformation, as in deconvolution. ‘Non–parametric’ signifies that no a priori limit is placed on the number of unknown parameters used to model the signal. Such theories of estimation are necessarily quite different from traditional statistical models with a small number of parameters specified in advance. Before wavelets, the theory was dominated by linear estimators, and the exploitation of assumed smoothness in the unknown function to describe optimal methods. Wavelets provide a set of tools that make it natural to assert, in plausible theoretical models, that the sparsity of representation is a more basic notion than smoothness, and that nonlinear thresholding can be a powerful competitor to traditional linear methods. We survey some of this story, showing how sparsity emerges from an optimality analysis via the game–theoretic notion of a least–favourable distribution.
EFFECTS OF U.V. ON DNA: CORRELATIONS AMONG BIOLOGICAL CHANGES, PHYSICAL CHANGES AND REPAIR MECHANISMS*

Summary It is very probable that thymine dimers account for most, but not all, of the inactivation of transforming DNA in aqueous solution by u.v. radiation. The experiments on enzymatic photoreactivation of transforming DNA require postulating at least two photoreactivable lesions, one the thymine dimer, and a second, which apparently does not itself affect transforming activity but does affect the kinetics of the increase in transforming activity in photoreactivation. Action spectra suggest that alteration of cytosine deoxyriboside may be important in non-photoreactivable inactivation of DNA. Some cells have such efficient repair mechanisms for removal of thymine dimers that this kind of damage can have little if anything to do with their inactivation.
Effect of Low and High Fill Diets on Dry Matter Intake, Milk Production, and Reproductive Performance During Early Lactation

Feedstuffs analyzed for rate and extent of ruminal neutral detergent fiber disappearance were used to formulate two diets that differed for predicted time required for ruminal clearance of neutral detergent fiber. Diets with slow and fast estimated disappearance rate of neutral detergent fiber were termed and high and low fill, respectively. For both diets, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, net energy of lactation, and soluble protein were similar. Twenty-eight lactating cows were limit fed the rations 2 wk prior to calving, then fed for ad libitum consumption until 8 wk after calving. Cows fed low fill produced more milk (30.3 vs. 26.3 kg) and milk protein (.97 vs. .78 kg) and had higher incidence of short estrous cycles and fewer acyclic cows by 8 wk postpartum than cows offered high fill. Dry matter intake, fat-corrected milk yield, daily fat production, and solids-not-fat did not differ between diets. Rumen fermentation measurements for pH and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations were also not different between diets. Cows fed low fill tended to have higher rates of solids and liquid turnover and lower total dry matter in the rumen compared with cows fed high fill. Low ruminal pH on both diets as well as other physiological mechanisms may have been responsible for failure of rates of neutral detergent fiber disappearance to affect intake of dry matter.
Association of duration of neuroprotective magnesium sulfate infusion with neonatal and maternal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the association of duration of magnesium sulfate infusion with stillbirth or death, cerebral palsy, and select adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.METHODS:This is a secondary cohort analysis of women randomized to receive magnesium sulfate within a previously reported Matern
Myositis-Specific Autoantibodies: Touchstones for Understanding the Inflammatory Myopathies

SELECTED CASE A 27-year-old stonemason, who was previously well, had acute onset of weakness, stiffness, and pain in the proximal arm, leg, and back muscles. A week later low-grade evening fevers, diffuse swelling of his extremities and face, and a bluish rash over his eyelids developed; 2 weeks after that, he noticed shortness of breath, dysphagia, and a thickening of his voice. During the next several days, his condition deteriorated rapidly, with increasing shortness of breath and cyanosis, and he died of a presumed pulmonary arrest. Autopsy showed firm, fluid-filled lungs, splenomegaly, and swollen proximal muscles; the distal muscles, eye muscles, and tongue muscles were spared. Histopathologic examination showed a focal round-cell infiltration permeating the interstitium of the affected muscles and muscle cells in various stages of degeneration. No microorganisms were seen. THE IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES With the publication of this case over 100 years ago, 1 Professor Hans Unverricht
Political Responses to Pain and Loss Presidential Address, American Political Science Association, 1998

Although manifestations of pain and loss phenomena are treated in various parts of the discipline, the focus is seldom on pain and loss as a distinctive form of political experience or as one that offers a broad canvas on which the workings of the political process can be depicted. By contrast, this article makes four arguments: (1) pain and loss experiences cut to the core of everyday lives and frequently infuse them with politics; (2) responses to pain and loss events occupy a prominent place in the domains of public opinion and issue activism; (3) these events and responses have some unique properties; and (4) major research questions can be organized around the study of pain and loss phenomena.
RESERVE NETWORKS BASED ON RICHNESS HOTSPOTS AND REPRESENTATION VARY WITH SCALE

While the importance of spatial scale in ecology is well established, few studies have investigated the impact of data grain on conservation planning outcomes. In this study, we compared species richness hotspot and representation networks developed at five grain sizes. We used species distribution maps for mammals and birds developed by the Arizona and New Mexico Gap Analysis Programs (GAP) to produce 1-km2, 100-km2, 625-km2, 2500-km2, and 10 000-km2 grid cell resolution distribution maps. We used these distribution maps to generate species richness and hotspot (95th quantile) maps for each taxon in each state. Species composition information at each grain size was used to develop two types of representation networks using the reserve selection software MARXAN. Reserve selection analyses were restricted to Arizona birds due to considerable computation requirements. We used MARXAN to create best reserve networks based on the minimum area required to represent each species at least once and equal area networks based on irreplaceability values. We also measured the median area of each species' distribution included in hotspot (mammals and birds of Arizona and New Mexico) and irreplaceability (Arizona birds) networks across all species. Mean area overlap between richness hotspot reserves identified at the five grain sizes was 29% (grand mean for four within-taxon/state comparisons), mean overlap for irreplaceability reserve networks was 32%, and mean overlap for best reserve networks was 53%. Hotspots for mammals and birds showed low overlap with a mean of 30%. Comparison of hotspots and irreplaceability networks showed very low overlap with a mean of 13%. For hotspots, median species distribution area protected within reserves declined monotonically from a high of 11% for 1-km2 networks down to 6% for 10 000-km2 networks. Irreplaceability networks showed a similar, but more variable, pattern of decline. This work clearly shows that map resolution has a profound effect on conservation planning outcomes and that hotspot and representation outcomes may be strikingly dissimilar. Thus, conservation planning is scale dependent, such that reserves developed using coarse-grained data do not subsume fine-grained reserves. Moreover, preserving both full species representation and species rich areas may require combined reserve design strategies.
E-Learning Accessibility Model: A Culture of Collaboration and Outcomes Assessment

Using data from 22 in-depth interviews with e-learning accessibility researchers, disability specialists, instructional designers, higher education administrators, and disabled current and former higher education students, a strategic model of e-learning accessibility for disabled college students is developed. Collaboration, including interviews with experts and students, provided an underlying fabric in this study and highlights the need for interdepartmental and interdisciplinary support and communication when developing an accessibility culture. In understanding the opinions, perceived needs, and outright demands of experts and students on the topic of e-learning accessibility, a grounded theory approach resulted in a spectrum of views that was instrumental in developing a framework of which nascent e-learning programs could utilize as a new foundation and established e-learning programs could implement as an inherent aspect of the institution's culture. Recommendations-including developing e-learning accessibility as part of the culture of the institution, with a focus on collaboration, program evaluation and outcomes assessment-are presented.
Effect of genetic variation in P2Y12 on TRAP-stimulated platelet response in healthy subjects

In platelets, thrombin receptor signaling depends upon the release of adenosine diphosphate and subsequent activation at purinergic subtype Y (P2Y) receptors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of specific P2Y12 polymorphisms on platelet reactivity in healthy subjects mediated by thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP). We recruited a total of 29 healthy volunteers who had been previously genotyped for two polymorphisms of the P2Y12 receptor: the H2 haplotype (rs2046934) and 34C>T (rs6785930). Flow cytometry and the VerifyNow assay were used to assess platelet activation and aggregation stimulated by TRAP in the presence and absence of specific receptor antagonists for the P2Y1, P2Y12, and thromboxane A2 receptors. We identified a significant recessive effect of the P2Y12-receptor H2 haplotype on TRAP-induced flow cytometry. Specifically, H2/H2 carriers (n = 5) demonstrated a significant reduction in both glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor activation (p T genotype (rs6785930) were demonstrated under the conditions evaluated. The findings of this study suggest a potential association between P2Y12-receptor H2/H2 carriers and reduced platelet function mediated by TRAP in healthy volunteers.
Nyctohemeral variation and suppressibility of plasma ACTH in various stages of Cushing's disease.

SUMMARY In order to define nyctohemeral plasma ACTH secretory patterns, frequent plasma ACTH samples were obtained in seven patients with untreated Cushing's disease (i.e. pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome), five Cushing's patients treated by bilateral adrenalectomy, four of whom had Nelson's syndrome, and one patient with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (congenital adrenal hyperplasia). A nyctohemeral rhythm of plasma ACTH concentration was apparent in the one patient with the adrenogenital syndrome but not in those with Nelson's syndrome or Cushing's disease. The effect of graded doses of dexamethasone, 2, 8 or 32 mg per 24 h period, on plasma ACTH concentrations was studied in patients with untreated or treated Cushing's disease or Nelson's syndrome. In all of these hypercorticotrophic states, the mean plasma ACTH concentration was not significantly affected by the smallest dose of dexamethasone, was partially suppressed by the intermediate dose, and further suppressed by the largest dose. In contrast, the patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and elevated plasma ACTH concentrations showed complete suppression of plasma ACTH levels following the smallest dose of dexamethasone. These findings indicate that there is resistance to ACTH suppression by dexamethasone in all stages of Cushing's disease and suggest that negative feedback of glucocorticoids may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Hallucinations in nonpsychotic children.

The question of whether a given child is hallucinating may be difficult to ascertain and depends on such criteria as (a) the vividness of the experience, (b) the patient's degree of credence, (c) his sense of an ego-alien source, (d) his sense that the experience is nonvolitional, and (e) whether he acts on the experience. Although hallucinations are considered very peculiar, exotic experiences, their occurrence (in children) is not limited to such severe afflictions as schizophrenia and acute brain syndromes; they are found in such “ordinary” conditions as neuroses, personality disorders, transient situational disturbances, and cultural-familial mental retardation. Hallucinations can yield much information about “dynamic diagnosis” (as contrasted with clinical diagnosis) and about developmental processes. Etiologic factors include limited intellect, chronic emotional deprivation, current stress, subcultural confirmation of hallucinatory experiences, and hypercathexis of a particular perceptual mode.
The synthesis and chemistry of N-haloalkyl-1,1-difluoromethylamines

Abstract The synthesis and chemistry of N-haloalkyl-1,1-difluoromethylenimines will be presented. At high temperature, CF 2 NCl reacts with olefins, by a free radical process, to provide RNCF 2 (R = CF 2 CF 2 Cl, CF 2 CFCl 2 , CF 2 CH 2 Cl, CF 2 CFClBr) in high yields. The reactions of these compounds with CF 3 OOH result in the formation of CF 3 OOCF 2 HNR by addition across the CN double bond. These amines yield the correspondig oxaziridines, RN CF 2 O , upon reaction with KHF 2 at 22°C. The compounds CF 2 NR are isomerized by CsF to CF 3 NCFR′ (R′ = CF 2 Cl, CFCl 2 , CFClBr, CH 2 Cl) at room temperature in excellent yields. All of the new compounds were characterized by their IR, NMR, and mass spectra, and their physical properties were determined.
Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Controlled Release Oral Morphine Sulphate in Healthy Subjects

The pharmacokinetics of oral morphine sulphate as controlled release tablets ('MS-Contin') and solution were compared at steady-state. Plasma morphine concentrations were determined over 24 hours following the last dose of each drug when given in a randomised, crossover fashion to healthy subjects. Radioimmunoassay was used, which was sensitive yet provided good specificity relative to high-performance liquid chromatography. Controlled release tablets had 86% the bioavailability of the solution. Although each dose of controlled release tablets was double that of the solution, their peak plasma concentrations were the same. Time to maximum concentration was 3 times longer for controlled release tablets with an absorption half-life twice that of the solution. Elimination of both drugs was similar and biphasic with the minor terminal portion at 10 times the half-life of the major early process. These data explain the analgesic duration of 12 hours observed in clinical studies and the lack of accumulation with morphine compared with methadone.
Binding on benzo (a) pyrene to epidermal DNA and RNA as detected by synchronous luminescence spectrometry at 77 K

Abstract The fourescence associated with benzo( a )pyrene (BP) moietes covalently attached to the nucleic acid (DNA plus RNA) isolated from the epidermis of BP-treated mice was examined at 77 K in frozen aqueous solution by use of a photon-counting fluorimeter operating in the synchronous scanning mode. The excitation and emmission wavelenghts were scanned simultaneously with the monochromators set 28 nm apart. This setting coincides with the difference in wavelength between the excitation and emission maxima for the fluorescence of bound BP. Currently the level of detection is in the order of 1 BP residue from the skin of a single mouse. The method described here is generally useful for detecting the binding to DNA of nonradioactive carcinogic polynuclear aromatic which might occur following the topical application to animal skin in vivo complex hydrocarbon mixtures such as synthetic and crude oils.
Secure Outsourcing Image Feature Extraction: Challenges and Solutions

The amount and availability of user-contributed image data have grown to an unprecedented level during recent years. Social network service providers, like Facebook and Twitter, are heavily exploiting these vast valuable data to study user behaviors, social preferences, et al., for various business purposes. However, existing practices could seriously breach users' privacy and have led to increasing public criticisms and legislation pressures. The pressing need to develop sound privacy-preserving image processing mechanisms is being recognized by the research community.In this talk, I will present our research on secure outsourcing of image feature extraction, a widely-applicable technique for various content-based image applications. Our goal is to enable a public cloud service provider to perform a variety of image feature detection tasks, including both global features (visual descriptors in MPEG-7 standard) and local features (Scalar Invariant Feature Transform), while protecting image contents related to users' privacy. I will first discuss the research challenges, which mainly lie in the complicated functionality requirements of image feature extraction algorithms. A practical solution requires delicate tradeoffs among functionality, efficiency, and privacy. I will then introduce our solutions on secure outsourcing both global and local feature extractions. For the former, our solution is a generalized feature extraction platform over the somewhat homomorphic encryption scheme. For the latter, we utilize a multi-server cloud structure with a tailored practical security design. Finally, we conclude the talk by discussing future research directions and the related open issues.
Studies of soot oxidative reactivity using a diffusion flame burner

Oxygen addition to a laminar diffusion flame burner was carried out by intake oxygen enrichment and by fuel oxygenation in order to study the relation between soot oxidative reactivity and the combustion process. For this work, oxidative reactivity of n-heptane-derived soot was analyzed with respect to adiabatic flame temperature at various oxygen concentrations of the oxidizer stream, and compared to those of ethylene-derived soot and soot derived from an oxygenated fuel (a mixture of 70 vol.% n-heptane and 30 vol.% monoglyme (C4H10O2), monoglyme mixture). There is a clear inverse relation observed between adiabatic flame temperature and soot oxidative reactivity. However, detailed experiments suggest that the primary factors impacting soot oxidative reactivity are the soot inception limit, which is closely related to soot formation rate, and the soot oxidation process: the earlier soot is formed, the less reactive it becomes. Consequently, ethylene-derived soot is shown to be less reactive than n-heptane-derived soot under the same carbon flow rate and the same adiabatic flame temperature, because soot is formed at an earlier stage with ethylene than with n-heptane. In addition, increasing oxygen concentration in the oxidizer stream made soot less reactive, because not only is the soot inception limit increased by the increase in the flame temperature, but also the soot oxidation process is enhanced by increased abundance of oxidizing gases during the combustion process. From these results, it is concluded that the reason why soot derived from the monoglyme mixture is more reactive than soot from n-heptane is related to the longer time for soot to be incepted, due to the reduced concentration of soot precursors with the oxygenated fuel.
Dietary tyrosine suppresses the rise in plasma corticosterone following acute stress in rats.

Abstract Acute, uncontrollable stress increases norepinephrine (NE) turnover in the rat's brain (depleting NE) and diminishes the animal's subsequent tendency to explore a novel environment. Pretreatment with tyrosine can reverse these adverse effects of stress, presumably by preventing the depletion of NE in the hypothalamus1,2. Numerous studies suggest that NE inhibits the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by suppressing corticotropic releasing factor (CRF) secretion in the hypothalamus(3–7). In the present study, we found that pre-treatment with supplemental tyrosine not only prevented the behavioral depression and hypothalamic NE depletion observed after an acute stress, but also suppressed the rise in plasma corticosterone. These results support a role for brain NE in stress-induced corticosterone secretion and demonstrate that supplemental tyrosine can protect against several adverse consequences of such stress.
Effect of specimen width on the fracture of unidirectional metal matrix composites

Abstract This paper presents the results from shear lag analysis of a finite-width, unidirectional metal matrix composite (MMC) containing a central crack and crack tip matrix yielding. The specimen is loaded in uniaxial tension parallel to the fiber axes while the crack is normal to the fibers. The emphasis has been on studying the effect of specimen width on the stress concentration and fracture behavior of a unidirectional MMC such as boron/aluminum. Since the stiffness of the fiber is very large compared to that of the matrix it is assumed that the fiber carries all the axial load while the matrix transfers load between and amongst fibers by shear. The governing equations consist of a system of coupled integral equations which are solved by a numerical quadrature technique. The parameters considered in obtaining the numerical results include the crack length, specimen width, plastic zone size, and the ultimate strength. Results show that the fiber stress concentrations at the notch, as well as at the specimen edges, are significantly higher than those obtained by an infinite plate solution.
Multiple virulence factors of Cryptococcus neoformans are dependent on VPH1

Acidification of vesicular compartments plays an important role in a number of cellular transport processes, including protein secretion, metal cofactor insertion, glycosylation and pH stability. In the present study, we identify and characterize a component of the vesicular proton pump, Vph1p, to determine its role in the virulence of the AIDS-related fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Insertional mutagenesis and plasmid rescue were used to identify the VPH1 gene by screening for mutants defective in laccase activity. Disruption of VPH1 resulted in defects in three virulence factors (capsule production, laccase and urease expression), as well as a growth defect at 37 degrees C, but only a small growth reduction at 30 degrees C. These effects were duplicated by the vacuolar (H+)-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1. Furthermore, the vph1 insertional mutant was also avirulent in a mouse meningo-encephalitis model. Complementation of the insertional mutant with wild-type VPH1 resulted in a recovery of virulence factor expression, normal growth at 37 degrees C and restoration of full virulence. These studies establish the importance of the VPH1 gene and vesicular acidification in the virulence of C. neoformans.
Characterization of the natural measure by unstable periodic orbits in nonhyperbolic chaotic systems

The natural measure of a chaotic set in a phase-space region can be related to the dynamical properties of all unstable periodic orbits embedded in part of the chaotic set contained in that region. This result has been rigorously shown to be valid for hyperbolic chaotic systems. Chaotic sets encountered in most physical situations, however, are typically nonhyperbolic. The purpose of this paper is to test the goodness of the unstable periodic-orbit characterization of the natural measure for nonhyperbolic chaotic systems. We first directly compare the natural measure from a typical trajectory on the chaotic set with that evaluated from unstable periodic orbits embedded in the set. As an indirect check, we then compute the difference between the long-time average values of physical quantities evaluated with respect to a typical trajectory and those computed from unstable periodic orbits. Results with the H\'enon map for which periodic orbits can be enumerated lend credence to the conjecture that the unstable periodic-orbit theory of the natural measure is applicable to nonhyperbolic chaotic systems.
Taking things for granted: comments on Harman and Sherman

I think that the phenomenon of taking things for granted is an interesting and important one. But it has received relatively little attention from either epistemologists or theorists of rationality. In putting this topic on the table in such a direct and forceful way, Harman and Sherman’s paper opens up new avenues for exploration. 1. On any plausible view, there are some things that you are justified in taking for granted, and other things that you are not justified in taking for granted. One way in which someone might be subject to legitimate criticism for taking something for granted is this: what he or she takes for granted isn’t true. (If you point out that something that I’m taking for granted is false, then I should stop taking it for granted.) It also seems that someone is subject to legitimate criticism for taking for granted something that it is unreasonable to think is true. (If you point out that something that I’m taking for granted is unlikely to be true given our evidence, then it seems like I should stop taking it for granted.) Putting these points together, one might think that a relevant norm here involves knowledge:
An Epigenetic Marker Panel for Detection of Lung Cancer Using Cell-Free Serum DNA

Purpose: We investigated the feasibility of detecting aberrant DNA methylation of some novel and known genes in the serum of lung cancer patients. Experimental Design: To determine the analytic sensitivity, we examined the tumor and the matched serum DNA for aberrant methylation of 15 gene promoters from 10 patients with primary lung tumors by using quantitative methylation-specific PCR. We then tested this 15-gene set to identify the more useful DNA methylation changes in the serum of a limited number of lung cancer patients and controls. In an independent set, we tested the six most promising genes ( APC , CDH1 , MGMT , DCC , RASSF1A , and AIM1 ) for further elucidation of the diagnostic application of this panel of markers. Results: Promoter hypermethylation of at least one of the genes studied was detected in all 10 lung primary tumors. In majority of cases, aberrant methylation in serum DNA was accompanied by methylation in the matched tumor samples. In the independent set, using a single gene that had 100% specificity ( DCC ), 35.5% (95% CI: 25–47) of the 76 lung cancer patients were correctly identified. For patients without methylated DCC , addition of a logistic regression score that was based on the five remaining genes improved sensitivity from 35.5% to 75% (95% CI: 64–84) but decreased the specificity from 100% to 73% (95% CI: 54–88). Conclusion: This approach needs to be evaluated in a larger test set to determine the role of this gene set in early detection and surveillance of lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(13); 4494–503. ©2011 AACR .
An Uncommon Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Portal Hypertension

40-year-old man with a history of Laennec cirrhosis was transferred to our tertiary care facility for the management of massive hematemesis and low hemoglobin. Patient was treated with multiple blood transfusions, and an esophagogastroduodenoscopy failed to reveal the bleeding source. Subsequently, a singleballoon push enteroscopy was performed, revealing large varices in the fourth portion of the duodenum with stigmata of active bleeding (Figures A–C). The patient was immediately referred for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Variceal bleeding is a common complication of portal hypertension. The most common locations for varices are the esophagus and the stomach. Duodenal varices are uncommon and can be seen in up to 0.4% of patients with portal hypertension. 1 The most common sites are the duodenal bulb, followed by the second portion of the duodenum. 2 When present, they can cause massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with associated mortality of up to 40%. 3 Multiple strategies have been described in the literature regarding management. Endoscopically, sclerotherapy has been used as a first-line therapeutic measure, although there is a risk of perforation, embolism, and tissue injury associated with its use. 4 In addition, banding and the use of hemoclips have been reported, although in the presence of portal hypertension this is merely a temporary solution. As such, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a much safer and effective approach to the management of ectopic varices in patients with portal hypertension. 5
Bacterial Vaginosis Is Associated with Variation in Dietary Indices

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition of unknown etiology and has been linked to adverse reproductive and obstetric health outcomes. Prior dietary research on BV has focused on specific macro- and micronutrients, but not dietary indices. We assessed the relationship between BV and selected dietary indicators among a cohort of 1735 nonpregnant women ages 15-44 y from Birmingham, Alabama. Annual intake was assessed with the Block98 FFQ, and the glycemic index, glycemic load (GL), and Healthy Eating Index were calculated by the Block Dietary Data System. The Naturally Nutrient Rich (NNR) score was also calculated. Vaginal flora was evaluated using Nugent Gram-stain criteria. Crude OR and adjusted OR were determined by multinomial and logistic regression in cross-sectional and prospective analyses, respectively. Participants were predominantly African American (85.5%) aged 25.3 ± 6.8 y (mean ± SD). Per 10-unit increase, GL was positively (adjusted OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.03) and NNR was negatively (adjusted OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88-0.99) associated with BV compared to normal vaginal flora. In prospective analyses, only GL was associated with BV progression (adjusted OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00-1.05) and persistence (adjusted OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04) after adjustment. Both GL and NNR were associated with greater BV prevalence and GL was associated with an increase in BV persistence and acquisition. These results suggest that diet composition may contribute to vaginal flora imbalances and be important for elucidating the etiology of BV.
A fractal analysis approach to identification of tumor in brain MR images

Considerable research has been pursued on fractal geometry in various aspects of image analysis and pattern recognition. Magnetic resonance (MT) images typically have a degree of randomness associated with the natural random nature of structure. Thus fractal analysis is appropriate for MR image analysis. The purpose of this study is to apply fractal analysis to identify the presence of tumor in brain MR images. For tumor detection in MR brain images, the authors propose three different fractal-based methods. For each method, the brain MR images are divided into a number of pieces. The first method involves thresholding the pixel intensity values and hence, the authors call the technique piecewise-threshold-box-counting (PTBC) method. For the subsequent methods, the intensity is treated as the third dimension. The authors implement the improved piecewise modified box-counting (PMBC) and piecewise triangular prism surface area (PTPSA) methods respectively. With the PTBC method, they find the differences in intensity histogram and fractal dimension between normal and tumor images. Using the PMBC and PTPSA methods one can detect and locate the tumor in the brain MR images more accurately. Thus, the novel techniques proposed herein offer satisfactory tumor identification.
History versus Expectations

In models with external economies, there are often two or more long-run equilibria. Which equilibrium is chosen? Much of the literature presumes that "history" sets initial conditions that determine the outcome, but an alternative view stresses the role of "expectations," i.e., of self-fulfilling prophecy. This paper uses a simple trade model with both external economies and adjustment costs to show how the parameters of the economy determine the relative importance of history and expectations in determining equilibrium. In recent years there has been increasing interest in economic models in which there are positive external economies in production; these models have been seen as a way to formulate rigorously a number of heterodox challenges to standard economic doctrine. Ethier [1982a, 1982b] has provided a new, streamlined exposition of Graham's [1927] argument that external economies may make the pattern of international trade arbitrary and the gains from trade ambiguous, and has also shown that monopolistic competition in intermediate goods may lead to de facto external economies in production of final goods. Romer [1986a, 1986b] has shown that external economies may remove the traditional distinction between factor accumulation and technical change as sources of growth, and has also shown that an Ethier-like formulation can rationalize Young's [1928] vision of cumulative growth driven by increasing returns. Murphy, Shleifer, and Vishny [1989] have shown how market-size effects can in effect create external economies among firms investing in industrialization, and have used this insight to offer a rigorous formulation of Rosenstein-Rodan's [1943] "Big Push" theory of economic development. In my own work [1981, 1987] I have used external economies to formulate an ''uneven development" model in which the division of the world into rich and poor nations takes place endogenously, and a model in which a variety of heterodox views are justified by a framework in which patterns of specialization generated by historical accident get "locked in" through learning effects. A key element in many of these models is the possibility of meaningful multiple equilibria in the presence of external economies. The point is obvious: when there are external economies, it will often happen that the return to committing resources to some activity is higher, the greater the resources committed. Thus, in c 1991 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College and the Massachusetts Institute of
Immunochemical detection of aflatoxigenic potential of Aspergillus species with antisera prepared against enzymes specific to aflatoxin biosynthesis

Antisera against a methyltransferase specific to the late stages of the aflatoxin biosyn‐thetic pathway were produced in rabbits and were characterized by double diffusion, immunoelectrophoretic analysis (IEA), and crossed‐IEA. Analysis of a homogeneous preparation of the enzyme (purity>95%) with the antisera revealed two antigenic components. The presence of specific methyltransferase in the extracts of several Aspergillus spp. was ascertained by measuring the continuity of identical precipitin lines between adjoining patterns in the line‐IEA. The precipitin lines, typical for the purified enzyme, were also observed in the extracts of several Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus strains that had methyltransferase activity; but no reactivity was detected in extracts of other Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium spp. that did not exhibit the enzyme activity. The present study indicates that an immunochemical profile for the methyltransferase could be used as a tool in the identification of the aflatoxige...
Thymic differentiation of TCRαβ+ CD8αα+ IELs

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) contain several subsets, but the origin of the T-cell receptor (TCR)alphabeta(+) CD8 alpha alpha(+) IELs has been particularly controversial. Here we provide a synthesis, based on recent work, that attempts to unify the divergent views. The intestine has a primordial function in lymphopoiesis, and precursors with the potential to differentiate into T cells are found both in the epithelium and underlying lamina propria. Moreover, the thymus has been reported to export cells to the intestine that are not fully differentiated. TCR alpha beta(+) CD8 alpha alpha(+) IELs can differentiate in the intestine from each of these sources, but in normal euthymic mice, the thymus appears to be the major source for TCR alpha beta(+) CD8 alpha alpha(+) IELs. This unique IEL subset is a self-reactive population that requires exposure to self-agonists for selection in the thymus, similar to other regulatory T-cell populations. IELs transition through a double-positive (DP) intermediate in the thymus, but they originate from a subset of the DP cells that can be identified by its expression of CD8 alpha alpha homodimers. The agonist-selected cells in the thymus are TCRbeta(+) but CD4 and CD8 double negative. The evidence suggests that reacquired expression of CD8 alpha alpha and downregulation of CD5 occur after thymus export, perhaps in the intestine under the influence of interleukin-15. As a result of agonist exposure, a new gene expression program is activated. Therefore, the increased understanding of the developmental origin of TCR alpha beta(+) CD8 alpha alpha(+) IELs may help us to understand how they participate in immune regulation and protection in the intestine.
Optical imaging of the chorioretinal vasculature in the living human eye

Detailed visualization of microvascular changes in the human retina is clinically limited by the capabilities of angiography imaging, a 2D fundus photograph that requires an intravenous injection of fluorescent dye. Whereas current angiography methods enable visualization of some retinal capillary detail, they do not adequately reveal the choriocapillaris or other microvascular features beneath the retina. We have developed a noninvasive microvascular imaging technique called phase-variance optical coherence tomography (pvOCT), which identifies vasculature three dimensionally through analysis of data acquired with OCT systems. The pvOCT imaging method is not only capable of generating capillary perfusion maps for the retina, but it can also use the 3D capabilities to segment the data in depth to isolate vasculature in different layers of the retina and choroid. This paper demonstrates some of the capabilities of pvOCT imaging of the anterior layers of choroidal vasculature of a healthy normal eye as well as of eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. The pvOCT data presented permit digital segmentation to produce 2D depth-resolved images of the retinal vasculature, the choriocapillaris, and the vessels in Sattler’s and Haller’s layers. Comparisons are presented between en face projections of pvOCT data within the superficial choroid and clinical angiography images for regions of GA. Abnormalities and vascular dropout observed within the choriocapillaris for pvOCT are compared with regional GA progression. The capability of pvOCT imaging of the microvasculature of the choriocapillaris and the anterior choroidal vasculature has the potential to become a unique tool to evaluate therapies and understand the underlying mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration progression.
Tonic protein kinase A activity maintains inactive β2 integrins in unstimulated neutrophils by reducing myosin light-chain phosphorylation : role of myosin light-chain kinase and Rho kinase

Activation of beta2 integrins is necessary for neutrophil adhesion and full activation of neutrophil effector functions. We demonstrated previously that inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) activity in quiescent neutrophils is sufficient to increase beta2-integrin cell surface expression, affinity, and adhesion. Thus, a tonic level of PKA activity prevents inappropriate activation of beta2 integrins in unstimulated neutrophils. Myosin light-chain (MLC) phosphorylation is an important regulator of leukocyte integrin function and adhesion. Moreover, PKA regulates MLC phosphorylation via inhibiting MLC kinase (MLCK) and MLC dephosphorylation via effects on the Rho kinase (ROCK)/MLC phosphatase pathway. We hypothesize that the tonic inhibitory effect of PKA on beta2-integrin activation neutrophils operates via its inhibition of MLC phosphorylation. We demonstrate here that inhibition of PKA activity with KT5720 activated beta2 integrins and adhesion coincident with an increase in MLC serine 19 (Ser 19) phosphorylation. KT5720-induced activation of beta2 integrins, adhesion, and MLC Ser 19 phosphorylation was abolished by pretreatment with the MLCK inhibitor ML-7 and specific MLCK inhibitory peptides but not the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632. These findings demonstrate that tonic PKA activity prevents activation of beta2 integrins and adhesion by inhibiting MLC phosphorylation via a MLCK-dependent but ROCK-independent pathway.
The Design of a System for Testing Database-Centric Software Applications Using Database Surrogates

This paper presents the design of a system for testing database-centric software applications using surrogate databases. Traditional testing approaches, such as using test bed databases and using stub code or mock objects, are often either difficult to implement and manage, or do not provide entirely effective verification of the functionality of the application under test. Testing database-centric applications using database surrogates addresses these issues. A database surrogate is a data source, such as an XML file, which has the same structure as the backend database of the application under test. Database surrogates can be easier to implement and manage than actual test bed databases, but provide a mechanism for thoroughly testing the functionality of the application under test. The essence of the surrogate database testing system is to create a very lightweight library which provides an interface which is independent of the actual physical implementation of the underlying data source.
Management of smell and taste problems.

Lost or impaired smell or taste should be taken seriously, as it puts a person at higher risk for toxic exposures, such as gas leaks, smoke, and rotting food, and it also takes away the enjoyment of some of life’s pleasures, such as the fragrance of flowers or the taste of good food or fine wine. In many patients, the loss follows a viral upper respiratory tract infection, and the only real treatment is to reassure patients that the problem may resolve if the damaged sensory cells regenerate. In other patients, the loss has more subtle causes and deserves a careful investigation and appropriate treatment. This article reviews the proper steps to take when investigating and treating chemosensory difficulties.
Hospitality: A Feminist Theology of Education

This article presents a methodology for a feminist theology of education based on reflection of women's educational experience in light of historical and contemporary theological works, especially the writing of Julian of Norwich. It argues for hospitality as a metaphor for theological education and suggests an understanding of the student, teacher, and environment of education that can create hospitality in the classroom.
Crypto Goes to War: 1861–1865

The 19th century marked the beginning of the use of technology in many areas, and cryptology was no exception. The invention of the telegraph and its rapid and easy communication ushered in the twilight of traditional forms of cryptography. It also marked the beginning of a century and a half of rapid development of new techniques in both cryptography and cryptanalysis, all starting during the American Civil War. This chapter looks at the cipher systems used by both the Union and Confederate sides during the American Civil War. It also presents a description of the biggest cryptanalytic breakthrough of the 19th century, the breaking of the unbreakable cipher, the Vigenere.