cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Potential for Ongoing Pollution from an Abandoned Pyrite Mine

Davis Mine was the largest working pyrite mine in the state of Massachusetts during its lifetime between 1882 and 1911. Since abandonment, a highly-polluting mine water discharge has emerged from the site of an old mine shaft and a waste rock pile and is contaminating the nearby Davis Mine Brook. During the past 90 years, no attempt has been made to implement any pollution abatement measures. This paper assesses the likely current volume of mine waste on the site and compares this figure with the amount of mine waste produced during the lifetime of the mine based on old mine plans and production figures. A simple mass balance model allowed us to compute the loadings of contaminants into Davis Mine Brook and to calculate the ratio of loadings from different sources of pollution, namely the mine shaft discharge and ground water discharge from the waste pile. Results for 2004 indicated that the proportion of mine water flowing from the shaft varies seasonally, with the greatest discharge in spring and lowest in summer. These results allow us to assess the potential lifetime of the discharge if left untreated and determine what flow pathways are important if a treatment scheme were to be implemented at the site.
Sequence and expression divergence of an ancient duplication of the chaperonin groESEL operon in Vibrio species.

Heat-shock proteins are molecular chaperones essential for protein folding, degradation and trafficking. The human pathogen Vibrio vulnificus encodes a copy of the groESEL operon in both chromosomes and these genes share <80 % similarity with each other. Comparative genomic analysis was used to determine whether this duplication is prevalent among Vibrionaceae specifically or Gammaproteobacteria in general. Among the Vibrionaceae complete genome sequences in the database (31 species), seven Vibrio species contained a copy of groESEL in each chromosome, including the human pathogens Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. Phylogenetic analysis of GroEL among the Gammaproteobacteria indicated that GroESEL-1 encoded in chromosome I was the ancestral copy and GroESEL-2 in chromosome II arose by an ancient gene duplication event. Interestingly, outside of the Vibrionaceae within the Gammaproteobacteria, groESEL chromosomal duplications were rare among the 296 genomes examined; only five additional species contained two or more copies. Examination of the expression pattern of groEL from V. vulnificus cells grown under different conditions revealed differential expression between the copies. The data demonstrate that groEL-1 was more highly expressed during growth in exponential phase than groEL-2 and a similar pattern was also found in both V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus. Overall these data suggest that retention of both copies of groESEL in Vibrio species may confer an evolutionary advantage.
Sensory and Physical Attributes of Frankfurters with Reduced Fat and Elevated Monounsaturated Fats

Instrumental and sensory evaluations were conducted on frankfurters manufactured with an increased monounsaturated/saturated (M/S) lipid ratio and 25% less fat than control. The M/S ratio was altered by using lean and fat from pigs fed 0%, 10%, or 20% canola oil (CO) which is high in oleic acid. Incorporation of 10% and 20% CO pork tissue into the product decreased saturated fat by 11.0% and 18.6%, respectively. Instron texture analysis indicated slight increases in cohesiveness with elevated CO, whereas decreasing fat increased gumminess and chewiness. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that the overall palatability ratings of the test frankfurters were similar to the control product. Frankfurters with significantly less total fat and saturated fatty acids without adverse sensory and storage characteristics were produced.
LLNL`s acoustic spectrometer

This paper describes the development of a frequency sensitive acoustic transducer that operates in the 10 Hz to 10 kHz regime. This device uses modem silicon microfabrication techniques to form mechanical tines that resonate at specified frequencies. This high-sensitivity device is intended for low-power battery powered applications.
Linear and weakly nonlinear aspects of free shear layer instability, roll-up, subharmonic interaction and wall influence

The growth of the momentum thickness and the modal disturbance energies are examined to study the nature and onset of nonlinearity in a temporally growing free shear layer. A shooting technique is used to find solutions to the linearized eigenvalue problem, and pseudospectral weakly nonlinear simulations of this flow are obtained for comparison. The roll-up of a fundamental disturbance follows linear theory predictions even with a 20 percent disturbance amplitude. A weak nonlinear interaction of the disturbance creates a finite-amplitude mean shear stress which dominates the growth of the layer momentum thickness, and the disturbance growth rate changes until the fundamental disturbance dominates. The fundamental then becomes an energy source for the harmonic, resulting in an increase in the growth rate of the subharmonic over the linear prediction even when the fundamental has no energy to give. Also considered are phase relations and the wall influence.
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C enhances radiosensitivity of lymphatic endothelial cells

Radiation therapy after lymph node dissection increases the risk of developing painful and incurable lymphedema in breast cancer patients. Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic vessels become unable to maintain proper fluid balance. The sensitivity of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to ionizing radiation has not been reported to date. Here, the radiosensitivity of LECs in vitro has been determined using clonogenic survival assays. The ability of various growth factors to alter LEC radiosensitivity was also examined. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C enhanced radiosensitivity when LECs were treated prior to radiation. VEGF-C-treated LECs exhibited higher levels of entry into the cell cycle at the time of radiation, with a greater number of cells in the S and G2/M phases. These LECs showed higher levels of γH2A.X-an indicator of DNA damage-after radiation. VEGF-C did not increase cell death as a result of radiation. Instead, it increased the relative number of quiescent LECs. These data suggest that abundant VEGF-C or lymphangiogenesis may predispose patients to radiation-induced lymphedema by impairing lymphatic vessel repair through induction of LEC quiescence.
The effect of potassium on the molecular orientation of CO chemisorbed on Ni(111): an ESDIAD study

Abstract Using electron stimulated desorption (ESD) and electron stimulated desorption ion angular distribution (ESDIAD) techniques, we have determined that coadsorbed potassium systematically quenches the O + ion yield from CO on the Ni(111) surface for 1000 eV electron excitation energies. The quenching appears to be a short range K-CO interaction; 3 or 4 CO molecules are affected for each K atom adsorbed on the surface. The quenching effect of K on CO indicates that a significant electronic perturbation of CO is caused by its local interaction with K. This effect prevents ESDIAD observation of the K-quenched CO species. In addition, the CO molecules that are not quenched at a potassium coverage of 0.02 K/Ni exhibit a normally oriented C-O bond similar to that found for CO adsorbed on a K-free Ni(111) surface.
768-6 Lipid Rich Plaques with Thrombus are Common in Unstable Rest Angina: Observations from Atherectomy Tissue Analysis

Several autopsy studies indicate that disrupted atherosclerotic plaques particularly those rich in lipid with associated thrombus. are the cause of acute MI. Other plaques without disruption are fibrocellular without lipid. Although unstable rest angina (UA) shares a common pathogenesis to acute MI, there are little pathological data on plaque composition in UA. Directional Coronary Atherectomy (DCA) provides the opportunity to study plaque composition in UA. Methods We prospectively analyzed the DCA tissue specimens of 60 pts with de novo culprit lesions for fibrocellular and lipid constituents by hematoxylin a eosin and oil red O stains. A fibrous plaque (FP) was defined as one which had predominantly fibrous and sclerotic tissue with no or minimallipid (0 or 1 + on scale of 3). A lipid plaque (LP) was defined as one with moderate or high lipid (2 or 3+) content. The presence of inflammatory cells and thrombus were also noted. Histopathology was analyzed independent of clinical presentation. Clinical syndrome FP(%) LP(%) P Stable/asymptomatic (10) 9(90) 1(10) New or Crescendo (16) 9 (56) 7 (44) Rest Angina (21) 4 (19) 17 (81) Post-MI (13) 2 (15) 11 (85) Coronary thrombus on histologic analysis was present in 23/36 (64%) of LP vs. in 5/24 (21%) of FP (p l 0.01). Coronary thrombus was present in 88% and 82% of LP in rest angina and post MI respectively. Inflammatory cells were noted in 12 LP and 2 FP (p = 0.02) — in 38% of both rest angina and post MI specimens. Conclusions Lipid rich plaque are very common in rest angina and post MI, moderately common in crescendo or new onset and rare in stable angina. LP are usually associated with thrombus and inflammation particularly in rest angina and post MI pts. These DCA tissue analyses confirm and expanded on prior autopsy studies in acute syndromes and support the pathogenetic link between unstable rest angina and acute MI.
Optical and physical characterization of a local evanescent array coupled biosensor: Use of evanescent field perturbations for multianalyte sensing

The evanescent field surrounding the core of an optical waveguide is very sensitive to refractive index changes near the core. This sensitivity can be exploited to form the basis for a quantitative sensor with high specificity and sensitivity. Selective probe molecules may be attached to the surface of a waveguide core and the evanescent field locally monitored as target analytes are introduced to the system. In this study, probe/analyte regions were simulated using lithographically patterned organic films with thicknesses of 60 nm and 130 nm. The evanescent field strength was measured quantitatively using near field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). The presence of the organic material on the waveguide caused up to a 70% change in the intensity of the evanescent field over the patterned region and the excitation of a weakly bound higher order mode. The waveguide core and surrounding cladding were numerically simulated using the beam propagation method and these predictions are in quantitative agreement with the experimental results obtained using NSOM.
MRI diagnosis of brown tumor based on magnetic susceptibility.

A 56-year-old male with chronic renal failure was incidentally found to have lytic bone lesions in the pubic symphysis, left femoral head, left acetabulum, left iliac bone, and L1 vertebra on computed tomography (CT). Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen was performed (for evaluation of a renal lesion) which demonstrated marked loss of signal intensity in the L1 bone lesion on increasing TE gradient echo images, consistent with magnetic susceptibility effect due to hemosiderin. Brown tumor was confirmed at biopsy. The susceptibility imaging probes one particular histological characteristic of tissues and allows a restricted differential of lytic tumors that contain significant hemosiderin, including brown tumor. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:759–761. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Lowering the Learning Threshold: Multi-Agent-Based Models and Learning Electricity

Over the past few decades, misconceptions researchers have shown that middle and high school students find electricity very difficult to understand. We argue that a learning environment based on emergent multi-agent-based computational representations of electric current in linear circuits can greatly reduce these difficulties and lower the learning threshold so that even fifth graders can develop a deep understanding of electric current. In an emergent multi-agent-based perspective, aggregate- or system-level phenomena (e.g., electric current) emerge from simple rule-based interactions (e.g., push, pull, and bouncing) between many individual-level agents (e.g., electrons and ions). Specifically, we discuss the epistemic affordances and challenges of such an emergent pedagogical approach in the context of middle and high school learners’ development of understanding of electric current as a “rate.” We report a design-based research study that demonstrates how a suite of emergent multi-agent-based computational models (NIELS: NetLogo Investigations in Electromagnetism) can be designed and appropriated to represent electric current in linear resistive circuits so that it is intuitive and easily understandable by a wide range of physics novices: from 5th to 12th grade students.
A diffusion rls scheme for distributed estimation over adaptive networks

We consider the problem of distributed estimation in adaptive networks where a collection of nodes are required to estimate in a collaborative manner some parameter of interest from their measurements. The centralized solution to the problem uses a fusion center, thus requiring a large amount of energy for communication. We propose a diffusion recursive least-squares algorithm where nodes need to communicate only with their closest neighbors. The algorithm has no topology constraints, and requires no transmission or inversion of matrices, therefore saving in communications and complexity. We show that the algorithm is stable and analyze its performance comparing it to the centralized global solution.
Simulation applied to theme park management

This paper describes the application of computer simulation to a new and interesting problem area, the management of major theme parks. The operation and management of theme parks is becoming continually more difficult and competitive. The level of customer expectation for excitement and quality of experience is increasing at a much greater rate than the public's willingness to accept admission price increases. As a consequence, theme park management is asked to deliver more services, at a faster pace and with higher quality, with fewer and fewer seasonal employees. VMASC has begun to work with two local theme parks, Water Country USA located in Williamsburg, Virginia and operated by Anheuser-Busch, and Kings Dominion located in Richmond, Virginia and operated by Paramount Parks. The objective is to identify management issues and operational problems where simulation may serve as an important tool to assist in the decision-making process.
Synergistic effect of gentamicin plus ampicillin on enterococci with differing sensitivity to gentamicin:: A phenotypic assessment of NCCLS guidelines

Between December 1, 1993, and December 1, 1996, we tested 4,411 isolates of Enterococcus sp. at gentamicin concentrations of 500 micrograms/mL and 2000 micrograms/mL using agar dilution to phenotypically categorize them into 3 groups: those with a MIC 500, but 2000 micrograms/mL (n = 838; 19%). Ten unique strains of each phenotype were tested to determine which gentamicin concentration was the best in vitro predictor of synergy with ampicillin. Testing was done by a time-kill method using clinically achievable levels of ampicillin and gentamicin. We found that for the gentamicin MIC or = 2 log10 increase in killing versus the effect of ampicillin alone (at 1/2 the MIC for ampicillin). In the group sensitive to a gentamicin MIC range between > 500 and < or = 2,000 micrograms/mL, none of the 10 isolates demonstrated synergy. Absence of synergy was also found in the group resistant to 2,000 micrograms/mL of gentamicin. Assessment of eight additional enterococcal isolates with reduced sensitivity to ampicillin (MIC from 32-256 micrograms/mL) found no correlation between gentamicin sensitivity at 500 micrograms/mL and any in vitro test for synergy, nor with clinical therapeutic outcome. Gentamicin at 2 micrograms/mL combined with ampicillin was as effective in enhancing killing as a higher level of 4 micrograms/mL. These findings validate the current NCCLS guideline for predicting synergistic activity against enterococci in strains with usual susceptibility to ampicillin, and suggest that a therapeutic level less than maximal recommended dosing is sufficient when using gentamicin in this setting.
Effects of Pre-Planting Soaking on Growth and Survival of Black Willow Cuttings

Black willow ( Salix nigra ) uses periodic flood events for dispersal of vegetative propagules, subjecting them to periods of soaking before their deposition along the streambank. It was hypothesized that this life history trait results in optimal conditions for willow growth and survival. To test this hypothesis, a greenhouse experiment was conducted using 1.2-m-long black willow cuttings (posts) with a basal diameter of 5 cm. Cuttings were subjected to three soaking treatments (0, 3, and 10 days) and then grown under four soil moisture regimes (control, drought, permanently flooded, and intermittently flooded). Growth, biomass, and survival were recorded. Results showed that soaking posts for 10 days was most beneficial in the control soil moisture regime, enhancing root, shoot, leaf, and total biomass production. Shoot abundance and growth were also enhanced by 10 days of soaking in the control and permanently flooded moisture regimes. Finally, survival increased significantly in control and drought moisture regimes in response to the 10-day soaking treatment. Results clearly demonstrated that soaking had significant effects on willow post success when evaluated across all soil moisture regimes. Posts subjected to the 10-day soaking treatment consistently had greatest growth and biomass and displayed a doubling of the survival rate. Therefore, soaking willow cuttings before planting is a simple, inexpensive technique that may be used to bolster streambank restoration success.
Surface Waves Due to Scattering by a Near-Surface Parallel Crack

Scattering of ultrasonic waves by a crack which is oriented parallel to a free surface is analyzed. Incident longitudinal and trans- verse body waves, as well as incident Rayleigh surface waves, are con- sidered. The presence of a parallel subsurface crack gives rise to scat- tered surfaces waves whose amplitude-spectra show distinct resonance peaks, due to resonance of the layer between the crack and the free surface, particularly when this layer is thin. Scattering of body waves for normal incidence, both from the side of the free surface and from the interior of the solid, is investigated in some detail. The ratio of the amplitude spectra of the surface wave displacements for these two cases provides a measure of the distance d from the crack to the free surface. The length (I of the crack can subsequently be obtained from a master curve which plots the first resonance frequency versus d/u. The amplitude spectra for scattered surface waves due to an incident surface wave also show resonance peaks, but these are part of a more complicated pattern of peaks and valleys, and they are therefore more difficult to classify.
Multiple-pulse STAP adaptation prior to radar Doppler processing

This paper describes a space-time adaptive processing (STAP) architecture for use with radar systems. The method employs linear constraints to ensure that the Doppler spectrum of the desired signal is maintained, regardless of the covariance structure of the data matrix. In this approach, adaptive spatial/temporal processing is applied to successive radar pulses, each taken at the same range sample, to estimate the radar returns as a function of angle. If P of M pulses are employed, the method provides M-P+1 adapted output pulses which serve as inputs to the Doppler FFT processor. Examples illustrating the use of the method on Mountaintop data are provided.
Round window closure affects cochlear responses to suprathreshold stimuli.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The round window acts as a vent for releasing inner ear pressure and facilitating basilar membrane vibration. Loss of this venting function affects cochlear function, which leads to hearing impairment. In an effort to identify functional changes that might be used in clinical diagnosis of round window atresia, the current investigation was designed to examine how the cochlea responds to suprathreshold stimuli following round window closure. Study Design: Prospective, controlled, animal study. Methods: A rat model of round window occlusion (RWO) was established. With this model, the thresholds of auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and the input/output (IO) functions of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and acoustic startle responses were examined. Results: Round window closure caused a mild shift in the thresholds of the auditory brainstem response (13.5 6 9.1 dB). It also reduced the amplitudes of the distortion product otoacoustic emissions and the slope of the input/output functions. This peripheral change was accompanied by a significant reduction in the amplitude, but not the threshold, of the acoustic startle reflex, a motor response to suprathreshold sounds. Conclusions: In addition to causing mild increase in the threshold of the auditory brainstem response, round window occlusion reduced the slopes of both distortion product otoacoustic emissions and startle reflex input/output functions. These changes differ from those observed for typical conductive or sensory hearing loss, and could be present in patients with round window atresia. However, future clinical observations in patients are needed to confirm these findings.
Interactive surgical planning: High-speed object rendition and manipulation without specialized hardware

Algorithms for high-speed visualization and manipulation of high-resolution medical objects are described. Central to these algorithms is a novel method of object representation, called a semi-boundary, which stores boundary voxels of the object as a row-indexed list, along with a code associated with each voxel that indicates which of its neighbors are outside the object and which are inside. The algorithms for manipulation take as input a semi-boundary and produce either a depiction or a new semi-boundary of the altered object. Rendering speeds normally obtainable only on systems with specialized hardware design have been achieved on general-purpose workstations entirely through optimum algorithms. The potential use of the methodology in surgical planning is illustrated. >
Cultural adaptation of evidence-based practice utilizing an iterative stakeholder process and theoretical framework: problem solving therapy for Chinese older adults.

Objectives Main objectives were to familiarize the reader with a theoretical framework for modifying evidence-based interventions for cultural groups, and to provide an example of one method, Formative Method for Adapting Psychotherapies (FMAP), in the adaptation of an evidence-based intervention for a cultural group notorious for refusing mental health treatment. Methods Provider and client stakeholder input combined with an iterative testing process within the FMAP framework was utilized to create the Problem Solving Therapy—Chinese Older Adult (PST-COA) manual for depression. Data from pilot-testing the intervention with a clinically depressed Chinese elderly woman are reported. Results PST-COA is categorized as a ‘culturally-adapted’ treatment, where core mediating mechanisms of PST were preserved, but cultural themes of measurement methodology, stigma, hierarchical provider-client relationship expectations, and acculturation enhanced core components to make PST more understandable and relevant for Chinese elderly. Modifications also encompassed therapeutic framework and peripheral elements affecting engagement and retention. PST-COA applied with a depressed Chinese older adult indicated remission of clinical depression and improvement in mood. Fidelity with and acceptability of the treatment was sufficient as the client completed and reported high satisfaction with PST-COA. Conclusions PST, as a non-emotion-focused, evidence-based intervention, is a good fit for depressed Chinese elderly. Through an iterative stakeholder process of cultural adaptation, several culturally-specific modifications were applied to PST to create the PST-COA manual. PST-COA preserves core therapeutic PST elements but includes cultural adaptations in therapeutic framework and key administration and content areas that ensure greater applicability and effectiveness for the Chinese elderly community. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EMPeror: a tool for visualizing high-throughput microbial community data

As microbial ecologists take advantage of high-throughput sequencing technologies to describe microbial communities across ever-increasing numbers of samples, new analysis tools are required to relate the distribution of microbes among larger numbers of communities, and to use increasingly rich and standards-compliant metadata to understand the biological factors driving these relationships. In particular, the Earth Microbiome Project drives these needs by profiling the genomic content of tens of thousands of samples across multiple environment types. Features of EMPeror include: ability to visualize gradients and categorical data, visualize different principal coordinates axes, present the data in the form of parallel coordinates, show taxa as well as environmental samples, dynamically adjust the size and transparency of the spheres representing the communities on a per-category basis, dynamically scale the axes according to the fraction of variance each explains, show, hide or recolor points according to arbitrary metadata including that compliant with the MIxS family of standards developed by the Genomic Standards Consortium, display jackknifed-resampled data to assess statistical confidence in clustering, perform coordinate comparisons (useful for procrustes analysis plots), and greatly reduce loading times and overall memory footprint compared with existing approaches. Additionally, ease of sharing, given EMPeror’s small output file size, enables agile collaboration by allowing users to embed these visualizations via emails or web pages without the need for extra plugins. Here we present EMPeror, an open source and web browser enabled tool with a versatile command line interface that allows researchers to perform rapid exploratory investigations of 3D visualizations of microbial community data, such as the widely used principal coordinates plots. EMPeror includes a rich set of controllers to modify features as a function of the metadata. By being specifically tailored to the requirements of microbial ecologists, EMPeror thus increases the speed with which insight can be gained from large microbiome datasets.
Derivation and Experimental Validation of a Power-Split Hybrid Electric Vehicle Model

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have attracted a lot of attention due to environmental and efficiency reasons. Typically, an HEV combines two power trains, a conventional power source such as a gasoline engine, a diesel engine, or a fuel cell stack, and an electric drive system (involving a motor and a generator) to produce driving power with a potential of higher fuel economy than conventional vehicles. Furthermore, such vehicles do not require external charging and thus work within the existing fueling infrastructures. The power-split power train configuration of an HEV has the individual advantages of the series and parallel types of HEV power train configurations. A sophisticated control system, however, is required to manage the power-split HEV power trains. Designing such a control system requires a reasonably accurate HEV system plant model. Much research has been done for developing dynamic plant models for the series and parallel types, but a complete and validated dynamic model for the power-split HEV power train is still in its infancy. This paper presents a power-split power train HEV dynamic model capable of realistically replicating all the major steady-state and transient phenomena appearing under different driving conditions. A mathematical derivation and modeling representation of this plant model and its components is shown first. Next, the analysis, verification, and validation through computer simulation and comparison with the data actually measured in the test vehicle at the Ford Motor Company's test track is performed. The excellent agreements between the model and the experimental results demonstrate the fidelity and validity of the derived plant model. Since this plant model was built by integrating the subsystem models using a system-oriented approach with a hierarchical methodology, it is easy to change subsystem functionalities. The developed plant model is useful for analyzing and understanding the dominant dynamics of the power train system, the interaction between subsystems and components, and system transients due to the change of operational state and the influence of disturbances. This plant model can also be employed for the development of vehicle system controllers, evaluation of energy management strategies, issue resolution, and verification of coded algorithms, among many other purposes
Antitrust Policy and American Industrial Competitiveness

In a 1982 treatise, Yale Brozen argued that antitrust laws are “themselves restraining output and the growth of productivity ... [and] are contributing to a deterioration of the competitive position of the United States in international markets.”1
Non-canonical signaling mode of the epidermal growth factor receptor family

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its family members are key players in both physiological and pathological settings for which they are well recognized as models for investigating the functions and regulations of other membrane receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and serve as therapeutic targets critical to clinical need and fundamental research. The canonical view of the pivotal functions in the EGFR family has been well documented as being an initiator of signaling amplification cascades from the plasma membrane to different subcellular compartments via receptor endocytic trafficking, intermolecular interaction, and kinase-substrate reaction in a temporalspatial manner. However, several lines of evidence have identified non-canonical roles of the EGFR family, acting as a transcriptional factor and a chromatin regulator in the nucleus to regulate gene expression, DNA replication, and DNA damage repair. Moreover, the EGFR family can even exert its impact outside the host cell through exosomal vesicle secretion. The emerging concept of the non-canonical roles of the EGFR family reveals an astonishing and elaborate scheme on the molecular functions of membrane RTKs, offering new insights into the receptor biology as well as the development of comprehensive therapeutic strategies in the future.
A meta-analysis comparing ProCore and standard fine-needle aspiration needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition

Background and study aims: To overcome the limitations associated with cytology, a uniquely designed needle (ProCore) was introduced in an effort to obtain a core of tissue under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. However, studies comparing the sample quality between ProCore and standard-design fine-needle aspiration (FNA) needles have yielded varying results. A systematic review and meta-analysis was therefore conducted to compare the performance of the ProCore and standard FNA needles when performing EUS-guided tissue acquisition. Patients and methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify all published manuscripts that compared the ProCore needle with standard FNA needles. Noncomparative and technical feasibility studies were excluded. The main outcome measures were diagnostic adequacy, diagnostic accuracy, acquisition of histological core tissue, and mean number of passes required to achieve a diagnosis when sampling solid lesions. Results: Nine studies (total 576 patients) met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in diagnostic adequacy (75.2 % vs. 89.0 %, odds ratio [OR] 0.39, P = 0.23), diagnostic accuracy (85.8 % vs. 86.2 %, OR 0.88, P = 0.53) or rate of histological core specimen acquisition (77.7 % vs. 76.5 %, OR 0.94, P = 0.85) between the ProCore and standard FNA needles, respectively. The mean number of passes required for diagnosis, however, was significantly lower when using the ProCore needle (standardized mean difference – 1.2, P Conclusions: Current data do not demonstrate a significant difference between the ProCore and standard FNA needles for sample adequacy, diagnostic accuracy or acquisition of a core specimen. However, the ProCore needle establishes the diagnosis with fewer passes.
Wicksell, Pareto and Public Choice

No individual in the history of public economics has been subject to more contentious discussion than Knut Wicksell – and perhaps no concept subjected to more diverse interpretation than Wicksell’s unanimity rule. The story begins in 1896 with the publication of Wicksell’s public finance treatise, Finanztheoretische Untersuchungen, and starts to take shape in 1906 with the publication of Pareto’s Manual of Political Economy. The crux of the matter hinges on the relationship between Wicksell’s unanimity rule and Pareto’s optimality. This article examines Knut Wicksell’s one-sided debate with Vilfredo Pareto on issues in welfare economics and considers the trajectory of their economic ideas that led to an eventual convergence in public choice.
Heat-revealed antigens in DNA-rich preparations from Brucella abortus.

SummaryHeating of DNA-rich preparations from smooth, but not from mucoid, Brucella abortus cells resulted in the appearance of complement-fixing antigens that were insensitive to DNAase but sensitive to sodium periodate. The effect of heating was not due to its single-stranding of DNA, and DNA itself apparently was not required for antigenic activity of the heat-revealed antigens. Prior to heating, however, the heat-revealed antigens appear to be complexed with DNA. This is supported by the finding that following density-gradient centrifugation, which separates a DNA preparation into a nucleic acid fraction and less dense fractions, heating neither the individual fraction nor the pooled fractions resulted in the appearance of heat-revealed antigens. Evidence to date suggests that the heat-revealed antigens are similar to, or identical with, smooth cell-surface antigens, and that, at least in cellular extracts, the unique association of such cell-surface antigens with nucleic acids might be a fairly genera...
Studies on the Action of Penicillin. III. Bactericidal Action of Penicillin on Meningococcus in vitro.

Summary and ConclusionsMeningococci are readily killed by penicillin in nutrient broth at 37°. This meningococcidal action is markedly increased by fresh serum of man, rabbit, guinea pig and mouse, due to a heat-labile component, presumably complement. The meningococcus therefore is an unsuitable microorganism on which to test human sera for their content of penicillin by the bacteriostatic method commonly employed. The presence of inactivated serum, however, frequently reduces the activity of penicillin on meningococci in broth.Penicillin fails to kill meningococci in a non-nutrient medium (gelatin-Locke's solution) at 37° and in nutrient broth at ice box temperature, two conditions unfavorable for their growth. These findings lend support to the notion, already expressed by others, that penicillin acts on bacteria only in an environment which promotes their multiplication.Penicillin causes a certain degree of lysis of meningococci actively growing in broth.Meningococci in broth containing concentrations...
Heterogeneous Beliefs, Speculation and Trading in Financial Markets

We survey recent developments in finance that analyze how heterogeneous beliefs among investors generate speculation and trading. We describe the joint effects of heterogeneous beliefs and short-sales constraints on asset prices, using both static and dynamic models, discuss the no-trade theorem in the rational expectations framework, and present investor overconfidence as a potential source of heterogeneous beliefs. We review recent results of Scheinkman and Xiong (2003) modeling the resale option that is embedded in share prices in the presence of short-sale constraints and heterogeneous beliefs, highlighting the implied correlation between stock prices and trading volume. Finally, we discuss the survival of investors with incorrect beliefs.
A design study of personal bibliographic data visualization

This paper presents a comparative study on personal visualizations of bibliographic data. We consider three designs for egocentric visualization: node-link diagrams, adjacency matrices, and botanical trees to depict one's academic career in terms of his/her publication records. Case studies are conducted to compare the effectiveness of resulting visualizations for conveying particular aspect of a researcher's bibliographic records. Based on our study, we find that node-link diagrams are better at revealing the overall distribution of certain attributes; adjacency matrices can convey more information with less clutter; and botanical trees are visually attractive and provide the best at a glance characterization of the mapped data, but mapping data to tree features must be carefully done to derive expressive visualization.
The evolving profile and role of computer science

Technological innovation ushered in the computer era, and, after a few years of tutelage by established disciplines, computer science emerged as an independent discipline. In the subsequent decades computer science developed its special identity, sharing the dual character of engineering and mathematics. This evolution is revisited here based on my personal experience. In my view, the notion of computational model has been the enabler of extraordinary creativity, and at the same time the source of critical reflection two decades ago. However, capitalizing on a vibrant technology, computer science is reinventing itself as the indispensable enabler of applications. This is a crucial profile that calls for a pedagogical adaptation, where the notion of model morphs from means to end.
Treatment of resistant disease.

Resistant AML encompasses two groups of patients: those with refractory leukemia and those whose leukemia has relapsed. Refractory leukemia is disease that does not respond to initial induction chemotherapy with cytarabine and an anthracycline. Patients with refractory leukemia are likely to have disease with adverse cytogenetics, a history of antecedent hematologic disturbance, adverse immunophenotypic features, and expression of multiple drug resistance. On the other hand, relapsed leukemia is leukemia that recurs following a CR.The duration of CR greatly affects the patient's prognosis and response to additional treatment. Patients with relapsed leukemia are heterogeneous with variable pretreatment characteristics.
Ketoaldehyde Detoxification Enzymes and Protection Against the Maillard Reaction

Summary D-3-Deoxyglucosone (1), D-glucosone (2), L-3-deoxyxylosone (3), and L-xylosone (4) were compared with methylglyoxal as substrates for aldose reductase, aldehyde reductase and glyoxalase I. All of these 2-ketoaldehydes are substrates for aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase but only methylglyoxal is a substrate for glyoxalase I, suggesting that only methylglyoxal exists in solution in a form with a free 2-keto group.
Trace gas Raman spectroscopy using functionalized waveguides

Weak scattering and short optical interaction lengths have, until this work, prevented the observation of trace gas Raman spectra using photonic integrated circuitry. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool, and its implementation using chip-scale waveguide devices represents a critical step toward trace gas detection and identification in small handheld systems. Here, we report the first Raman scattering measurements of trace gases using integrated nanophotonic waveguides. These measurements were made possible using highly evanescent rib waveguides functionalized with a thin cladding layer designed to reversibly sorb organophosphonates and other hazardous chemical species. Raman spectra were collected using 9.6 mm-long waveguides exposed to ambient trace concentrations of ethyl acetate, methyl salicylate, and dimethyl sulfoxide with one-sigma limits of detection in 100 s integration times equal to 600 ppm, 360 ppb, and 7.6 ppb, respectively. Our analysis shows that the functionalized waveguide Raman efficiency can be enhanced by over nine orders of magnitude compared to traditional micro-Raman spectroscopy, paving the way toward a sensitive, low-cost, miniature, spectroscopy-based trace gas sensor inherently suitable for foundry-level photonic integrated circuit manufacturing.
TGFβ1-Mediated SMAD3 Enhances PD-1 Expression on Antigen-Specific T Cells in Cancer.

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is a coinhibitory receptor that downregulates the activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in cancer and of virus-specific T cells in chronic infection. The molecular mechanisms driving high PD-1 expression on TILs have not been fully investigated. We demonstrate that TGFβ1 enhances antigen-induced PD-1 expression through SMAD3-dependent, SMAD2-independent transcriptional activation in T cells in vitro and in TILs in vivo. The PD-1hi subset seen in CD8+ TILs is absent in Smad3-deficient tumor-specific CD8+ TILs, resulting in enhanced cytokine production by TILs and in draining lymph nodes and antitumor activity. In addition to TGFβ1′s previously known effects on T-cell function, our findings suggest that TGFβ1 mediates T-cell suppression via PD-1 upregulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). They highlight bidirectional cross-talk between effector TILs and TGFβ-producing cells that upregulates multiple components of the PD-1 signaling pathway to inhibit antitumor immunity. Significance: Engagement of the coinhibitory receptor PD-1 or its ligand, PD-L1, dramatically inhibits the antitumor function of TILs within the TME. Our findings represent a novel immunosuppressive function of TGFβ and demonstrate that TGFβ1 allows tumors to evade host immune responses in part through enhanced SMAD3-mediated PD-1 expression on TILs. Cancer Discov; 6(12); 1366–81. ©2016 AACR. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1293
Pre-Transplant Smoking and Transplant-Related Mortality from Pulmonary Causes in Recipients of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants.

BACKGROUND: The success of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is limited by transplant-related mortality (TRM). Death from pulmonary causes is a major contributor to TRM. Several factors influence TRM from pulmonary causes. We have analyzed the effect of cigarette smoking on pulmonary related TRM. METHODS: From January 2000 through April 2006 240 patients (pts) underwent allogeneic related or unrelated SCT. Diagnosis included ALL in 22 pts, AML in 90 pts, CLL in 11 pts, CML in 11 pts, Lymphoma in 49 pts, MDS in 29 pts, MM in 9 pts, SSA in 4 pts, solid tumors in 5 pts, other in 4 pts; median age of the pts was 50 years (range 18–70); 148 were males and 92 females; 48 pts received a reduced intensity regimen and 192 an ablative regimen; 117 pts received TBI; 123 pts were non-smokers (Group I) and 117 pts smokers. Amongst the smokers 86 pts provided pack/year information. In this group 46 pts (Group II) had a pack/year history < 30 and 40 pts (Group III) of ≥ 30. RESULTS: 70/123 pts in Group I are deceased with 44% surviving. In this group causes of death included disease progression/relapse in 17 pts, infection in 17 pts, organ failure in 13 pts, GVHD in 11 pts, other in 3 pts and pulmonary related TRM in 8 pts (6.5 ± 4%). 29/46 pts in Group II are deceased with 36% surviving. In this group causes of death included diseaseprogression/relapse in 10 pts, infection in 8 pts, organ failure in 1pt, GVHD in 3 pts, other in 2 pts and pulmonary related TRM in 5 pts (10.9 ± 9%). 31/40 pts in Group III are deceased with 22% surviving. In this group causes of death included disease progression/relapse in 11 pts, infection in 6 pts, organ failure in 5 pts, GVHD in 2 pts, other in 2 pts and pulmonary related TRM in 5 pts (12.5 ± 10 %). CONCLUSION: Smoking contributes to transplant-related mortality from pulmonary causes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in a dose-related manner. In future analysis the interaction between smoking and other variables will be explored. | Pt Group | Surviving Pts (%) | Deceased Pts (%) | Pulmonary TRM | |:----------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- | ------------- | | Group I ( n=123) | 44% | 56% | 6.5% | | Group Ii (n=46) | 36% | 64% | 10.9% | | Group III ( n=40) | 22% | 78% | 12.5% | Smoking and Outcomes
Seismic survey noise disrupted fish use of a temperate reef

Abstract Marine seismic surveying discerns subsurface seafloor geology, indicative of, for example, petroleum deposits, by emitting high-intensity, low-frequency impulsive sounds. Impacts on fish are uncertain. Opportunistic monitoring of acoustic signatures from a seismic survey on the inner continental shelf of North Carolina, USA, revealed noise exceeding 170 dB re 1 μ Pa peak on two temperate reefs federally designated as Essential Fish Habitat 0.7 and 6.5 km from the survey ship path. Videos recorded fish abundance and behavior on a nearby third reef 7.9 km from the seismic track. During seismic surveying, reef-fish abundance declined by 78% during evening hours when fish habitat use was highest on the previous three days without seismic noise. Despite absence of videos documenting fish returns after seismic surveying, the significant reduction in fish occupation of the reef represents disruption to daily pattern. This numerical response confirms that conservation concerns associated with seismic surveying are realistic.
Use of the 0.027-inch VIA microcatheter for delivery of Pipeline Flex: a technical note

Background The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic Neurovascular, Irvine, California, USA) is designed for delivery through a 0.027″ microcatheter. Challenges with the second-generation PED Flex include limited support from the Marksman microcatheter for consistent resheathing and transmission of push forces for device delivery. The VIA27 (Sequent Medical/MicroVention Terumo, Tustin, California, USA) is an alternative 0.027″ microcatheter originally designed for intrasaccular flow diverter delivery. Here we describe our experience with the VIA27 in the delivery of PED Flex. Methods We retrospectively identified patients who underwent PED Flex treatment with the VIA27 microcatheter at our institution. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, equipment utilized, and procedural details were documented. Results A total of 127 cases were completed using the VIA27 microcatheter for PED Flex implantation. Mean patient age was 56.8±12.4 years (range 21–86 years). All but one of the cases were treatments for intracranial aneurysms. Average aneurysm size was 6.5±6 mm (range 2–38 mm). Of the 127 cases, 120 (95%) were anterior circulation cases and 7 (6%) were posterior circulation cases. Significant cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) tortuosity was present in 33/120 cases (28%). Moderate to severe cavernous ICA tortuosity was present in 54/120 cases (45%). Mean fluoroscopy time was 34.1±22.7 min. Large diameter PED devices (4.5–5 mm) were used in 42/127 cases (33%). Balloon post-processing of the PED was used in 15/127 cases (12%) to improve vessel wall apposition of the PED. Conclusions The VIA27 is a microcatheter capable of successful PED Flex delivery in neurointervention. We have shown its utility in enhancing both resheathing and push for optimal PED Flex implantation. The VIA27 microcatheter may be a useful and safe adjunct to the traditional Marksman microcatheter in PED Flex treatment of the cerebrovasculature.