cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction in Tumor Volume by Cone Beam Computed Tomography Predicts Overall Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Chemoradiation Therapy.

Purpose We sought to evaluate whether tumor response using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) performed as part of the routine care during chemoradiation therapy (CRT) could forecast the outcome of unresectable, locally advanced, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods and Materials We manually delineated primary tumor volumes (TV) of patients with NSCLC who were treated with radical CRT on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36, and 43 on CBCTs obtained as part of the standard radiation treatment course. Percentage reductions in TV were calculated and then correlated to survival and pattern of recurrence using Cox proportional hazard models. Clinical information including histologic subtype was also considered in the study of such associations. Results We evaluated 38 patients with a median follow-up time of 23.4 months. The median TV reduction was 39.3% (range, 7.3%-69.3%) from day 1 (D1) to day 43 (D43) CBCTs. Overall survival was associated with TV reduction from D1 to D43 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.557, 95% CI 0.39-0.79, P =.0009). For every 10% decrease in TV from D1 to D43, the risk of death decreased by 44.3%. For patients whose TV decreased ≥39.3 or P =.02), with median survivals of 31 months versus 10 months, respectively. Neither local recurrence (HR 0.791, 95% CI 0.51-1.23, P =.29), nor distant recurrence (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.57-1.08, P =.137) correlated with TV decrease from D1 to D43. Histologic subtype showed no impact on our findings. Conclusions TV reduction as determined by CBCT during CRT as part of routine care predicts post-CRT survival. Such knowledge may justify intensification of RT or application of additional therapies. Assessment of genomic characteristics of these tumors may permit a better understanding of behavior or prediction of therapeutic outcomes.
Hemodynamic and pharmacodynamic comparison of doxacurium and pipecuronium with pancuronium during induction of cardiac anesthesia: Does the benefit justify the cost?

We compared the pharmacodynamic effects and hospital costs of three long-acting neuromuscular blocking drugs in a prospective, randomized, double-blind manner. Each neuromuscular blocking drug was administered with fentanyl (50 μg/kg) for intravenous induction of anesthesia for coronary artery bypass surgery. Each patient received twice the 95% effective dose (ED95) of either pancuronium (0.14 mg/kg, n = 10), pipecuronium (0.10 mg/kg, n = 10), or doxacurium (0.05 mg/kg, n = 10). Hemodynamic measurements were recorded at baseline, 5 min after completion of anesthetic induction, immediately after endotracheal intubation, and 5 min after intubation. Only small hemodynamic differences between neuromuscular blocking drugs were observed. Doxacurium (but not pancuronium or pipecuronium) significantly decreased mean arterial blood pressure (from 94 ± 4 mm Hg before induction to 83 ± 3 mm Hg 5 min after intubation); nevertheless, there were no significant between-group differences at any time. Pancuronium increased heart rate (from 68 ± 4 beats/min before induction to 76 ± 5 beats/min 5 min after intubation); however, pancuronium differed significantly from doxacurium and pipecuronium only 5 min after induction and 5 min after intubation. Central venous pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, cardiac index, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance indices did not change. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed in two pipecuronium patients: ST segment depression in one and premature ventricular contractions in another. No other electrocardiographic changes were observed. There were no significant between-group differences in the need for hemodynamic interventions. The time from muscle relaxant administration to 95% twitch depression was significantly longer for doxacurium (530 ± 49 s) than for either pancuronium (264 ± 31 s) or pipecuronium (234 ± 23 s). The cost to a 70-kg patient of twice the ED95 dose was: pancuronium, $1.69; pipecuronium, $22.88; and doxacurium, $19.60. We conclude that whereas doxacurium and pipecuronium may be less likely than pancuronium to increase heart rate during induction of anesthesia, these two neuromuscular blocking drugs are no less likely to produce hemodynamic aberrations requiring drug interventions and are considerably more expensive.
X-33 Turbulent Aeroheating Measurements and Predictions

Measurements and predictions of the X-33 turbulent aeroheating environment have been performed for Mach 6, perfect-gas air conditions. The purpose of this investigation was to compare turbulent aeroheating predictions from two Navier-Stokes codes, LAURA and GASP, with each other and with experimental data in which turbulent flow was produced through either natural transition or forced transition using roughness elements. The wind tunnel testing was conducted at free stream Reynolds numbers of 0.72 x 10(exp 7)/m to 2.4 x 10(exp 7)/m (2.2 x 10(exp 6)/ft to 7.3 x 10(exp 6)/ft) on 0.254 m (10.0-in.) X-33 models at alpha = 40 deg with smooth surfaces, smooth surfaces with discrete trips, and surfaces with simulated bowed thermal protection system panels. Turbulent flow was produced by the discrete trips and bowed panels for all but the lowest Reynolds number, while turbulent flow on the smooth model was produced only at the highest Reynolds number. Turbulent aeroheating levels on each of the three model types were measured using global phosphor thermography and agreed to within the experimental accuracy (+/= 15%) of the test technique. Computations were performed at the wind tunnel free stream conditions using both codes. Turbulent aeroheating levels predicted using the LAURA code were generally 5%-10% lower than those from GASP, although both sets of predictions fell within the experimental accuracy of the wind tunnel data.
Effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists on acute morphine-induced and l-methadone-induced antinociception in mice.

Abstract Although N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists clearly attenuate the development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of opioids, it is not clear whether they also alter acute opioid-induced antinociception. The present study was designed to assess NMDA/opioid interactions in C57BL/6 mice by examining various NMDA receptor antagonists of different selectivity in combination with the μ opioid receptor agonists morphine and l-methadone. A mouse hot plate procedure was used to assess the effects of morphine (0.1 to 10.0 mg/kg) and l-methadone (0.1 to 5.6 mg/kg) alone and after pretreatment with the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist LY235959 (0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg), the glycine site NMDA receptor antagonist R(+)-HA-966 (10.0 to 56.0 mg/kg), or the polyamine site and NR2B selective NMDA receptor antagonist ifenprodil (3.2 to 10.0 mg/kg). Morphine and l-methadone produced dose- and time-dependent increases in 56°C hot plate latencies. At the doses tested, the NMDA receptor antagonists produced no effect on hot plate latencies. However, when these drugs were combined with morphine, latency to respond to the hot plate was significantly increased from morphine alone. Combinations of the NMDA receptor antagonist LY235959 and l-methadone produced similar increases in hot plate latencies; however, combinations of l-methadone with R(+)-HA-966 or ifenprodil did not increase hot plate latencies compared with l-methadone alone. These results suggest that a range of NMDA receptor antagonists potentiate morphine-induced antinociception, although the potentiation of l-methadone might be specific to the antagonist examined. Perspective The inclusion of low-dose NMDA receptor antagonists to opioids might be beneficial for the treatment of acute pain by enhancing the antinociceptive effects of the opioid.
Late sequelae of treatment of Hodgkin's disease

Twenty-three years after it was observed that successful treatment of Hodgkin's disease was associated with risk of a second malignancy related to treatment, the literature is maturing. Early reports of leukemia risk rising and falling between 5 and 10 years after treatment continue to be supported.
Beta-amyloid peptide expression is sufficient for myotube death: implications for human inclusion body myopathy.

Inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is the most common disorder of skeletal muscle in aged humans. It shares biochemical features with Alzheimer's disease, including congophilic deposits, which are immunoreactive for beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) and C'-terminal betaAPP epitopes. However, the etiology of myofiber loss and the role of intracellular Abeta in IBM is unknown. Here we report correlative evidence for apoptotic cell death in myofibers of IBM patients that exhibit pronounced Abeta deposition. HSV-1-mediated gene transfer of Abeta(42) into cultured C2C12 myotubes resulted in a 12.6-fold increase in dUTP-labeled and condensed nuclei over nonexpressing myotubes (P < 0.05). The C'-terminal betaAPP domain C99 also induced myotube apoptosis, but to a significantly lesser extent than Abeta. Apoptosis specific to Abeta-expressing myotubes was also demonstrated through DNA fragmentation, decreased mitochondrial function and the loss of membrane phospholipid polarity. Myotubes laden with Abeta(42), but not other transgene products, developed cytoplasmic inclusions consisting of fibrillar material. Furthermore, injection of normal mouse gastrocnemius muscle with HSV-encoding Abeta cDNA resulted in TUNEL-positive myofibers with pyknotic nuclei. We conclude that Abeta is sufficient to induce apoptosis in myofibers both in vivo and in vitro and suggest it may contribute to myofiber loss and muscle dysfunction in patients with IBM.
Temporomandibular disorders. Part 1: anatomy and examination/diagnosis

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a heterogeneous group of diagnoses affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding tissues. A variety of methods for evaluating and managing TMD have been proposed within the physical therapy profession but these sources are not peer-reviewed and lack updates from scientific literature. The dental profession has provided peer-reviewed sources that lack thoroughness with respect to the neuromusculoskeletal techniques utilized by physical therapists. The subsequent void creates the need for a thorough, research informed, and peer-reviewed source regarding TMD evaluation and management for physical therapists. This paper is the first part in a two-part series that seeks to fill the current void by providing a brief but comprehensive outline for clinicians seeking to provide services for patients with TMD. Part one focuses on anatomy and pathology, arthro- and osteokinematics, epidemiology, history taking, and physical examination as they relate to TMD. An appreciation of the anatomical and mechanical features associated with the TMJ can serve as a foundation for understanding a patient's clinical presentation. Performance of a thorough patient history and clinical examination can guide the clinician toward an improved diagnostic process.
An Abnormal Splice Donor Site in One Allele of the Thyroid Peroxidase Gene in FRTL5 Rat Thyroid Cells Introduces a Premature Stop Codon: Association with the Absence of Functional Enzymatic Activity

Low stringency screening of an FRTL5 cDNA library with a human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) cDNA probe yielded two different types of TPO cDNA clones. One type contained the full-length structural gene, but there was an A at the first nucleotide of an intronic splice donor site that leads to alternate splicing, with the retention of part of an intron. This 54-basepair retained intron fragment contains a premature inframe stop codon that would truncate the protein at its carboxyl-terminus by 71% with the loss of enzymatic activity. The second type of TPO cDNA does not contain the retained intron fragment and premature stop codon, but it is not full-length and lacks 580-680 basepairs at its 5' end. However, Northern blot analysis reveals only full-length copies (3.2 kilobases) of TPO mRNA in FRTL5 cells, and this 5' truncation is, therefore, an artifact of library construction. The relative proportions of the two types of TPO mRNA in FRTL5 cells was determined by the polymerase chain reaction, using as template single stranded cDNA generated by reverse transcription of FRTL5 mRNA. Slightly more than half of the TPO mRNA in the FRTL5 cells represented the form with the abnormal splice donor site. The relative proportions of the two TPO mRNA forms was not influenced by TSH stimulation of the FRTL5 cells, and the proportion remained unaltered even after the FRTL5 cells were subcloned by limiting dilution. At the genomic level, we used allele-specific oligonucleotides for the mutant and normal forms of TPO, and found FRTL5 cells to have both normal and abnormal TPO alleles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Bayesian Analysis of a Multiplicative Treatment Effect in Weather Modification

Bayesian techniques are developed to investigate a mldtiplicative treatment effect. when data samples on a control and a treatment are available. The random variables are assumed to follow highly skewed gamma distributions with the same shape parameters. The data sample is from a randomized airborne pyrotechnic seeding experiment, on 52 isolated cumulus clouds in sorlth Florida, half of which were massively injected with silver iodide smoke and the other untreated half were identically observed. The physical hypothesis is that massive seeding can, under specified conditions, invigorate clorld growth and thereby cause increased precipitation. The random variables compared are seeded and unseeded rain volume, measured by means of calibrated radar.
Engine Cycle Selection and Propulsion System Integration for Future High Performance Fighter Aircraft

The selection and optimization of propulsion systems can be a costly and time-consuming process, especially when there are diverse performance requirements placed on the overall weapon system. Computerized procedures have been developed within the Grumman Propulsion Department to mechanize this capability and yet maintain the man-m-the-loop for full visibility during the evaluation of a candidate design concept. The system permits low cost, rapid, multidiscipline. interactive engine cycle selection and propulsion system integration to be effectively performed early in the preliminary design process of a high performance fighter aircraft. For example, the computer running time required to select a point design within a matrix of design variables and performance constraints has been reduced by 85 percent over previous techniques. This paper describes these propulsion evaluation procedures and cites a specific example of their application to the analysis of an advanced interceptor requirement.Copyright © 1977 by ASME
Detection of Non-Symmetrical Damage in Smart Plate-Like Structures

A two-dimensional model for in-plane vibrations of a cantilever plate with a non-symmetrical damage is used in the context of defect identification in materials with piezoelectric ceramic patches bonded to their surface. These patches can act both as actuators and sensors in a self-analyzing fashion, which is a characteristic of smart materials. A Galerkin method is used to approximate the dynamic response of these structures. The natural frequency shifts due to the damage are estimated numerically and compared to experimental data obtained from tests on cantilever aluminum plate-like structures damaged at different locations with defects of different depths. The damage location and extent are determined by an enhanced least square identification method. Efficacy of the frequency shift based algorithms is demonstrated using experimental data.
THE EMERGING WAR ON TOBACCO: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF “BANNING” IN AMERICA

ABSTRACT In the past several decades, American society has become increasingly concerned about the regulation of tobacco. Utilizing Associated Press articles published from January, 1993 to August, 1994 related to tobacco and smoking, this exploratory analysis examines the role of the print media in the process of “banning” tobacco use in the United States. Attention is given to how the media reports and identifies alliances, endorsements, and power alignments. Policy implications for the criminal justice system are discussed. This analysis indicates that there is a particular bias in the media which favors the regulation of cigarette smoking.
Compensatory Laryngeal Function and Airway Protection in Children Following Airway Reconstruction

Objectives:Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) procedures for repair of complex congenital or acquired airway stenosis of the larynx and/or trachea in pediatric patients have advanced over recent decades. The aim of the present project was to investigate the relationships among diagnoses, type of surgical intervention, and laryngeal findings in a post-LTR patient cohort to identify factors associated with adequate airway protection and swallowing outcomes.Methods:A retrospective review of 30 airway patients undergoing simultaneous or close interval functional laryngeal and swallowing examinations was completed. Analyses of the data were performed to examine factors associated with postoperative airway protection and swallowing function. The patient cohort was separated into 2 groups according to the adequacy of their airway protection (aspiration and no aspiration) as judged by clinicians via instrumental examination.Results:Data analyses revealed statistically significant differences between the 2 group...
Making Muscle Overview to “Cardiovascular Lineage Commitment During Development and Regeneration” Series

Those unnerved by the evolutionary relatedness between humans and chimpanzees might do well to consider the humble brewer' s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and fission yeast, S pombe.1 At the biochemical level, we three are so similar that human orthologs can correct lethal defects of the corresponding yeast genes.2,3 Apart from merely single genes, this conservation extends to entire networks (eg, signal transduction by a web of protein kinases), modules (eg, cell cycle regulators), and multimolecular machines (eg, the telosome). For these reasons, although a stretch at first glance, yeast provide extraordinary insights into many underpinnings of cardiovascular medicine, shaping the course of research on cardiac muscle cell growth, proliferation, and aging.4,5 However, for multicellular life, assembling the organism gives rise to a further job description: creating the right cell type, in precisely the right place, at the right time. Understanding this set of decisions and the responsible molecular circuits is a prerequisite if one is to appreciate the multiple ways in which developmental biology permeates cardiovascular medicine and to draw on this knowledge for translational benefits.6 The impact of cardiovascular development is most obvious with regard to congenital heart defects, often entailing mutations in heart-forming transcription factors and morphogens.7 Many of the same transcription factors are engaged in adult cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, as mediators of the “fetal phenotype” triggered by workload, reprogramming the adult cardiomyocyte's mechanical performance, energetics, and susceptibility to death.8 A third context is potentially even more transformative therapeutically: taking the insights gleaned from heart muscle formation by model organisms and multipotent stem cells and then applying them to the daunting but irresistible task of enhancing human heart regeneration.9,–,13 The present series of review articles for Circulation Research will …
Identification of the ENT1 Antagonists Dipyridamole and Dilazep as Amplifiers of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Replication

Oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 (oHSV) vectors selectively replicate in tumor cells, where they kill through oncolysis while sparing normal cells. One of the drawbacks of oHSV vectors is their limited replication and spread to neighboring cancer cells. Here, we report the outcome of a high-throughput chemical library screen to identify small-molecule compounds that augment the replication of oHSV G47Delta. Of the 2,640-screened bioactives, 6 compounds were identified and subsequently validated for enhanced G47Delta replication. Two of these compounds, dipyridamole and dilazep, interfered with nucleotide metabolism by potently and directly inhibiting the equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (ENT1). Replicative amplification promoted by dipyridamole and dilazep were dependent on HSV mutations in ICP6, the large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Our results indicate that ENT1 antagonists augment oHSV replication in tumor cells by increasing cellular ribonucleoside activity.
Light scattering studies of narrow fractions of polyethylene

Small-angle light scattering experiments were conducted on thin films of linear polyethylene fractions over a very wide range of molecular weights. Spherulitic structures were found in all samples with molecular weight 9 × 105 or less. A rodlike morphology predominates for molecular weights between 1 × 106 and 2 × 106. Still higher fractions yield a very disordered superstructure. These results can be correlated with previous studies of the overall crystallization rates and the resulting properties.
Editorial Commentary: Balancing Disease Eradication With the Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant HIV in Test-and-Treat Policies

namely, markedly reduced transmission rates of HIV due to reductions in viral load associated with ART [1, 7, 8]. The public health benefit of early ART in reducing disease transmission has formed the basis for widely proposed “test-and-treat” strategies that argue for universal testing for HIV and treatment of individuals who are seropositive, with the hope being near-eradication of HIV. Complex mathematical models of HIV disease dynamics have been used to simulate the impact of test-and-treat policies on the future incidence and prevalence of HIV. Not surprisingly, these studies have found mixed results, with some demonstrating dramatic reductions in HIV prevalence and others suggesting more modest reductions [9–14]. Nearly all studies are unanimous, however, in demonstrating reductions in HIV incidence and death associated with test-and-treat policies. It is in this context that Sood and colleagues, whose article appears in this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases ,h ave developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of test-and-treat policies for HIV among the population of men who have sex with men in Los Angeles County, the county with the nation’s largest incident HIV population. In contrast to many previous studies simulating the impact of test-and-treat policies on HIV disease dynamics, Sood et al calibrate their model to fit existing trends in HIV prevalence in Los Angeles County from 2000 to 2009. The intuition motivat
POSSIBLE USE OF FERRUGINOUS TALCS IN STEATITE DIELECTRICS

Abstract Several iron-bearing tales were fired alone and in body form and were measured for shrinkage and absorption. Their colors were also noted. Electrical measurements of dielectric constant and loss characteristics were made on the bodies and compared with white-firing tales. The effect of small additions of Fe2O3 on a white-firing talc is also described.
Quantitative trait transmission disequilibrium test: allowance for missing parents

The association of a quantitative trait with transmission disequilibrium of parental marker alleles can be a powerful method to discover the genetic basis of the trait. However, current methods require marker genotypes on all parents. We present a new method that allows the assessment of the association of a quantitative trait with transmission disequilibrium of marker alleles when parental marker genotypes are missing, but marker genotypes for sibships are available. Because our approach is based on regression methods, additional covariates, including multiple marker loci, can be included in our proposed method of analysis. Application of this methodology to the COGA data to assess the association of quantitative traits (ERPs) with marker loci on chromosome 7 failed to identify statistically significant transmission disequilibrium.
Is matching compatible with reinforcement maximization on concurrent variable interval variable ratio

Four pigeons on concurrent variable interval, variable ratio approximated the matching relationship with biases toward the variable interval when time spent responding was the measure of behavior and toward the variable ratio when frequency of pecking was the measure of behavior. The local rates of responding were consistently higher on the variable ratio, even when there was overall preference for the variable interval. Matching on concurrent variable interval, variable ratio was shown to be incompatible with maximization of total reinforcement, given the observed local rates of responding and rates of alternation between the schedules. Furthermore, it was shown that the subjects were losing reinforcements at a rate of about 60 per hour by matching rather than maximizing.
A 350 $\mu$ W CMOS MSK Transmitter and 400 $\mu$ W OOK Super-Regenerative Receiver for Medical Implant Communications

Recent advances in the medical field are spurring the need for ultra-low power transceivers for wireless communication with medical implants. To deal with the growing demand for medical telemetry, the FCC commissioned the medical implant communications services (MICS) standard in 1999 in the 402-405 MHz band. This paper presents a 350 muW FSK/MSK direct modulation transmitter and a 400 muW OOK super-regenerative receiver (SRR) specifically optimized for medical implant communications. The transceiver is implemented in 90 nm CMOS and digitally tunes 24 MHz in frequency steps smaller than 2 kHz. The transmitter meets MICS mask specifications with data rates up to 120 kb/s consuming only 2.9 nJ/bit; the receiver has a sensitivity better than -99 dBm with a data rate of 40 kb/s or -93 dBm with a data rate of 120 kb/s consuming 3.3 nJ/bit. A frequency correction loop incorporating the base-station is prototyped to eliminate the need for a frequency synthesizer in the implant while still achieving frequency stability of less than 3 ppm.
Some Thoughts on the Adaptive Function of Inequity Aversion: An Alternative to Brosnan’s Social Hypothesis

In this commentary, we review and question Brosnan’s hypothesis that inequity aversion (IA) evolved as a domain-specific social mechanism. We then outline an alternative, domain-general, account of IA. As opposed to Brosnan’s social hypothesis, we propose that IA evolved from more general reward mechanisms. In particular, we argue reference-dependence and loss-aversion can account for the evolution of IA in primates. We discuss recent work on reference-dependence and explore how it may have given rise to inequality-averse behavior in social settings. We conclude with suggestions for future work examining the proximate mechanisms that give rise to IA.
Quantum dot long-wavelength detectors

Abstract : Long-wavelength infrared detectors operating at elevated temperatures are critical for imaging applications. InAs/GaAs quantum dots are an important material for the design and fabrication of high-temperature infrared photodetectors. Quantum dot infrared photodetectors allow normal-incidence operation, in addition to low dark currents and multispectral response. The long intersubband relaxation time of electrons in quantum dots improves the responsivity of the detectors, contributing to better high-temperature performance. We have obtained extremely low dark currents (I(sub dark) = 1.7 pA, T = 100 K, V(sub bias) 0.1 V), high detectivities (D* = 2.9 x 10(exp 8) cm Hz(sup 1/2)/W, T = 100 K, V(sub bias) = 0.2 V), and high operating temperatures (T 150 K) for these quantum-dot detectors. These results, as well as infrared imaging with QDIPs. will be described and discussed.
Semantic representation in text classification using topic signature mapping

Document representation is one of the crucial components that determine the effectiveness of text classification tasks. Traditional document representation approaches typically adopt a popular bag-of-word method as the underlying document representation. Although itpsilas a simple and efficient method, the major shortcoming of bag-of-word representation is in the independent of word feature assumption. Many researchers have attempted to address this issue by incorporating semantic information into document representation. In this paper, we study the effect of semantic representation on the effectiveness of text classification systems. We employed a novel semantic smoothing technique to derive semantic information in a form of mapping probability between topic signatures and single-word features. Two classifiers, Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machine, were selected to carry out the classification experiments. Overall, our topic-signature semantic representation approaches significantly outperformed traditional bag-of-word representation in most datasets.
Splice variant–specific cellular function of the formin INF2 in maintenance of Golgi architecture

INF2 is a unique formin that can both polymerize and depolymerize actin. One INF2 splice variant localizes in an actin-dependent, web-like network in cytoplasm, whereas a second isoform is ER bound...
Optimizing polycube domain construction for hexahedral remeshing

Polycube mapping can provide regular and global parametric representations for general solid models. Automatically constructing effective polycube domains, however, is challenging. We present an algorithm for polycube construction and volumetric parameterization. The algorithm has three steps: pre-deformation, polycube construction and optimization, and mapping computation. Compared with existing polycube mapping methods, our algorithm can robustly generate desirable polycube domain shape and low-distortion volumetric parameterization. It can be used for automatic high-quality hexahedral mesh generation.
MODELING SPATIAL PATTERNS IN FISHERIES BYCATCH: IMPROVING BYCATCH MAPS TO AID FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Fisheries bycatch, or incidental take, of large vertebrates such as sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals, is a pressing conservation and fisheries management issue. Identifying spatial patterns of bycatch is an important element in managing and mitigating bycatch occurrences. Because bycatch of these taxa involves rare events and fishing effort is highly variable in space and time, maps of raw bycatch rates (the ratio of bycatch to fishing effort) can be misleading. Here we show how mapping bycatch can be enhanced through the use of Bayesian hierarchical spatial models. We compare model-based estimates of bycatch rates to raw rates. The model-based estimates were more precise and fit the data well. Using these results, we demonstrate the utility of this approach for providing information to managers on bycatch probabilities and cross-taxa bycatch comparisons. To illustrate this approach, we present an analysis of bycatch data from the U.S. gill net fishery for groundfish in the northwest Atlantic. The goals of this analysis are to produce more reliable estimates of bycatch rates, assess similarity of spatial patterns between taxa, and identify areas of elevated risk of bycatch.
Genetic Evidence for Parallel Pathways of Chaperone Activity in the Periplasm of Escherichia coli

The periplasm of Escherichia coli contains many proteins proposed to have redundant functions in protein folding. Using depletion analysis, we directly demonstrated that null mutations in skp and surA, as well as in degP and surA, result in synthetic phenotypes, suggesting that Skp, SurA, and DegP are functionally redundant. The Δskp surA::kan combination has a bacteriostatic effect and leads to filamentation, while the degP::Tn10 surA::kan combination is bactericidal. The steady-state levels of several envelope proteins are greatly reduced upon depletion of a wild-type copy of surA in both instances. We suggest that the functional redundancy of Skp, SurA, and DegP lies in the periplasmic chaperone activity. Taken together, our data support a model in which the periplasm of E. coli contains parallel pathways for chaperone activity. In particular, we propose that Skp and DegP are components of the same pathway and that SurA is a component of a separate pathway. The loss of either pathway has minimal effects on the cell, while the loss of both pathways results in the synthetic phenotypes observed.
IL-1 family cytokines trigger sterile inflammatory disease

Inflammation plays vital roles in protective responses against pathogens and tissue repair, however, improper resolution of inflammatory networks is centrally involved in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic diseases. Extensive advances have been made in recent years to define the inflammatory processes that are required for pathogen clearance, however, in comparison, less is known about the regulation of inflammation in sterile settings. Over the past decade non-communicable chronic diseases that are potentiated by sterile inflammation have replaced infectious diseases as the major threat to global human health. Thus, improved understanding of the sterile inflammatory process has emerged as one of the most important areas of biomedical investigation during our time. In this review we highlight the central role that interleukin-1 family cytokines play in sterile inflammatory diseases.
Toward a Dynamic Theory of International Politics: Insights from Comparing Ancient China and Early Modern Europe

This article examines why international relations theories presume checks and balances but universal domination triumphed in ancient China. I argue that one should not presume the European experience as the norm and treat ancient China as a deviant case. I propose a dynamic theory of international politics that views international competition as processes of strategic interaction and that allows for alternative trajectories and endogenous transformation. Realist theories of international politics tend to focus on structural mechanisms and overlook agential strategies. At the same time, these theories focus on causal mechanisms that check attempts at domination and overlook mechanisms that facilitate domination. It is true that attempts at domination are checked by the mechanisms of balance of power and rising costs of expansion. But domination-seekers may overcome such obstacles by pursuing divide-and-conquer strategies, ruthless tactics, and self-strengthening reforms. From this strategic-interactive perspective, universal domination is no less possible than the balance of power.I would like to express my gratitude to Jack Snyder, Ira Katznelson, Charles Tilly, Thomas Bernstein, Michael Davis, and David Kang for their extensive comments on multiple drafts. I also want to thank Fiona Adamson, Bear Braumoeller, E. Bruce Brooks, Lars-Erik Cederman, Thomas Christensen, Claudio Cioffi-Revilla, Charles Cogan, Timothy Crawford, Julian Franklin, Taylor Fravel, Robert Goodin, Yoav Gortzak, A. Iain Johnston, Edward Kolodziej, Andrew Kydd, Mark Lewis, Daniel Nexon, Richard Rosecrance, Stephen Rosen, Peter Rutland, Mark Sheetz, Erik Voeten, R. Harrison Wagner, R. Bin Wong, and the editor-in-chief and two anonymous reviewers of International Organization for their thoughtful and critical comments. In addition, the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, the Institute for the Study of World Politics, the Olin Institute for Strategic Studies at Harvard University, and the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University sponsored various phases of this project.
Serotonin Signaling in Pulmonary Hypertension

See related article, pages 1323–1330 Serotonin (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine) has long been recognized as one of the most potent naturally occurring pulmonary vasoconstrictors.1 It was first implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) after an outbreak of the disease in Switzerland in the 1960’s among patients taking aminorex fumarate, an appetite suppressant that inhibits serotonin uptake by platelets.2 Since that time further outbreaks of PAH have been identified in Europe and the USA associated with the use of fenfluramine-derivate anorexigens,3–5 eventually leading to their withdrawal from the world market in 1997. Although this was, at least in retrospect, a predictable tragedy, it has ironically opened avenues of research into the biology of serotonin signaling in PAH. As fenfluramine-derivatives are substrates for the serotonin transporter (5-HTT, SERT) proteins,6 this suggests that abnormal SERT expression or functional activity could play a role in the pathogenesis of PAH. There is now a body of evidence supporting this hypothesis that provides hope for the development of effective therapeutic strategies targeting specific components of this signaling pathway in patients with these diseases. Most of the serotonin produced in the body is secreted by enterochromaffin cells of the intestine into the portal circulation where it is partially metabolized by the liver. However, levels of free circulating serotonin are maintained in the low nanomolar range through energy-dependent SERT-mediated transport into platelets. This led some researchers to hypothesize that fenfluramines might cause PAH by increasing free plasma levels of serotonin. However, this hypothesis is inconsistent with the observation that chronic treatment with fenfluramine-derivatives if anything reduces plasma levels of serotonin.6 This suggests that other SERT-related effects promote PAH in susceptible patients. This is supported by the observation that patients with idiopathic PAH have increased frequency of the so called L-type polymorphism …
Transmit diversity and linear and decision-feedback equalizations for frequency-selective fading channels

Rapid growth and increasing demands for near-ubiquitous high-quality high-data-rate services present the most challenges for wireless system design. As an effective method to provide such services, space-time (ST) coding is gaining more and more attention. The paper extends ST coding, originally designed for known frequency-nonselective fading channels, to unknown frequency-selective channels. An ST transmit diversity wireless time-division multiple-access system, that is equipped with multiple antennas at both transmit and receive sides, is considered. In this system, a novel scheme is presented to suppress intersymbol interference and to demodulate coherently the information symbols with estimated channel state information. The proposed algorithm is powerful and computationally efficient. In addition to the discussion of system identifiability, both theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed estimator and receiver in multipath fading channels.
Cost Considerations for Cell Design in Group Technology

Group Technology exploits the similarities of part types to form part families and machine cells so that a particular family of parts is completely manufactured by a particular cell of machines. Group Technology has found many applications in multi-product, small lot-size manufacturing settings, where the benefits range from reduced tooling and set-up costs to reduced inventories and shorter throughput time. Previous research has focused on cell design as a mathematical exercise of partitioning a binary machine-component matrix to minimize the inter-cellular travel of parts between cells. This paper will highlight recent research papers that have attempted to incorporate cost considerations into the design of manufacturing cells. Specifically, a technique referred to as MAPFLO (Multi-Attribute Part Family LOading) will be presented which is one method that attempts to establish the link between cell design and an economic benefit/cost tradeoff.
A Comparative Analysis of Public Relations Curricula: Does It Matter Where You Go to School, and Is Academia Meeting the Needs of the Practice?

According to scholars, there has been a move toward a more professional or occupational focus in postsecondary education, a focus that Grubb and Lazerson suggest “undermines education’s moral, civi...
Obfuscation of the Activity of Antifungal Antimicrobics by Culture Media

The potential of six culture media in current use for antagonism of the antifungal activity of amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, and clotrimazole was assessed by comparison with a totally defined, nutritionally adequate, well-buffered, synthetic amino-acid medium, SAAMF. Of the six conventional media, only one was a synthetic formulation; although it was nutritionally adequate, it was essentially unbuffered. The remaining five media were complex, undefined, and undefinable. All five undefined media were nutritionally adequate, two were modestly well buffered, but all nullified the activity of one or more of the three antimicrobics studied. The obfuscatory capacity of each medium was quantitated by determination of the absolute minimal inhibitory concentration (M'IC) of each antimicrobic for a strain of Candida albicans. With 5-fluorocytosine and clotrimazole, but not with amphotericin B, there was significant increase in M'IC values as incubation was continued. By adding (individually) pyrimidines and pyrimidine ribosides to SAAMF, it was shown that cytosine and uridine blocked expression of the anticandidal activity of 5-fluorocytosine. Meaningful data cannot be obtained from susceptibility testing of fungi in vitro unless the potential for interaction between antimicrobic and culture medium is recognized and compensated for, most expeditiously, through use of a totally defined culture medium.
A Computational Study of Induced Drag Behavior for Spanwise Cambered Wings

Results from lifting line theory, vortex lattice methods, and Euler techniques suggest that simple spanwise cambering of a planar wing, resulting in a reduced projected span but equivalent arc length and area, reduces the induced drag. Lifting line theory suggested a reduction of induced drag in positive cambered wings by almost 1% for certain configurations. Three-dimensional Euler flow solutions were obtained using the TetrUSS package from NASA Langley and suggested a drag reduction of as much as 1.6%, or 4.3 drag counts for the current configuration, with upward cambered wings. Viscous solutions were also run on the optimum Euler geometry and indicated reduced improvements of less than 1 count or 0.30%. Initial optimization with twist improved the Euler results to 2%.
Model experiment on force characteristic of soil-embedded steel oil tank under nuclear explosion

Based on the geometric similarity theory,the force characteristics of the soilembedded steel tank were analyzed.A loading experiment was carried out in the pressure simulator of nuclear explosion.The dynamic pressure,the displacement and the strains of the column steel model under different ground excessive pressures were obtained by using dynamic measuring techniques.The results show that the peak value of the dynamic pressure at the bottom of the soil-embedded column shell is the biggest,and the column shell is in a beding stress state,that the hoop strain at the bottom of the shell is tensile,but the strain at the sideprice and the top is compressive.As to the axial strain,there is a compression strain both at the top and the bottom of the shelf,but tensile strain at the sidepiece.The elastic deformation of all the strains are still within the experiment loading scope(gound excessive pressure:0.09～0.88 MPa).
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Young Circumcised Man

A 34-year-old white man is described with multifocal invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Adequate circumcision had been performed at birth.
Motives underlying smoking in college students with ADHD.

ABSTRACTBackground. The positive association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and smoking in youth has been well documented. Less research has examined why individuals with ADHD, particularly college students, are at increased risk for smoking. Objectives. This longitudinal study examined whether smoking motives [cognitive enhancement, tolerance, negative reinforcement (smoking to reduce negative affect or stress), craving, social influences, and weight control] helped to explain the relation between ADHD symptoms (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity) and cigarette smoking among college students. Methods. Participants were 889 undergraduates (21% men) and their parents who completed online surveys at the beginning and end of the Fall semester regarding their smoking behaviors, ADHD symptoms, and smoking motives. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data and answer research questions. Results. Nineteen percent of students reported smoking, while 20% reporte...
Gadamer and Scholz on Solidarity: Disclosing, Avowing, and Performing Solidaristic Ties with Human and Natural Others

ABSTRACTThis essay is concerned with Gadamer’s reflections on solidarity and practice as found in several of his later writings. While Gadamer offers a robust explanation of practice, practical reason, and how both are operative in solidarities, his investigations of solidarity are in no way systematic. He does, however, distinguish two aspects of solidarity, viz. what one might call “natural solidarity” and “avowed solidarity”. In contrast to natural solidarities, avowed solidarities require an intentional decision and commitment to act with others for a common cause. Since Gadamer’s writings on solidarity are more sketches than detailed treatises, we will bring his work into dialogue with feminist and political philosopher Sally Scholz. Scholz has devoted significant research to the concept of political solidarity. Like Gadamer, Scholz too is concerned with how we engage natural others and how our present practices harm and exploit them. By bringing Scholz’s and Gadamer’s work into dialogue, we gain a b...
The Character of Published Scholarship by Top Ranked African American Faculty in U.S. Social Work Programs

ABSTRACTPurpose: This article examines the publication productivity of the (N = 14) top-ranked U.S. Black/African American scholars in the U.S. News and World Report Schools of Social Work, as identified by Huggins-Hoyt, Holosko, Briggs, and Barner (2015). Method: Publication information for each participant were taken from the Publish or Perish software site with an “author impact” search criteria that examined their lifetime publication history. Results: Results suggested that these authors: (a) published collaboratively, (b) published highly on issues pertaining to Black/African American inequality, and (c) published in journals with both high-impact scores and high-impact readership. Findings: Despite the low numbers of Black/African American scholars serving as full professors in U.S. colleges and universities, the techniques they used to circumvent systematic and structural academic barriers provide helpful tips that younger Black/African American scholars could employ when writing and publishing th...
Media meta-commentary and the performance of expertise:

This article examines the rise of meta-commentary in US media, and considers the consequences it has for the social construction and the performance of intellectual expertise. Media meta-commentary...
Biosynthesis of Saturated Fatty Acids

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids. The de novo synthesis of saturated fatty acids, studied in a variety of biological systems, is catalyzed by two enzyme systems that function sequentially, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase. These enzyme complexes are found in the cell cytoplasm when cells are ruptured and the cellular components are fractionated by usual techniques. The mechanism of action of acetyl-CoA carboxylase demonstrated that the enzymes contain covalently bound biotin as a prosthetic group and that a carboxybiotin intermediate is formed during the reaction. The mode of binding of the carboxyl group to the biotin was demonstrated by studying a model reaction, the carboxylation of free biotin by β-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase; the product of this reaction was methylated and identified as 1'-N-carboxymethylbiotin methyl ester. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is the first committed reaction in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, and this enzyme is known to be subject to two types of control, allosteric regulation and adaptive changes in enzyme content.