cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consumptive Coagulopathy in Angiosarcoma: A Recurrent Phenomenon?

Objectives. To report the prevalence of consumptive coagulopathy in angiosarcoma patients seen at a single center. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed case records of 42 patients diagnosed with angiosarcoma at Mount Sinai Hospital between 2000 and 2013. Results. Seven patients (17%) met clinical criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in absence of concomitant clinical states known to cause coagulopathy or myelosuppression. In all patients who received systemic antineoplastic therapy with resultant disease response or stability, DIC resolved in tandem with clinical improvement. DIC recurred at time of disease progression in all cases. Two patients had bulky disease, defined as diameter of largest single or contiguous tumor mass measuring 5 cm or more. All patients demonstrated an aggressive clinical course with short duration of disease control and demise within 1 year. In contrast, evaluation over the same period of 17 epithelioid hemangioendothelioma patients serving as a clinical control group revealed no evidence of DIC. Conclusion. Angiosarcomas can be associated with a consumptive coagulopathy arising in tandem with disease activity. Vigilance for this complication will be needed in the course of often aggressive multimodality therapy. The potential utility of coagulopathy as a prognostic biomarker will need to be explored in future studies.
Retrograde and anterograde transport of HIV protein gp120 in the nervous system.

Neurodegeneration and gliosis are prominent pathological features of subjects with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dementia complex (HAD). In these patients, neurodegeneration occurs in uninfected neurons. In addition, these patients develop sensory neuropathy despite the antiretroviral therapy. The HIV protein gp120, which mimics some of the pathological alterations seen in HAD, is retrogradely transported in rodent neurons. However, it is still unclear whether gp120 can also be transported anterogradely and whether axonal transport can occur in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). To determine whether gp120 is transported retrogradely and/or anterogradely, we injected gp120IIIB together with the retrograde tracer fluoro-ruby (FR) or the anterograde tracer 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyamine perchlorate (DiI) into the rat superior colliculi. We discovered that gp120 is retrogradely transported with FR along a direct pathway from the superior colliculus to the retina and anterogradely transported with DiI to several areas of the occipital cortex. To determine whether gp120 is also axonally transported in the peripheral nerves, gp120 and FR were injected into the sciatic nerve. No gp120 immunoreactivity was found in the sciatic nerve or dorsal root ganglia, suggesting that gp120 axonal transport does not occur in the PNS. Gp120 axonal transport may play a role in neuronal injury. Therefore, we examined apoptosis at various time points after gp120 injection. Activated caspase-3 was evident within neurons transporting gp120. These results indicate that axonal transport of gp120 might exacerbate the pathogenesis of HIV-1.
Pure compound and sediment elutriate embryo larval assay of winter flounder from the Hudson/Raritan Estuary and Long Island Sound

Abstract Winter flounder ( Pseudopleuronectes americanus ), a demersal egg layer, is at risk from dioxins and metals in the sediments of the Hudson/Raritan Estuary (the Estuary). The effects of tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD), mercuric chloride and sediment elutriates on the embryos of winter flounder from four sites in the Estuary, and a reference site: Long Island Sound (LI) were examined. Embryos were exposed from 2 days after fertilization until 2 days post hatch. TCDD absorption by embryos/larvae ranged from 13 to 44%, with an average 23.4%. One experiment, with the LI population showed a LD 50 of 1.8 pg/larva (2.6 ng/g) and LD 10 of 0.9 pg/larva (1.4 ng/g). Major observed lesions included pericardial edema (PE), and spinal lesions (SL). Background lesion occurrence in controls was 0.31 lesions/individual, and 0.27 major lesions/individual. NOELs were observed for PE 0.3–0.5 pg/larva, and SL 1.4–9.0 pg/larva. PE and SL are good indicators of low and high dose effects of TCDD in winter flounder, respectively. With mercuric chloride all populations showed 50% mortality at 100 μg/l, and 50% lesions at 25–50 μg/l. Three of seven sediment elutriates collected from the Estuary were acutely toxic. Site-specific variability in sediment toxicity and breeding stock sensitivity to known contaminants was observed. Future studies should incorporate metamorphosis from larva to juvenile. (USEPA:CR825437, NIEHS:ES07148).
The Language Learning Motivation of Early Adolescent French Immersion Graduates

Abstract: This interpretive multiple case study examines the motivation to learn a second language among sixth grade students who attended a French immersion school for grades K–5. Parent surveys, student surveys based on Gardner's Attitude/Motivation Test Battery, and individual and group interviews with students were the data sources used to identify students' second language (L2) learning motivating factors. Survey data indicated that the students shared home background characteristics and had high motivation and similar motivational orientations. Cross-case theme analyses of interviews suggested that, although students appeared to be motivated by both instrumental and integrative factors, relationships with teachers and peers were also influential. Consideration of individual cases indicated that other theories in motivation and second language acquisition could shed more light on L2 learning motivation.
Effect of Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate and/or Potassium Sorbate on Staphylococcus aureus FRI‐100 Growth and Toxin Production

The effect of food-grade sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) alone or in combination with potassium sorbate (PS) on growth and toxin production by an enterotoxin A producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. Growth of cultures was monitored by absorbancy readings (640 nm) at 5-hr intervals. Toxin production was determined by an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). SAPP (0.04%) in combination with PS (0.26%) was the most favorable treatment for inhibition of S. aureus growth. Concentration of toxin correlated with amount of growth in all treatments studied.
Inclusion Behavior of β-Cyclodextrin with Bipyridine Molecules: Factors Governing Host-Guest Inclusion Geometries

The 1:1 complexation of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) with structurally similar bipyridine guests which lead to the formation of six inclusion complexes (1-6) of beta-CD with 4,4'-vinylenedipyridine, 2,2'-vinylenedipyridine, 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethylene, 4,4'-ethylene-dipyridine, 4,4'-dithiodipyridine, and 2,2'-dithiodipyridine has been investigated comprehensively by X-ray crystallography in the solid state and by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and microcalorimetric titration in aqueous solution. The complex formation constants (K(S)) for the stoichiometric 1:1 host-guest inclusion complexation of beta-CD with the bipyridine derivatives were determined in aqueous solution by microcalorimetry and the host-guest inclusion geometries of the complexes were deduced from (1)H ROESY NMR spectroscopy. It transpires that the guest bipyridine molecules are included in the beta-CD cavity with a range of different inclusion geometries. In the solid state, the crystal superstructures for the beta-CD complexes 1, 4, and 5 are characterized by the triclinic crystal system (space group P1) commensurate with AAAA type supramolecular aggregation. By contrast, the beta-CD complexes 2, 3, and 6 display either monoclinic (space group P2(1)) or orthorhombic (space group C222(1)) crystal systems, characteristic of ABAB type supramolecular aggregation. The results demonstrate that the relative locations of the nitrogen atom positions and the bridge-bond links between the two pyridine rings in these bipyridine guests, not only lead to distinct crystal systems and space groups, but also to different binding geometries and thermodynamical parameters on complexation of the bipyridines with beta-CD. The knowledge obtained from this research improves our understanding of the molecular recognition and self-assembly processes exhibited by beta-CD, both in the solid state and in aqueous solution.
FCT4U -- When Private Mobile Displays Meet Public Situated Displays to Enhance the User Experience

The last years created a solid opportunity to realize an important vision of ubiquitous computing, which is the seamless and pervasive integration of mobile and fixed infrastructures to support everyday tasks. Nowadays, mobile devices are essential tools for developed countries' daily living, while situated large displays are being widely deployed in public areas, shops, and private institutions. This paper describes the issues surrounding the interaction approaches and the technologies we are using to study how to enhance the user experience when mobile displays meet the larger situated displays. We describe FCT4U, a public situated display based system that is used to present additional relevant information to users at a Faculty campus. The system proactively displays information tailored to the users that are recognized in its area of action. A mobile application was developed for active and direct user interaction with the display. A platform for personalization is also introduced. The paper presents a user study conducted to assess and validate the project's purpose and its different interaction modes in order to enhance the user experience.
Continuous Strategy Games as Location Games

Abstract Every symmetric, constant-sum, two-person game with strategy set [0, 1] and payoff functions that are continuous off the diagonal is a location game. Location game versions can therefore be used to analyze games not usually thought of in geometric terms. By way of illustration, a location game version is used to provide geometric insights into a Cournot duopoly game. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: C72.
Inactivation of L-lysine decarboxylase by L-lysine bromomethyl ketone.

Summary The synthesis of L-lysine bromomethyl ketone (1,5-diaminopentyl bromomethyl ketone, LBK) is described. LBK irreversibly inactivates bacterial L-lysine decarboxylase. Inactivation by 1.0 mM LBK is rapid and exceeds 90% within 30 min. Inactivation increases from pH 5.2 to 7.9 despite decreasing stability of LBK. L-Lysine, but not D-lysine or L-arginine, protects lysine decarboxylase from inactivation. This suggests LBK may act at the substrate-binding site. Analogy with other haloketone inactivators suggests that LBK may function as a covalent affinity label for lysine decarboxylase.
New Limits on Fundamental Weak-Interaction Parameters from Superallowed β Decay

A new survey of all world data on superallowed $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decays provides demanding tests of, and tight constraints on, the weak interaction. In confirmation of the conserved vector current hypothesis, the vector coupling constant ${G}_{V}$ is demonstrated to be constant to better than three parts in ${10}^{4}$, and any induced scalar current is limited to ${f}_{S}\ensuremath{\le}0.0013$ in electron rest-mass units. Any possible fundamental scalar current is similarly limited to $|{C}_{S}/{C}_{V}|\ensuremath{\le}0.0013$. The superallowed data also determine the up-down element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix to be ${V}_{ud}=0.9738(4)$. With Particle Data Group values for ${V}_{us}$ and ${V}_{ub}$, the top-row test of CKM unitarity yields $|{V}_{ud}{|}^{2}+|{V}_{us}{|}^{2}+|{V}_{ub}{|}^{2}=0.9966(14)$; if ${V}_{us}$ comes instead from two recent results on ${K}_{e3}$ decay, this sum becomes 0.9996(11). Either unitarity result can be used to constrain the possible existence of right-hand currents.
Binding of dyes to polycations. I. Biebrich scarlet and histone interaction parameters.

Abstract Spectroscopic studies indicate that the anionic dye Biebrich scarlet binds and stacks to polycations in an analogous way to cationic dyes on polyanions. Both exciton and dispersion interactions are needed to account for the spectral shifts and intensity changes. The low stacking coefficients are suggestive but not strong evidence for helical structure in the polycations examined. Calculations based on exciton theory using the observed spectral shifts, show that the dyes lie on the outside of the polymers, probably in a radial orientation.
In vivo functional chronic imaging of a small animal model using optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy.

Optical-resolution photoacousticmicroscopy (OR-PAM) has been validated as a valuable tool for label-free volumetric microvascular imaging. More importantly, the advantages of noninvasiveness and measurement consistency suggest the use of OR-PAM for chronic imaging of intact microcirculation. Here, such chronic imaging is demonstrated for the first time by monitoring the healing process of laser-induced microvascular lesions in a small animal model in vivo. The central part of a 1 mm by 1 mm region in a nude mouse ear was treated under a continuous-wave laser to create a microvascular lesion for chronic study. The region of interest was imaged before the laser treatment, immediately after the treatment, and throughout the healing process using both the authors’ OR-PAM system and a commercial transmission-mode optical microscope. Three-dimensional microvascular morphology and blood oxygenation information were imaged simultaneously at capillary-level resolution. Transmission-mode optical microscopic images were acquired for comparison. OR-PAM has potential important applications in microcirculatory physiology or pathophysiology, tumor angiogenesis, laser microsurgery, and neuroscience.
Effects of an adhesion promoter on the debond resistance of a metal-polymethylmethacrylate interface.

Debonding and premature failure of prosthetic–polymethylmethacrylate interfaces have been shown to be exacerbated by exposure to physiological environment. In efforts to counteract these hydrolytic degradation effects, two clinically relevant Co-Cr-Mo surface morphologies were treated with an organosilane adhesion promoter (γ-methacyloxypropyltrimethoxy) before interface bonding. Samples were quantitatively characterized in terms of the adhesion (fracture) and subcritical debond growth-rate (fatigue) behavior of the interface. The steady-state interface debond resistance, Gss (J/m2), was shown to increase with application of the silane pretreatment both in air (20°C, 45% relative humidity) and simulated physiological environment (37°C, Ringer's). Similarly, positive shifts in the subcritical debond threshold, ΔGTH, values are observed for silane pretreated interfaces. A shift in the debond path from primarily adhesive failure in untreated surfaces to cohesive failure between the silane layer and bulk polymethylmethacrylate for silane treated surfaces was observed. Silane pretreatment of Co-Cr-Mo surfaces was shown to effectively limit the degree of the environmental degradation. General insights to the effects of surface roughness, chemical enhancement, and the environmental effects on the thermodynamics at the interface and resulting debond behavior are discussed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 54: 419–427, 2001
Reactions of dysprosium with adenine nucleotides.

Dysprosium catalyzes a rapid hydrolysis of both ATP and ADP, at ambient temperatures, pH 7.0, where no hydroxide precipitates. The reactive complexes, at pH 6.7, were found to contain 2Dy:1ATP and 3Dy:2ADP. AMP forms an insoluble complex containing 1Dy:2AMP, which does not hydrolyze. ATP also forms a soluble 1Dy:1ATP complex, which does not react. Dysprosium only catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP above pH 5.8, where it has been titrated to the hydroxide. At the optimum pH (pH 7) the stoichiometric composition is Dy2.ATP.(OH)2, indicating that the active complex is neutral, whereas at pH 5.8 the stoichiometric composition is Dy2.ATP.(OH)+, indicating an inactive cationic complex. The mechanism proposed for the hydrolysis is consistent with those proposed for other in vitro systems known to catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP.
Hospital Cost Efficiency and System Membership

Using a recently developed taxonomy of hospital organizations, this paper estimates a stochastic frontier cost function to test for inefficiency differences among system hospitals having common strategic and/or structural characteristics. System hospitals that centralized around physician arrangements and insurance products display the smallest deviations from the least cost locus. This suggests efficiency benefits from organization of physician and insurance activities at the system level, with discretion over the array of service offerings left to individual members. Policymakers should be mindful of potential efficiency gains from hospital consolidations and be aware that common ownership alone may be too general a rubric for evaluating those gains usefully.
Intelligently deciphering unintelligible designs: algorithmic algebraic model checking in systems biology

Systems biology, as a subject, has captured the imagination of both biologists and systems scientists alike. But what is it? This review provides one researcher's somewhat idiosyncratic view of the subject, but also aims to persuade young scientists to examine the possible evolution of this subject in a rich historical context. In particular, one may wish to read this review to envision a subject built out of a consilience of many interesting concepts from systems sciences, logic and model theory, and algebra, culminating in novel tools, techniques and theories that can reveal deep principles in biology—seen beyond mere observations. A particular focus in this review is on approaches embedded in an embryonic program, dubbed ‘algorithmic algebraic model checking’, and its powers and limitations.
Muting the noise cone in near-surface reflection data; an example from southeastern Kansas

A 300-m near-surface seismic reflection profile was collected in southeastern Kansas to locate a fault(s) associated with a recognized stratigraphic offset on either side of a region of unexposed bedrock. A substantial increase in the S/N ratio of the final stacked section was achieved by muting all data arriving in time after the airwave. Methods of applying traditional seismic data processing techniques to near-surface data (200 ms of data or less) often differ notably from hydrocarbon exploration-scale processing (3-4 s of data or more). The example of noise cone muting used is contrary to normal exploration-scale seismic data processing philosophy, which is to include all data containing signal. The noise cone mute applied to the data removed more than one-third of the total data volume, some of which contains signal. In this case, however, the severe muting resulted in a higher S/N ratio in the final stacked section, even though some signal could be identified within the muted data. This example supports the suggestion that nontraditional techniques sometimes need to be considered when processing near-surface seismic data.
Enhanced protection against malaria by a chimeric merozoite surface protein vaccine.

The 42-kDa processed fragment of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-142) is a prime candidate for a blood-stage malaria vaccine. Merozoite surface protein 8 contains two C-terminal epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains that may function similarly to those of MSP-142. Immunization with either MSP-1 or MSP-8 induces protection that is mediated primarily by antibodies against conformation-dependent epitopes. In a series of comparative immunogenicity and efficacy studies using the Plasmodium yoelii rodent model, we tested the ability of recombinant P. yoelii MSP-8 (rPyMSP-8) to complement rPyMSP-1-based vaccines. Unlike MSP-1, PyMSP-8-dependent protection required immunization with the full-length protein and was not induced with recombinant antigens that contained only the C-terminal EGF-like domains. Unlike PyMSP-8, the immunogenicity of the PyMSP-1 EGF-like domains was low when present as part of the rPyMSP-142 antigen. Immunization with a mixture of rPyMSP-142 and rPyMSP-8 further inhibited the antibody response to protective epitopes of rPyMSP-142 and did not improve vaccine efficacy. To improve PyMSP-1 immunogenicity, we produced a chimeric antigen containing the EGF-like domains of PyMSP-1 fused to the N terminus of PyMSP-8. Immunization with the chimeric rPyMSP-1/8 antigen induced high and comparable antibody responses against the EGF-like domains of both PyMSP-1 and PyMSP-8. This enhanced MSP-1-specific antibody response and the concurrent targeting of MSP-1 and MSP-8 resulted in improved, nearly complete protection against lethal P. yoelii 17XL malaria. Unexpectedly, immunization with rPyMSP-1/8 failed to protect against challenge infection with reticulocyte-restricted P. yoelii 17X parasites. Overall, these data establish an effective strategy to improve the efficacy of P. falciparum MSP-based vaccines.
[O I] 63 Micron Emission from High- and Low-Luminosity Active Galactic Nucleus Galaxies

The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was used to search for a tracer of the warm and dense neutral interstellar medium, the [O I] 63.18 ?m line, in four ultraluminous IRAS sources lying at redshifts between 0.6 and 1.4. While these sources are quasars, their infrared continuum emission suggests a substantial interstellar medium. No [O I] flux was detected after probing down to a 3 ? sensitivity level sufficient for detecting line emission in starbursts with similar continuum emission. However, if the detection threshold is slightly relaxed, one target is detected with 2.7 ? significance. For this radio-quiet quasar, there is likely a substantial dense and warm interstellar medium; the upper limits for the three radio-loud sources do not preclude the same conclusion. Using a new, uniformly processed database of the ISO extragalactic far-infrared spectroscopy observations, we show that nearby Seyfert galaxies typically have higher [O I]-to-far-infrared ratios than do normal star-forming galaxies, so the lack of strong [O I] 63 ?m emission from these high-redshift ultraluminous sources cannot be attributed to their active cores.
Uniform parsing and inferencing for learning

In previous papers we have argued for the complete integration of natural language understanding with the rest of the cognitive system. Given a set of richly indexed memory structures, we have claimed that parsing is a general memory search process guided by predictive patterns of lexical and conceptual items which are a part of those memory structures. In this paper, we demonstrate that our architecture for language understanding is capable of implementing the memory search processes required to make complex inferences not directly associated with parsing. The uniform format of the knowledge representation and search process provide a foundation for learning research.
Does PLS have advantages for small sample size or non-normal data?

There is a pervasive belief in the MIS research community that PLS has advantages over other techniques when analyzing small sample sizes or data with non-normal distributions. Based on these beliefs, major MIS journals have published studies using PLS with sample sizes that would be deemed unacceptably small if used with other statistical techniques. We used Monte Carlo simulation more extensively than previous research to evaluate PLS, multiple regression, and LISREL in terms of accuracy and statistical power under varying conditions of sample size, normality of the data, number of indicators per construct, reliability of the indicators, and complexity of the research model. We found that PLS performed as effectively as the other techniques in detecting actual paths, and not falsely detecting non-existent paths. However, because PLS (like regression) apparently does not compensate for measurement error, PLS and regression were consistently less accurate than LISREL. When used with small sample sizes, PLS, like the other techniques, suffers from increased standard deviations, decreased statistical power,and reduced accuracy. All three techniques were remarkably robust against moderate departures from normality, and equally so. In total, we found that the similarities in results across the three techniques were much stronger than the differences.
The effect of ochre suppression on meiosis and ascospore formation in Saccharomyces.

The effect of altered tyrosyl-tRNAs on the developmental process of sporulation was examined. Mutations in eight independent loci resulting in tyrosine-inserting nonsense suppressors were tested for their effects on sporulation. Different levels of inhibition were found ranging from SUP3 -o, which caused the greatest reduction of sporulation (7–17% of wild type), to SUP11-o which caused no reduction in sporulation. Since the SUP3-o mutation exhibited the greatest effect, it was studied in detail. Although SUP3-o is a dominant nonsense suppressor, its effect on sporulation is recessive. Expression of the sporulation deficiency is dependent upon the stage of transfer from glucose growth medium (i.e., log, early stationary, etc.) to sporulation medium. SUP3 -o/SUP3-o diploid cells transferred from log or early stationary phase are capable of sporulation, whereas cells transferred after early stationary phase (i.e., after adaptation to respiration) exhibit poor sporulative ability. Sporulation events were examined under restrictive conditions to observe those events completed by SUP3-o/ SUP3-o diploids. The early events of sporulation occur in these cells. Later events are completed by progressively fewer cells. Premeiotic DNA synthesis occurred in approximately 40% of the cells, nuclear segregation occurred in 20%, and finally, only 2% formed asci. The fact that fewer late-sporulation events occur under restrictive conditions can be explained by increased efficiency of suppression.
Visualizing Multivariate Volume Data from Turbulent Combustion Simulations

To understand dynamic mechanisms, scientists need intuitive and convenient ways to validate known relationships and reveal hidden ones among multiple variables
Gold medal address: The radiation therapy oncology group—1987

Roentgen described X rays in 1 89517 and the Curies7 reported their discovery of radium in 1896. Almost immediately, the biologic effects of ionizing radiations were recognized. In January 1896, the first patient was treated by X rays for a carcinoma of the breast.8 The first patient cured by radiation therapy was reported in 1899 after which clinical radiation therapy had a long and painful growth period to the early 1920s. Many significant and important advances were made during this time, but techniques were inconsistent and often not reproducible. Technologic advances accumulated more rapidly than did basic biologic knowledge. The x-ray tube with a peak energy of 140 KV was developed by Coolidge in 19 13 and by 1922,100 KV X rays were available for deep radiation therapy. The field of clinical radiation oncology began at the International Congress of Oncology in Paris in 1922 when Coutard and Hautant presented evidence that advanced laryngeal cancer could be cured without disastrous treatment produced sequelae. By 1934, Coutard5 had developed a protracted fractionated scheme that remains the basis for current radiation therapy. The use of brachytherapy, starting with radium-226 in tubes, has increased steadily since 19 10 in the treatment of malignant tumors in many anatomic locations. With time, ionizing radiation was defined more precisely and treatment planning and delivery systems became more accurate and reproducible. X-ray generators operating at 8001,000 kilovolts were installed for medical use as early as 1932. These were followed by cyclotrons, synchrocyclotrons, betatrons, bevatrons, 6oCo teletherapy devices, linear accelerators, and nuclear reactors. Radioisotopes such as 6oCo, cesium137, iridium192, and iodine125 supplemented radium-226 brachytherapy techniques. There has been much growth in the knowledge of radiation therapy physics, radiation biology, clinical treatment planning, and the use of computers in radiation therapy. The last 2 decades have witnessed considerable advances in the treatment of cancer, with cure now being a realistic therapeutic objective. Many forms of disseminated tumors can be effectively palliated with prolongation of life. The American Cancer Society estimates that 965,000 new cases of invasive cancer will be diagnosed in 1987.’ Of that number, 7 1% of the patients will present with local and/or regional extension. About 56% of those will be cured by standard treatment techniques. A considerable proportion of patients who die will do so because of failure to control the disease process locally and regionally. This is clearly evident in patients who have malignant tumors of the head and neck, gastrointestinal tract, gynecologic system, genitourinary system, and skin, bone and soft tissue. To improve the potential for local control, multiple therapies have been investigated. These include brachytherapy with radiation and/or surgery, surgery and radiation therapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy and radiation therapy, particle radiations, and hyperthermia. Improvements in therapy can be attributed to progress in several major areas:
Actin disassembly 'clock' and membrane tension determine cell shape and turning: a mathematical model.

Motile cells regulate their shape and movements largely by remodeling the actin cytoskeleton. Principles of this regulation are becoming clear for simple-shaped steadily crawling cells, such as fish keratocytes. In particular, the shape of the leading edge and sides of the lamellipodium—cell motile appendage—is determined by graded actin distribution at the cell boundary, so that the denser actin network at the front grows, while sparser actin filaments at the sides are stalled by membrane tension. Shaping of the cell rear is less understood. Here we theoretically examine the hypothesis that the cell rear is shaped by the disassembly clock: the front-to-rear lamellipodial width is defined by the time needed for the actin-adhesion network to disassemble to the point at which the membrane tension can crush this network. We demonstrate that the theory predicts the observed cell shapes. Furthermore, turning of the cells can be explained by biases in the actin distribution. We discuss experimental implications of this hypothesis.
Shape perception reduces activity in human primary visual cortex

Visual perception involves the grouping of individual elements into coherent patterns that reduce the descriptive complexity of a visual scene. The physiological basis of this perceptual simplification remains poorly understood. We used functional MRI to measure activity in a higher object processing area, the lateral occipital complex, and in primary visual cortex in response to visual elements that were either grouped into objects or randomly arranged. We observed significant activity increases in the lateral occipital complex and concurrent reductions of activity in primary visual cortex when elements formed coherent shapes, suggesting that activity in early visual areas is reduced as a result of grouping processes performed in higher areas. These findings are consistent with predictive coding models of vision that postulate that inferences of high-level areas are subtracted from incoming sensory information in lower areas through cortical feedback.
Photoconductivity of Self-Assembled Porphyrin Nanorods

The photoconductivity of nanorods self-assembled from meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine is described. The nanorods are insulating in the dark. Upon illumination with 488 nm light, the nanorods become photoconductive, exhibiting a rapid turn on/off (<100 ms) of the current when the light is turned on/off. This photoconductivity grows over hundreds of seconds with light exposure and decays slowly when the light is off. The nanorods can be trained via an applied bias to exhibit a short-circuit photocurrent (with corresponding open-circuit photovoltage) that flows in the direction opposite that of the training bias. A qualitative model is proposed, in which conduction occurs through the tightly coupled LUMOs of close-packed porphyrin molecules.
Estimating and Using Propensity Score Analysis With Complex Samples

Propensity score analysis is one statistical technique that can be applied to observational data to mimic randomization and thus can be used to estimate causal effects in studies in which the researchers have not applied randomization. In this article the authors (a) describe propensity score methodology and (b) demonstrate its application using elementary student data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Class of 1998-99 (ECLS-K). The authors also discuss methodological considerations that need to be addressed when using data from complex samples as in this analysis. Furthermore, the authors provide a tutorial that can be used by researchers to understand the methodology behind and to emulate the steps of conducting propensity score analysis.
Extracting the Green's function from the correlation of coda waves: A derivation based on stationary phase

The Green's function of waves that propagate between two receivers can be found by cross-correlating multiply scattered waves recorded at these receivers. This technique obviates the need for a source at one of these locations, and is therefore called "passive imaging." This principle has been explained by assuming that the normal modes of the system are uncorrelated and that all carry the same amount of energy (equipartitioning). Here I present an alternative derivation of passive imaging of the ballistic wave that is not based on normal modes. The derivation is valid for scalar waves in three dimensions, and for elastic surface waves. Passive imaging of the ballistic wave is based on the destructive interference of waves radiated from scatterers away from the receiver line, and the constructive interference of waves radiated from secondary sources near the receiver line. The derivation presented here shows that the global requirement of the equipartitioning of normal modes can be relaxed to the local requirement that the scattered waves propagate on average isotropically near the receivers.
MEASUREMENT OF LOCAL HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS FOR FLOW OF HYDROGEN AND HELIUM IN A SMOOTH TUBE AT HIGH SURFACE-TO-FLUID BULK TEMPERATURE RATIOS

Local values of heat transfer coefficients have been measured experimentally for helium and hydrogen gas flowing through an electrically heated inconel tube. The experiment was conducted pri­marily to determine the effect on the heat transfer coefficient of a large density change, radially, in the heat transfer fluid. This large density change was accomplished with relatively high surface temperatures as compared to fluid bulk temperatures or more commonly referred to as high surface to fluid bulk tempera­ture ratio. The large temperature ratio was achieved by precooling the gas with liquid nitrogen. Data were measured for local values of surface to fluid bulk temperature ratios up to 4.5, Reynolds numbers in the turbulent flow region, surface temperatures up to 2300° R, heat flux up to 1,600,000 Btu/(hr)(sq ft) and length to diameter ratio of 250. A comparison of this data with the conventional heat transfer· correlation equation (Dittus-Boelter eq.) is shown on a curve of Nusselt number divided by Prandtl number versus the Reynolds number. The gas properties were evaluated at the film temperature and the Reynolds number was modified by evaluating the velocity term at the fluid bulk temperature and the density at the film temperature.
Effect of Eye Height on Estimated Slopes of Hills

Several studies have shown that slopes of hills are greatly overestimated. We have recently demonstrated that the overestimates increase logarithmically as the end point of the domain to be estimated is increased. A theoretical analysis showed that a critical parameter is the angle between the observer's line of sight and the slope of the hill, when the observer fixates the far point of the required domain. The theory predicts that increasing the observers' eye height will increase this angle, thus reducing the overestimates. Here, we test that theory by having observers stand on a box to increase their eye height. Slope estimates for various ranges again followed a logarithmic function, with lower estimates at nearer distances compared with other observers standing directly on the surface of the hill. At larger distances, slope estimates with and without increased eye height converged.
The Virginia Human Rights System: Foundation for Respect

The most basic right of all is the right to be heard because it expresses respect for the person and treats him or her with dignity.
Effects of applying multimedia design principles in PowerPoint lecture redesign

Abstract Objective To measure the effect of a multimedia design principle adherent PowerPoint presentation on test item performance, student satisfaction, student confidence in potential exam performance, and classroom dynamics. Design Two versions of an identical lecture were presented in different formats over subsequent years (2011, 2012, and 2013). One with traditional PowerPoint slides and the other redesigned to comply with multimedia design principles. Student scores on identical exam items were compared and a voluntary student survey was used to evaluate the activity. Assessment Students performed statistically better on identical exam items, were very satisfied (mean = 7.4 of 10) with the redesigned PowerPoint format, confident in their potential exam performance, and a majority (66%) wanted to see pictures and narration more often. Conclusion Students may retain information better when presented in a multimedia design adherent format. Student reaction was positive and indicates that students may prefer this method to traditional PowerPoint slides.
Multiple Mating and Sperm Usage Patterns in Natural Populations of Prolinyphia marginata (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

Ten field-captured mating pairs of Prolinyphia marginata (Koch) [ = Linyphia marginata Koch and Neriene radiata (Walckenaer)] were allowed to finish copulation in the laboratory, as indicated by the production of a sperm web by the male and a qualitative analysis of male behavior. Electrophoretic analysis of the male, female, and offspring by using the variable phosphoglucomutase (Pgm) locus indicated that, in half of the cases, females must have previously mated with another male. The detectable frequency of eggs that must have been fertilized by sperm produced by a male other than the one captured was 0.19. Further analysis of the genotype ratios of the offspring indicates that both of these frequencies are probably substantially higher. These results suggest that multiple mating of females and early male precedence are common phenomena in natural populations of P. marginata.
Stable Citrate-Coated Iron Oxide Superparamagnetic Nanoclusters at High Salinity

Superparamagnetic nanoclusters may be used in imaging in biomedicine and in mapping of petroleum reservoirs, by generating either ultrasonic or acoustic signals with oscillating magnetic motion. For a given magnetization per weight of iron oxide, nanoclusters with diameters from 20 to 100 nm experience a much larger magnetic force than that of the primary sub-10-nm primary particles. Aqueous dispersions of 0.1 wt % superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoclusters were stabilized with citric acid on the particle surface, with a high loading of 90% iron oxide. The dispersions were stable for months even with high salt concentrations up to 4 wt % at a pH of 6 and 8 based on the hydrodynamic diameter from dynamic light scattering. The citrate ligands provide electrostatic repulsion, as characterized by the ζ potential. The small size of the clusters, superparamagnetic properties, and high salt tolerance are highly beneficial in various applications including the mapping of petroleum reservoirs with magnetomotive tec...
Synergistic effects of climate change and grazing on net primary production of Mongolian grasslands

In arid and semi-arid regions, grassland degradation has become a major environmental and economic problem, but little information is available on the response of grassland productivity to both climate change and grazing intensity. By developing a grazing module in a process-based ecosystem model, the dynamic land ecosystem model (DLEM), we explore the roles of climate change, elevated CO2, and varying grazing intensities in affecting aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) across different grassland sites in Mongolia. Our results show that both growing season precipitation totals and average temperature exert important controls on annual ANPP across six sites over a precipitation gradient, explaining 65% and 45% of the interannual variations, respectively. Interannual variation in ANPP, measured as the ratio of standard deviation among years to long-term mean, increased from 9.5 to 18.9% to 23.9–32.5% along a gradient of high to low precipitation. Historical grazing resulted in a net reduction in ANPP across all sites ranging from 2% to 15.4%. Our results further show that grassland ANPP can be maintained at a grazing intensity of 1.0 and 0.5 sheep/ha at wet and dry sites, respectively, indicating that dry sites are more vulnerable to grazing compared to wet sites. In addition, precipitation use efficiency (PUE) decreased while nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) increased across a gradient of low to high precipitation. However, grazing resulted in a net reduction in both PUE and NUE by 47% and 67% across all sites. Our results indicate that seasonal precipitation totals, average temperatures and grazing are important regulators of grassland ANPP in Mongolia. These results have important implications for grassland productivity in semi-arid regions in Central Asia and beyond.
Factors influencing ventilator weaning and predictive value of weaning criteria in children

Objective To analyze the factors that influence the outcome of ventilator weaning and the predictive value of ventilator weaning criteria such as PaO2/FiO2, Vt/kg, Cst, RSBI and the changing trend of RSBI [ΔRSBI=(RSBI2-RSBI1)/ RSBI1, RSBI1 and RSBI2 are the start and end of SBT separately] in children. Method One hundred and thirty-two children who were mechanically ventilated over 24 hours were enrolled from April 2012 to October 2013 in Shenzhen Children's Hospital. SIMV+PSV and SBT ventilator mode were used in ventilator weaning according to clinical experience. Age, gender, weight, critical illness score, duration of mechanical ventilation, PICU stays and the causes to mechanical ventilation were taken into account as the effect on the result of ventilator weaning. Using area under ROC curve of the indexes such as PaO2/FiO2, Vt/kg, Cst, RSBI and the ΔRSBI to evaluate the predictability of children ventilator weaning. Result One hundred and thirty-two children were enrolled and 109 succeeded in ventilator weaning, while 23 failed. Seventy-nine children using SIMV+PSV mode and 64 succeeded in ventilator weaning among them, while 23 failed. The success rate was 81.0%. The remaining 53 children using SBT mode, 45 among them succeeded and 8 failed in ventilator weaning, which success rate was 84.9%. There was no statistically significant difference in ventilator weaning mode (χ2=0.334, P=0.563). Age, gender, weight, critical illness score between the succeeded group and the failed group did not show statistically significant difference (t=-0.661; χ2=1.271;t=-0.749, -0.020; P>0.05), but duration of mechanical ventilation, PICU stays and the causes for mechanical ventilation showed significant difference (t=3.751, 3.701; χ2=11.273, P 0.05). But the area under ROC curve of ΔRSBI in SBT was 0.814, which was significantly different compared to RSBI in SIMV+PSV(Z=2.966, P<0.05). Conclusion To children who mechanically ventilated for over 24 hours, duration of mechanical ventilation, PICU stays and the causes for mechanical ventilation are the main influencing factors. ΔRSBI is a better predictor with feasibility and safety, which is also worth generalizing. Key words: Respiration, artificial; Area under curve; Influencing factors; Forecasting
Effect of Rpe65 knockout on accumulation of lipofuscin fluorophores in the retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE. In all mammalian species examined to date the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been found to accumulate autofluorescent lysosomal storage bodies (lipofuscin) during senescence. Substantial evidence indicates that retinoids in the RPE‐retina complex play a major role in RPE lipofuscin formation. Indeed, at least one RPE lipofuscin fluorophore is derived in part from vitamin A aldehyde. However, the precise mechanisms by which retinoids modulate RPE lipofuscin accumulation have not been elucidated. In mice without a functional Rpe65 gene, isomerization of all-trans -t o 11-cis-retinol is blocked. Experiments were performed to determine whether this impairment of retinoid metabolism alters RPE lipofuscin accumulation. METHODS. RPE lipofuscin fluorophore content was compared in 12- to 13-month-old Rpe65 1/1 , Rpe65 1/2 , and Rpe65 2/2 mice. Lipofuscin fluorophore content was determined using quantitative fluorometric measurements. RPE lipofuscin content was also estimated with quantitative ultrastructural techniques. RESULTS. In the Rpe65 2/2 mice, RPE lipofuscin fluorophore accumulation was almost abolished. In addition, a significantly reduced accumulation of lipofuscin fluorophores was also observed in the Rpe65 1/2 animals. The inability of the RPE of Rpe65 2/2 mice to supply 11-cis-retinal from the RPE to the retinal photoreceptors was accompanied by a massive accumulation of lipid droplets in the RPE that appeared to contain substantial amounts of retinoids. CONCLUSIONS. These findings indicate that formation of RPE lipofuscin fluorophores is almost completely dependent on a normal visual cycle. The absence of retinal (both all-trans and 11-cis )i nRpe65 knockout mice drastically reduced formation of lipofuscin fluorophores in these animals. Even an excessive accumulation of retinyl fatty acid esters in the RPE of Rpe65 knockout mice did not contribute to lipofuscin accumulation. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2001;42:3023‐3030)
Listeriolysin O Secretion by Listeria monocytogenes in Broth Containing Salts of Organic Acids.

Antilisterial effects of salts of organic acids have been documented, but there is little information on listeriolysin O (LLO) secretion in the presence of these salts during aerobic and anaerobic incubation. LLO secretion and populations of Listeria monocytogenes were studied in broth containing potassium sorbate (0.05 to 4%), sodium lactate, citrate, acetate, or propionate (0.1 to 8%) after aerobic or anaerobic incubation for 24 h at 35 and 20°C. The order of the antilisterial effects of the salts was propionate > sorbate > acetate > lactate > citrate. Cell proliferation was suppressed during incubation under anaerobic conditions but LLO secretion was enhanced. Citrate, acetate, and lactate enhanced LLO secretion during incubation at 35°C, whereas sorbate suppressed it. Overall, effects of the acids at 20°C were similar to those observed at 35°C, but only acetate and citrate enhanced LLO secretion. The observation that salts of specific organic acids enhance LLO secretion may suggest increased virulence of L. monocytogenes . Combinations of sorbate, an LLO blocking agent, with propionate or lactate, which inhibit proliferation of L. monocytogenes , may prolong the shelf life and increase the safety of foods.