cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The value of computed tomography in the radiotherapeutic management of juxtasellar tumors

Computerized tomography has proven to be extremely useful for accurate tumor localization and precise assessment of tumor extent in the juxtasellar region. A reconstruction and display system with ACTA scanner provides three-dimensional images from the serial two-dimensional sections. With this method, one can determine the volume and actual contour of the tumor. Using the ACTA scanner, both transaxial and coronal sections of the tumor can be precisely portrayed with accurate dimensions. With the aid of CT treatment planning, we have been successfully treating such radiocurable tumors as pituitary adenomas, germinomas, craniopharyngiomas and optic gliomas.
Kin recognition in social bees

Abstract Kin recognition in social insects has become a central issue in sociobiology because studies of the recognition abilities of social insects provide a test of kin selection theory. W.D. Hamilton 1 formalized kin selection theory by showing how individuals can gain fitness by increasing the reproductive output of relatives (kin). The social interactions of individuals, or groups, should be influenced by the genetic structure of the population. The ability to recognize kin can increase the adaptive value of social behavior by modulating it according to genetic relationship. From this, the specific prediction emerges: if individuals can distinguish among others with which they interact on the basis of the degree to which they are related, then behavior should be biased preferentially toward more closely related reproductive individuals.
SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION OF BITUMEN FREE SOLIDS SEPARATED FROM ATHABASCA OIL SAND FEED AND HOT WATER PROCESS TAILINGS POND SLUDGE

ABSTRACT The presence of strongly bound organic matter (SOM), in association with certain solids fractions, causes serious problems in the processability of Athabasca oil sands as well as in the settling and compaction of Hot Water Process tailings pond sludge. It has been demonstrated that a substantial amount of this SOM can be separated from oil sands feed and sludge solids, after removal of bitumen by toluene, using a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method. The extracted material is soluble in common organic solvents which allows a direct comparison, between the SOM separated from oil sands and sludges, from the point of view of both gross analysis of the major compound types and detailed analysis of chemical structures.
Improving the Design of Acoustic and Midwater Trawl Surveys through Stratification, with an Application to Lake Michigan Prey Fishes

Abstract Reliable estimates of fish biomass are vital to the management of aquatic ecosystems and their associated fisheries. Acoustic and midwater trawl surveys are an efficient sampling method for estimating fish biomass in large bodies of water. To improve the precision of biomass estimates from combined acoustic and midwater trawl surveys, sampling effort should be optimally allocated within each stage of the survey design. Based on information collected during fish surveys, we developed an approach to improve the design of combined acoustic and midwater trawl surveys through stratification. Geographic strata for acoustic surveying and depth strata for midwater trawling were defined using neighbor-restricted cluster analysis, and the optimal allocation of sampling effort for each was then determined. As an example, we applied this survey stratification approach to data from lakewide acoustic and midwater trawl surveys of Lake Michigan prey fishes. Precision of biomass estimates from surveys with and w...
Persistence vectors for polypropylene, polystyrene, and poly(methyl methacrylate) chains

Persistence vectors a ≡ 〈r〉 are calculated for polypropylene, polystyrene, and poly(methyl methacrylate) chains as functions of chain length and stereochemical constitution. Differences between the progressions of a with chain length for these vinyl polymers are related to their conformational characteristics. The preferences of the syndiotactic chains for the tt dyad conformation are manifested most strikingly in the behavior of this vector.
Using node merging to enhance graph coloring

A Chaitin-style register allocator often blocks during its simplification phase because no node in the interference graph has a degree that is sufficiently small. Typically, this is handled by node-splitting, or by optimistically continuing---and hoping that a legal N-coloring will still be found. We observe that the merging of two nodes in a graph causes a reduction in the degree of any node that had been adjacent to both. We have enhanced Chaitin's coloring algorithm so that it attempts node-merging during graph simplification; this often allows simplification to continue, while still guaranteeing a coloring for the graph. We have tested this algorithm using Appel's database of register-coloring graphs, and have compared it with Chaitin's algorithm. The merge-enhanced algorithm yields a better coloring about 8% of the time, and a worse coloring less than 0.1% of the time.
In vitro and in vivo effects of geranylgeranyltransferase I inhibitor P61A6 on non-small cell lung cancer cells

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Therapies against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are particularly needed, as this type of cancer is relatively insensitive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We recently identified GGTI compounds that are designed to block geranylgeranylation and membrane association of signaling proteins including the Rho family G-proteins. One of the GGTIs is P61A6 which inhibits proliferation of human cancer cells, causes cell cycle effects with G1 accumulation and exhibits tumor-suppressing effects with human pancreatic cancer xenografts. In this paper, we investigated effects of P61A6 on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro and in vivo. Three non-small cell lung cancer cell lines were used to test the ability of P61A6 to inhibit cell proliferation. Further characterization involved analyses of geranylgeranylation, membrane association and activation of RhoA, and anchorage-dependent and –independent growth, as well as cell cycle effects and examination of cell cycle regulators. We also generated stable cells expressing RhoA-F, which bypasses the geranylgeranylation requirement of wild type RhoA, and examined whether the proliferation inhibition by P61A6 is suppressed in these cells. Tumor xenografts of NSCLC cells growing in nude mice were also used to test P61A6’s tumor-suppressing ability. P61A6 was shown to inhibit proliferation of NSCLC lines H358, H23 and H1507. Detailed analysis of P61A6 effects on H358 cells showed that P61A6 inhibited geranylgeranylation, membrane association of RhoA and caused G1 accumulation associated with decreased cyclin D1/2. The effects of P61A6 to inhibit proliferation could mainly be ascribed to RhoA, as expression of the RhoA-F geranylgeranylation bypass mutant rendered the cells resistant to inhibition by P61A6. We also found that P61A6 treatment of H358 tumor xenografts growing in nude mice reduced their growth as well as the membrane association of RhoA in the tumors. Thus, P61A6 inhibits proliferation of NSCLC cells and causes G1 accumulation associated with decreased cyclin D1/2. The result with the RhoA-F mutant suggests that the effect of P61A6 to inhibit proliferation is mainly through the inhibition of RhoA. P61A6 also shows efficacy to inhibit growth of xenograft tumor.
Genetic Variation of Some Chemical Components of Coturnix Quail Egg Yolk

Abstract THERE have been several reports in the literature concerned with the genetic variation occurring in the chemical constitution of whole chicken eggs. Arroyave et al. (1957) observed significant breed differences in the total nitrogen and ash contents of whole eggs. Similarly, Edwards et al. (1960) reported both breed and strain differences for fat, cholesterol and iodine number. Although Harris and Wilcox (1963) have studied the genetic variation of cholesterol level of egg yolk, information regarding the inheritance of the other chemical constituents of egg yolk is lacking. To our knowledge, there have been no reports of this nature involving quail egg yolk. These considerations prompted the current study which assesses the genetic variation of protein, fat and cholesterol levels and of iodine number of quail egg yolk. Quail were selected for this study because of the advantages listed by Wilson et al. (1961). MATERIALS AND METHODS The germ plasm used…
Influence of a stabilized cap layer on the photodegradation of coextruded high density polyethylene/wood‐flour composites

The effect of light stabilizer’s addition method into wood-plastic composites (WPCs), i.e., surface versus bulk, on their photostability was evaluated. Blends of ultraviolet absorbers (benzotriazole or hydroxyphenyltriazine) with a hindered amine light stabilizer were used as the stabilizing additives. Both unstabilized and photostabilized uncapped (control) samples, as well as coextruded WPCs counterparts, were exposed to up to 3000 h of accelerated artificial weathering. The light transmittance, surface morphology, and color of the samples before and after weathering were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, and Chroma Meter. The experimental results indicated that the method of adding the light stabilizer had a significant effect on the WPC photostability. While bulk addition reduced the degree of fading in uncapped composite, it did not suppress it completely. On the other hand, coextruded WPCs with photostabilized cap layers showed no visible signs of fading, thus clearly indicating that the stabilized cap layers blocked most of the UV radiation, and thereby prevent of UV light to reach the surface of the inner layer of coextruded composites. Costanalysis considerations indicated that 50 times more light stabilizer was needed when it was incorporated into the bulk of the composites rather than in the cap layer of coextruded samples. Clearly, these results suggest that adding light stabilizers at the surface of WPCs not only protects them against UV degradation, but also is a most efficient and cost-effective method of photostabilization than bulk addition.
Ascorbic Acid, Acidity, and Sugar in Meyer Lemons

SUMMARY Mean total ascorbic acid, with standard deviation, in 82 samples of Meyer lemon grown in California was 34.7 ± 15.6 mg per 100 ml juice and 54.9 ± 20.3 mg per 100 g peel. The difference in ascorbic acid content between juice and pulp was not significant. The concentration of ascorbic acid in the juice decreased with maturity of the fruit. Ascorbic acid content of the juice, although somewhat lower than in oranges and commercial lemons, compares well with that of other citrus fruit, such as grapefruit, limes, and tangerines. Reducing sugars, as glucose, in the juice averaged 4.6 g per 100 ml; free acidity as citric acid, 3.5 g; pH, 2.65; sucrose, 0. The concentration of reducing sugars increased and that of free acidity decreased as the fruit matured.
Optimizing Boat Resources at the U.S. Coast Guard: Deterministic and Stochastic Models

The United States Coast Guard USCG, a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is the nation's leading agency in maritime security, safety, and stewardship. One of the primary USCG resources is a fleet of boats maritime vessels less than 65 feet in length of various types that must be allocated to USCG stations nationwide. This paper describes the academic-industry collaboration between the authors and the USCG, which resulted in the development of an integer linear programming model that optimally matches supplies of various types of boats to station demands. The paper also introduces a model for the optimal sharing of scarce boat resources. In addition, we generalize our model, using value-at-risk and robust optimization ideas, to manage the risk of boat shortages. The paper reports on the USCG implementation process and discusses internal resistance issues and eventual adoption. We describe USCG modifications to the model recommendations due to practicalities not captured by our model. Finally, we present the significant improvements to USCG quantitative performance metrics that resulted from our model's recommendations. These include a considerable reduction of excess capacity and boat shortages at the stations, a decrease in the overall fleet size with a simultaneous increase in boat utilization, and overall reduction of the fleet operating cost. We also discuss in depth how our model effected these improvements.
Subreflector shaping for antenna distortion compensation: an efficient Fourier-Jacobi expansion with GO/PO analysis

Technological demands have brought a renewed interest in the application of large reflector antennas with steadily increasing operating frequencies and antenna dimensions. The high surface accuracy of the main reflector required by these antennas can often not be achieved with available manufacturing technologies. The utilization of a shaped subreflector for main reflector-distortion compensation is considered an effective measure to enhance the overall radiation performance of an antenna system. In the process of evaluating the suitability of the subreflector shaping, however, it is crucial to accurately assess the most suitable subreflector shape within a reasonable amount of computational time. This is especially true for electrically large reflectors, where simple analysis of the radiation characteristics already creates a serious computational burden, moreover, since reflector shaping is a synthesis process that necessitates repeated computation of the radiation characteristics. In this paper, the development of an efficient computational tool for subreflector shaping is presented. The subreflector shaping is performed through a combination of geometrical optics (GO) and physical optics (PO) on the subreflector and the main reflector, respectively. To significantly limit the number of parameters subject to optimization, the subreflector surface is parameterized by the coefficients of a global, orthogonal Fourier-Jacobi set (related to Zernike polynomials), which allows us to accurately represent a surface with only a small number of coefficients. The incorporation of this surface expansion into a GO/PO synthesis technique is detailed, representative results are given for a computationally challenging reflector configuration, and the tolerances for the shaped subreflector surface are studied.
Exercise testing in patients with life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias: Results and correlation with clinical and arrhythmia factors

Abstract The results of exercise treadmill stress testing were analyzed in 64 consecutive patients presenting with either ventricular fibrillation (42%) or hemodynamically significant ventricular tachycardia (58%). Underlying diseases included coronary artery disease (55%), dilated cardiomyopathy (16%), and miscellaneous disorders (29%). Patients were additionally studied with ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring and programmed stimulation. During exercise testing, 22 patients (34%) had nonsustained and five (8%) had sustained ventricular tachycardia. No patient experienced ventricular fibrillation or a major complication during exercise testing. Patients with a history of ventricular fibrillation were significantly less likely to have exercise-induced ventricular tachycardia than those with a history of ventricular tachycardia. Other clinical factors were not associated with the results of exercise testing. The results of programmed stimulation did not correlate with the results of exercise testing. Ventricular tachycardia was commonly documented during ambulatory monitoring (72%), but this was not predictive of ventricular tachycardia during exercise. However, patients who did not have ventricular tachycardia during ambulatory monitoring were predictably unlikely to have it during exercise testing ( p
CVD 908, CVD 908-htrA, and CVD 909 Live Oral Typhoid Vaccines: A Logical Progression

Typhoid fever remains an important public health problem in many parts of the world. Despite the availability of oral Ty21a (Vivotif; Berna Biotech) and parenteral Vi polysaccharide vaccine (Typhim Vi; Aventis Pasteur), improved typhoid fever vaccines have been sought. These include a series of vaccine candidates developed at the Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland, based on attenuation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi by deletions in the aroC, aroD, and htrA genes. These vaccine candidates, designated "CVD 908," "CVD 908-htrA," and "CVD 909," have been developed and tested in volunteers with variable success. This review summarizes the clinical data that directed the logical progression of this vaccine development strategy.
Quasicontinuum study of incipient plasticity under nanoscale contact in nanocrystalline aluminum

Abstract Atomistic simulations using the quasicontinuum method are performed to examine the mechanical behavior and underlying mechanisms of surface plasticity in nanocrystalline aluminum with a grain diameter of 7 nm deformed under wedge-like cylindrical contact. Two embedded-atom method potentials for Al, which mostly differ in their prediction of the generalized stacking and planar fault energies, and grain boundary (GB) energies, are used and characterized. The simulations are conducted on a randomly oriented microstructure with 〈1 1 0〉-tilt GBs. The contact pressure–displacement curves are found to display significant flow serration. We show that this effect is associated with highly localized shear deformation resulting from one of three possible mechanisms: (1) the emission of partial dislocations and twins emanating from the contact interface and GBs, along with their propagation and intersection through intragranular slip, (2) GB sliding and grain rotation and (3) stress-driven GB migration coupled to shear deformation. Marked differences in mechanical behavior are observed, however, as a function of the interatomic potential. We find that the propensity to localize the plastic deformation at GBs via interface sliding and coupled GB migration is greater in the Al material presenting the lowest predicted stacking fault energy and GB energy. This finding is qualitatively interpreted on the basis of impurity effects on plastic flow and GB-mediated deformation processes in Al.
Developmental study of cytochrome oxidase activity in the brain stem respiratory nuclei of postnatal rats.

We utilized cytochrome oxidase (CO) as a marker of neuronal functional activity to examine metabolic changes in brain stem respiratory nuclei of rats from newborn to 21 day of age. The pre-Botzinge...
Battery Exhaustion Attack Detection with Small Handheld Mobile Computers

This paper describes a unique battery-sensing intrusion protection system (B-SIPS) for mobile computers, which alerts on power changes detected on small wireless devices, using an innovative Dynamic Threshold Calculation algorithm. B-SIPS enabled hosts are employed as sensors in a wireless network and form the basis of the intrusion detection system (IDS). B-SIPS implementation correlates device power consumption with IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi and 802.15.1 Bluetooth communication activity. This battery exhaustion, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth attack detection capability is scalable and complementary with existing commercial and open system network IDSs. Irregular and attack activity is detected and reported to an intrusion detection engine for correlation with existing trace signatures in a database and for forensic investigation by a security manager.
TNFR1-deficient mice display altered blood pressure and renal responses to ANG II infusion

The hypothesis that TNF receptor 1-deficient (TNFR1(-/-)) mice display blood pressure (BP) and renal functional responses that differ from wild-type (WT) mice was tested in an angiotensin II (ANG II)-dependent model of hypertension. Basal systolic BP (SBP), mean arterial pressure, diastolic BP, heart rate (HR), and pulse pressure were similar in WT and TNFR1(-/-) mice. Infusion of ANG II for 7 days elevated SBP to a greater extent in TNFR1(-/-) compared with WT mice; pulse pressure was also elevated in TNFR1(-/-). HR decreased in TNFR1(-/-) mice infused with ANG II, an effect prominent on day 1. Basal urinary albumin excretion was similar in WT and TNFR1(-/-) mice but was higher in TNFR1(-/-) in response to ANG II infusion. Water intake and urine volume were increased by ANG II infusion; this increase was higher in TNFR1(-/-) vs. WT mice, whereas body weight and food intake were unaffected. Baseline creatinine clearance (Ccr), urinary sodium excretion, and fractional excretion of sodium (FE(Na)%) were similar in vehicle-treated WT and TNFR1(-/-) mice. ANG II infusion for 7 days increased Ccr and filtered load of sodium in TNFR1(-/-) but not WT mice, whereas it elicited an increase in FE(Na)% and urinary sodium excretion in WT but not TNFR1(-/-) mice. ANG II also inhibited renal TNFR1 mRNA accumulation while increasing that of TNFR2. These findings indicate deletion of TNFR1 is associated with an exacerbated SBP response, decrease in HR, and altered renal function in ANG II-dependent hypertension.
Passive smoke exposure and abnormal cervical cytology in a predominantly Hispanic population

Objective We sought to evaluate the association between passive cigarette smoke exposure and cervical cytological abnormalities in a predominantly Hispanic sample. Study Design Data were collected as part of a larger, ongoing randomized clinical trial. Inclusion criteria were met by 4403 Hispanic (73%) and non-Hispanic (27%) women between 18-55 years of age (mean = 30.14 ± 8.7). Analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression determined the association between passive smoke exposure and Pap abnormality. Results Passive smoke exposure was positively associated with having an abnormal Pap smear (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.52) as was current active smoking (odds ratio 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.04). Neither effect was modified by ethnicity. Increasing hours per week of passive smoke exposure was associated with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion ( P Conclusion Passive smoke exposure is an important independent risk factor for cytological abnormalities in Hispanic and non-Hispanic women. This study adds to the growing body of evidence of the dangers of passive smoke exposure.
Hydrophobic Interactions in Proteins

Proteins fold spontaneously into complicated three-dimensional structures that are essential for biological activity. Much of the driving energy for this folding process comes from the hydrophobic effect, i.e. the removal of nonpolar amino acids from solvent and their burial in the core of the protein. Keywords: folding; non-polar; water; amino acid
Comparative Efficacy of Intracoronary Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cardiosphere-Derived Cells in Swine with Hibernating Myocardium

Rationale:Allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) have each entered clinical trials, but a direct comparison of these cell types has not been performed in a large animal model of hibernating myocardium. Objective:Using completely blinded methodology, we compared the efficacy of global intracoronary allogeneic MSCs (icMSCs, ≈35×106) and CDCs (icCDCs, ≈35×106) versus vehicle in cyclosporine-immunosuppressed swine with a chronic left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis (n=26). Methods and Results:Studies began 3 months after instrumentation when wall thickening was reduced (left anterior descending coronary artery % wall thickening [mean±SD], 38±11% versus 83±26% in remote; P<0.01) and similar among groups. Four weeks after treatment, left anterior descending coronary artery % wall thickening increased similarly after icCDCs and icMSCs, whereas it remained depressed in vehicle-treated controls (icMSCs, 51±13%; icCDCs, 51±17%; vehicle, 34±3%,...
In vivo visualizing of organs and tissues with liposomes

AbstractThe application of liposomes as carriers for imaging agents is considered. Liposomes loaded with the appropriate contrast agents have been shown to be suitable for gamma-, magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound imaging. The methods are briefly described to prepare liposomes loaded with different contrast agents, as well as some data on their biodistribution. The application of contrast-loaded liposomes for liver/spleen, tumor, lymph nodes, infection and inflammation sites, myocardial infarction, and blood pool imaging is briefly reviewed together with some data available on the use of liposome for the ophtalmological imaging. New trends in the use of contrast-loaded liposomes are also considered, such as the application of long-circulating polymer-modified liposomes for imaging purposes and development of new lipid-coated liposome-like contrast agents.
MOLECULAR DETECTION OF INFECTION IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: A CLINICAL CORRELATION

Total knee arthroplasty patients displaying symptoms consistent with either implant biomechanical failure or periprosthetic infection, and requiring revision surgery, had synovial fluid aspirated from the affected joint and subjected to standard microbiological culture testing for bacterial infection. In this study, an aliquot of each synovial fluid specimen was analyzed for infection using the rapid, sensitive molecular assay of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), designed to selectively amplify bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid. Decisions concerning surgical procedures performed during revision surgery were based entirely on clinical criteria, including standard preoperative evaluation for infection, independent of PCR results. In total, on the basis of pre- and/or intraoperative clinical data in conjunction with postoperative information, septic failure was determined in 31 of 50 patients, all of whom tested positive using the PCR assay. This correlative study validates the application of the PCR assay for clinical evaluation of arthroplasty infections.
A Morphogenesis Checkpoint Monitors the Actin Cytoskeleton in Yeast

A morphogenesis checkpoint in budding yeast delays cell cycle progression in response to perturbations of cell polarity that prevent bud formation (Lew, D.J., and S.I. Reed. 1995. J. Cell Biol. 129:739– 749). The cell cycle delay depends upon the tyrosine kinase Swe1p, which phosphorylates and inhibits the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28p (Sia, R.A.L., H.A. Herald, and D.J. Lew. 1996. Mol. Biol. Cell. 7:1657– 1666). In this report, we have investigated the nature of the defect(s) that trigger this checkpoint. A Swe1p- dependent cell cycle delay was triggered by direct perturbations of the actin cytoskeleton, even when polarity establishment functions remained intact. Furthermore, actin perturbation could trigger the checkpoint even in cells that had already formed a bud, suggesting that the checkpoint directly monitors actin organization, rather than (or in addition to) polarity establishment or bud formation. In addition, we show that the checkpoint could detect actin perturbations through most of the cell cycle. However, the ability to respond to such perturbations by delaying cell cycle progression was restricted to a narrow window of the cell cycle, delimited by the periodic accumulation of the checkpoint effector, Swe1p.
Circadian Basis for Neuroendocrine Regulation

Fundulus grandis (gulf killifish) undergoes annual and semilunar cycles of reproductive, metabolic and behavioral activities. The annual cycle is primarily a consequence of seasonal changes in water temperature acting through an endogenous cycle of seasonal changes in responsiveness to temperature (seasonally). Both ambient temperature and seasonally are thought to alter the phases of circadian neuroendocrine rhythms that are believed responsible for regulating the seasonal conditions. Daily environmental stimuli (e.g., restricted daily intervals of disturbances, water temperature changes and feeding) also influence reproductive, metabolic and behavioral conditions, apparently by resetting the phase relationships of circadian neuroendocrine rhythms.
Seismic collapse prevention system for steel-frame buildings

Abstract This paper presents an innovative “collapse prevention” system for seismic resistant design in new construction and existing buildings. The collapse prevention system consists of a collapse inhibiting mechanism, such as a pair of slack cables or loose linkages, working in tandem with the main lateral-force resisting system and engaging the gravity framing to avert collapse. In this holistic design approach, the main lateral-force resisting system and gravity framing are used to provide adequate performance under low to moderate level ground motions, and the collapse inhibiting mechanism is deployed as a back-up to provide life safety under extreme ground motions. The collapse inhibiting mechanism may be augmented with energy dissipation devices (small viscous fluid or visco-elastic solid dampers) to enhance performance under wind or small seismic events. Analytical performance of archetypical 1-story, 2-story, 4-story, and 8-story steel-frame buildings employing collapse prevention systems indicate that collapse prevention systems substantially reduce the probability of collapse during Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) ground motions, depending on the building and collapse inhibiting mechanism deployed. Seismic hazard data suggests that collapse prevention systems would provide a 1% or less risk of collapse in 50 years in many locations, mostly in the central and eastern United States.
Distributed detection with decision feedback

A distributed detection scheme using feedback is proposed and studied. On each observation, peripheral detector decisions are combined in a central processor. Feedback links from the centre to each peripheral exist. Using a simple traffic reduction protocol, the central decision is communicated to all peripheral detectors and serves to update peripheral decisions on a new observation. The sequence of hypothesis tests representing the decision process is shown to be consistent. It is argued that the average overall data rate can be appreciably reduced for this scheme. Performance results for a Rayleigh channel are presented and suggestions for further investigations made.
Angiographic Evidence of a Purely Pial Bihemispheric Intracranial Hemangiopericytoma

Background. Classification of hemangiopericytoma (HPC) has evolved to a mesenchymal, nonmeningothelial grade two or three neoplasm according to the World Health Organization; however its blood supply has always been defined by dual origin, pial and dural contribution. Case Description. We present the case of a patient with an intracranial HPC with only pial vascular supply. Angiography confirmed the lack of dural supply to this bihemispheric intracranial mass. Subsequent histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma. Angiographic evidence here is atypical of the natural history of hemangiopericytomas with dual vascular supply and was critical in the decision-making towards surgical resection without tumor embolization. Conclusion. Data presented suggests the lack of dural vascular supply alone does not rule out the diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma.
Partially constrained adaptive beamforming for super-resolution at Low SNR

The reiterative super-resolution (RISR) algorithm was previously developed to enable adaptive beamforming with as few as one time snapshot, is robust to temporally correlated signals, and accounts for array calibration errors. Here a gain-constrained version (denoted GC-RISR) is derived followed by a partially-constrained version (PC-RISR). It is shown that an interesting trait of the latter is spatial super-resolution at SNR values lower than is typical for adaptive beamforming techniques as a trade-off for requiring more iterations to converge. The PCRISR formulation is controlled by a selectable parameter that serves a role similar to that of an adaptive step-size which balances between convergence speed and accuracy.
Biliary Cystadenoma: A Suggested "Cystamatic" Approach?

A 45-year-old woman was referred to our clinic in 2014 for evaluations of a recurrent hepatic cyst incidentally discovered by computed tomography (CT) scan approximately 10 years prior to referral. Since its radiographic appearance was consistent with a simple cyst, no intervention was recommended. She developed right upper quadrant and epigastric pain in 2011, prompting a repeat CT scan that demonstrated the diameter of the cyst to have increased to *12 cm. Though it was still thought to be a simple cyst, given her new symptoms and modest growth in cyst size, she underwent a laparoscopic cyst fenestration with biopsy of the cyst wall. Although the final pathological examination revealed a hepatobiliary cystadenoma with ovariantype stroma, no action was taken beyond surveillance. Symptoms recurred after her operation; the abdominal pain intensified after she became pregnant. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) repeated in 2013 demonstrated a 14-cm hepatic cystic mass with a thin septation. Complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel were normal with the exception of a mildly elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (140 l/mL). Serum cancer antigen 19–9 was slightly elevated (70 l/mL). A repeat MRI at our hospital showed a large cyst in the center of the liver with perihilar mass effect and mild intrahepatic biliary ductal dilation. The cyst was located at the bifurcation of the right and left hepatic pedicles with more profound distortion of the left (Fig. 1). She appeared healthy without jaundice with a benign abdominal examination. Based on the pathology from her initial operation and the relentless cyst growth, an extended left hepatectomy was recommended for definitive resection. The patient elected to wait a year until her child was older prior to undergoing the operation. At surgery in 2015, intraoperative ultrasound was consistent with the previous CT scan in that the cyst had internal debris without clear solid components (Fig. 2). The liver parenchyma was carefully divided in the plane between the cyst wall and the segment 5 and 8 pedicles in efforts to enucleate the cyst and preserve these pedicles to the right lobe of the liver (Fig. 3). The gross specimen contained a 13.5-cm cyst with no mural nodularity (Fig. 4). Pathology demonstrated a mucinous cystic neoplasm with low-grade dysplasia. Her postoperative recovery was uncomplicated.
Front Matter for: Legal Writing in the Disciplines: A Guide to Legal Writing Mastery

One of the most common questions that prospective law students ask is “What is the best major to prepare me to study law?” The most common answer given by college advisors is “Any major.” The perception of law school as a “free for all” accessible to students of any major sets students up for the confusion they experience in learning the law and legal skills. When students begin their legal education, they are taken out of their undergraduate and graduate disciplines and placed into the legal discipline without context for how their disciplinary education relates to their legal education. This leads to many of the frustrations that new law students have with law school, especially in their legal writing classes.Legal Writing in the Disciplines re-conceptualizes law in its disciplinary context. The text is designed to effectively communicate legal analysis and writing skills to pre-law and new law students using the language of their undergraduate and graduate majors. Legal writing is disciplinary writing, not just another form of technical writing. Law school is a disciplinary community. Integration into any disciplinary community occurs through the processes of reading and writing.The first chapter of the text details all aspects of the processes used to create practical legal writing (case briefs, notes, outlines and MindMaps, legal memos, legal briefs, exam outlines and exam answers). The five remaining chapters are divided into five broad disciplinary categories: Science, Social Science, Arts, Humanities and Business. Each chapter contains discipline-specific instruction on creating the different types of legal writing. The chapter sections lead the reader through the resolution of a legal problem through legal writing and provide answers for self-check with discipline-specific explanations on an interactive CD-ROM. The CD-ROM allows students to load PDFs (the materials, exercises, model answers, and case files to which the text refers) onto an iPad or other tablet for flexibility and ease of use in practicing legal writing skills. Additionally, the materials, exercises, and model answers are annotated in color with discipline-specific explanations to guide students as they assimilate new legal writing skills.A teacher's manual accompanies the text and features semester and quarter course planning options, learning outcomes and performance criteria for each week, lecture notes for each week, in-class exercises and supporting materials, and assessment rubrics for all assignments and skills. The rubrics are keyed to the weekly learning outcomes and performance criteria. An interactive CD-ROM with case files for a legal memo, legal brief, and other instructional materials is included.
Scope and Regioselectivity of Iridium-Catalyzed C-H Borylation of Aromatic Main-Chain Polymers

An efficient functionalization of aromatic main-chain polymers was established using a combination of iridium-catalyzed borylation of aromatic C–H bonds and the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. Comparative studies of various iridium catalysts and borylation reagents show that [Ir(OMe)(COD)]2 is significantly more active than [IrCl(COD)]2, and bis(pinacolato)diboron induces higher efficiency than pinacolborane. The regioselectivity of the borylation was investigated using model compounds that mimic the repeating unit structure of poly(arylene ether sulfone). The C–H bonds of the sulfone model compound were more reactive than those of the bisphenol model compound, and the borylation occurred preferentially at the meta position to the sulfone moiety owing to steric hindrance and electronic effects. The glass transition temperature of the borylated polymer increases with increasing concentration of pinacolboronic ester group. The pinacolboronic ester group could be conveniently converted to boronic acid [B(O...
Iodide Concentrating Ability of Normal Human Thyroid Cells in Tissue Culture

SummaryNormal human thyroid cells were dispersed by trypsinization and incubated in tissue-culture medium 199. When 1-131 was added to the culture medium, the isolated cells were shown to retain their ability to concentrate iodide. This indicates that intact thyroid follicles and colloid are not essential for iodide-concentration and organic binding of the trapped iodine by normal human thyroid cells.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease with a variable natural history. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is frequently found in patients with IPF and is associated with an almost 3-...
Targeting cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes: management of dyslipidemia.

Purpose of reviewThe management of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes is a key component of cardiovascular risk reduction. In particular, the atherogenic dyslipidemia of diabetes often requires combination therapy to target aspects of the lipid profile beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Comparison of the binding sites of GSH S-transferases of the Ya- and Yb-subunit classes: effect of glutathione on the binding of bile acids

We have previously observed that the Ya subunit-containing glutathione (GSH) S-transferases from rat liver exhibit a common high affinity binding site for lithocholic acid, bilirubin, and sulfobromophthalein (BSP) (1984. J. Lipid Res. 25: 1177-1183). Subsequently we found that cholic acid and its amidates bound to a site on the Ya subunit separate for the lithocholic acid/bilirubin site (1986. J. Lipid Res. 27: 955-966). We now have extended this work by showing that amidates of lithocholic acid as well as chenodeoxycholic acid and its amidates competitively displace [14C]lithocholic acid from the Ya subunit. GSH did not inhibit binding of any of the ligands to the high affinity Ya site, but did inhibit binding to the cholic acid site on the Ya subunit. We have also defined the binding sites and effects of GSH on the Yb class of subunits. Lithocholic, chenodeoxycholic, and cholic acids (and amidates) shared a common site on the Yb or Y'b subunit, whereas BSP and bilirubin were bound at a different site. Both the bile acid and organic anion sites on the Yb subunit were inhibited by GSH. The inhibition by GSH in all cases (Ya cholic acid site or Yb bile acid or bilirubin sites) was saturable, of the competitive type, and incomplete at maximal GSH concentrations, suggesting that when GSH binds to its distinct substrate site, it induces a conformational change in the proteins affecting the other binding sites.
Prevalence and Risk of Penile Human Papillomavirus Infection: Evidence From The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014.

Background The epidemiology of penile human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is not well understood. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of penile HPV infection in the United States. Methods We analyzed a nationally representative sample of civilian noninstitutionalized US men from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014. Penile swab samples were collected from men aged 18-59 years. For detection of HPV types, a Roche Linear Array test was performed. We used NHANES sampling weights to estimate the population prevalence of penile HPV infection. Results The overall prevalence of any HPV infection was 45.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 41.3%-49.3%). The prevalence of any high-risk HPV types and low-risk HPV types (mutually exclusive of high-risk HPV) was 30.5% (95% CI, 28.0%-33.0%) and 14.8% (95% CI, 12.7%-17.2%), respectively. Overall HPV prevalence increased with increasing age: the prevalence was lowest among 18- to 24-year-old men (33.8%) and highest among 55- to 59-year-old men (53.4%). HPV types 16 and 18 were detected in 4.3% (95% CI, 3.2%-5.7%) and 1.7% (95% CI, 1.1%-2.6%) of men, respectively. The prevalence of any HPV infection was almost 80% among men who reported having ≥16 lifetime sexual partners and using condoms intermittently. Conclusions Our findings indicate that penile HPV is common among men in the United States. Almost one-third of all men are infected with high-risk HPV. Prevalence of penile HPV infection increases with increasing age.
Abstract 492: Arachidonic Acid Induces Activation of Platelet PF4 and Par-1 mRNA, Which Is Attenuated by Aspirin

Arachidonic acid (AA) is converted to thromboxane A2 via the cyclooxygenase pathway; however its exact mechanism of platelet activation is uncertain. Inhibition of this pathway via aspirin highlights the importance of this pathway in decreasing thrombotic events. In the present study, we investigate the effect of AA on platelet activity indicators (leukocyte- and monocyte-platelet aggregation [LPA, MPA] and reticulated platelets [RP]), as well as the expression (mRNA and protein) of platelet markers PF4 and Par-1, previously well established platelet transcripts with quantitative determinations. To this end, whole blood was incubated with AA (150mM) for 30 min at room temperature in the absence or presence of aspirin (1mM) prior to addition of antibodies for platelet activity indicators, and isolating platelets for mRNA and protein expression. LPA and MPA were significantly increased after AA stimulation in a dose dependent manner, and were inhibited by aspirin treatment. AA significantly increased PF4 and Par-1 protein level as determined by flow cytometry and western blot assays. Pretreatment with aspirin also attenuated this increase in protein levels. Surprisingly, AA stimulation significantly increased thiazole orange staining (a measure of nucleic acids), another marker of increased platelet activity. Importantly, these results suggest that AA-mediated platelet activation produced an overall increase in platelet total RNA content. To confirm these findings, we analyzed the mRNA expression of PF4 and Par-1 by quantitative real time PCR from platelets treated with AA. Interestingly, AA significantly up-regulated the platelet mRNA transcripts of PF4 and Par-1 by 40% to 60%, and pretreatment with aspirin completely attenuated this effect supporting the specificity of the AA effect on platelet RNA. Altogether, these data suggest that platelet mRNA is affected by AA stimulation, which is attenuated by pretreatment with aspirin. However, the mechanisms responsible for the increased mRNA levels and expression of PF4 and Par-1 (processing of pre-RNA to mRNA) require further investigation. Importantly, our findings provide novel insight regarding platelet activation and a better understanding of mediators in the processes of thrombosis and hemostasis.
Potentiation of immune checkpoint blockade cancer immunotherapy with oncolytic virus.

3051 Background: Therapeutic efficacy of agents targeting immune checkpoints has been limited to a subset of patients and cancer types. Preexisting lymphocytic infiltration of tumors has emerged as...
From Neural Circuitry to Mechanistic Model-Based Reasoning

Model-based reasoning in science is often carried out in an attempt to understand the kinds of mechanical interactions that might give rise to particular occurrences. One hypothesis regarding in-the-head reasoning about mechanisms is that scientist rely upon mental models that are like scale models in crucial respects. Behavioral evidence points to the existence of these mental models, but questions remain about the neural plausibility of this hypothesis.
Primary and secondary particulate matter intake fraction from different height emission sources

Abstract This study uses intake fraction, the fraction of emissions that are inhaled, to compare potential particulate matter exposure among different height emission sources. We use the Particulate Matter Source Apportionment Technology (PSAT) in the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) to estimate intake fraction for primary and secondary particulate matter species from different height emission sources. We develop an approach to quantify intake fraction for both primary and secondary particulate matter species emitted from all types of emission sources in the contiguous United States. To compute intake fraction for secondary particulate matter species, we consider the inhalation of the precursor gas and condensed species based on the common atomic unit between the emitted gas and particulate matter product. Our calculated intake fraction varies from 1.0 to 4.9 per million for primary particulate matter, 0.4 to almost 6.0 per million for secondary species, including inhalation of both particulate matter and the relevant precursor species. Intake fraction is consistently higher in the winter than the summer for all species from all emission heights. The shortest height sources, which include area sources, display intake fractions over an order of magnitude greater than more elevated sources.
Military Role in Safe Use of Microwaves

The military services of the United States have been, and continue to be, the major users of microwave energy in this country. By the very nature of the necessity that these systems be operational, safe use is mandatory if the missions of the services are to be completed. To this end the military medical departments have assumed the leadership role in studying the biological effects of microwaves, and in setting and evaluating the adequacy of occupational exposure standards. To date, no member of the military service has been shown unequivocally to have been injured because of occupational exposures. Cataracts are the most dramatic effect of microwave injury, but current standards and safety precautions, in the military services, are entirely adequate for protection against this injury. All services are supporting continuing programs of research and clinical studies to insure that the past record of safety continues, and that many of the unknown aspects of the program are properly and thoroughly investigated. A plea is made for the development of a personnel dosimetry and permanent program for recording exposure doses on a permanent basis.