cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STRUCTURE OF THE POTASSIUM FORM OF CGCGAATTCGCG : DNA DEFORMATION BY ELECTROSTATIC COLLAPSE AROUND INORGANIC CATIONS

The potassium form of d(CGCGAATTCGCG) solved by X-ray diffraction to 1.75 A resolution indicates that monovalent cations penetrate the primary and secondary layers of the "spine of hydration". Both the sodium [Shui, X., McFail-Isom, L., Hu, G. G., and Williams, L. D. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 8341-8355] and the potassium forms of the dodecamer at high resolution indicate that the original description of the spine, only two layers deep and with full occupancy by water molecules, requires substantive revision. The spine is merely the bottom two layers of a four layer solvent structure. The four layers combine to form a repeating motif of fused hexagons. The top two solvent layers were not apparent from previous medium-resolution diffraction data. We propose that the narrow minor groove and axial curvature of A-tract DNA arise from localization of cations within the minor groove. In general, the results described here support a model in which most or all forces that drive DNA away from canonical B-conformation are extrinsic and arise from interaction of DNA with its environment. Intrinsic forces, originating from direct base-base interactions such as stacking, hydrogen bonding, and steric repulsion among exocyclic groups appear to be insignificant. The time-averaged positions of the ubiquitous inorganic cations that surround DNA are influenced by DNA bases. The distribution of cations depends on sequence. Regions of high and low cation density are generated spontaneously in the solvent region by heterogeneous sequence or even within the grooves of homopolymers. The regions of high and low cation density deform DNA by electrostatic collapse. Thus, the effects of small inorganic cations on DNA structure are similar to the effects of proteins.
Promoting beginning reading success through meaningful assessment of early literacy skills

Recent scientific advances in early literacy assessment have provided schools with access to critical information about students' foundational beginning reading skills. In this article, we describe how assessment of early literacy skills can help school psychologists promote beginning reading success for all children. First, we identify key skills in early literacy and describe a comprehensive assessment system, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), developed to assess essential beginning reading skills. Next, we present a conceptual framework for thinking about early literacy assessment across four distinct purposes: (a) screening, (b) diagnosis, (c) progress monitoring, and (d) student outcomes. Finally, we provide school-based examples that illustrate how DIBELS can be used to assess students' early literacy skills across each of these four purposes and facilitate informed and ongoing instructional decision making. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 33–43, 2006.
Adherence With Therapeutic Regimens: Behavioral and Pharmacoeconomic Perspectives

There is an extensive literature regarding nonadherence with both therapeutic regimens and medication. This literature includes reviews of empirical research regarding the factors associated with n...
Assessing the spatial fidelity of resolution-enhanced imagery using Fourier analysis: a proof-of-concept study

Pan-sharpening of moderate resolution multispectral remote sensing data with those of a higher spatial resolution is a standard practice in remote sensing image processing. This paper suggests a method by which the spatial properties of resolution merge products can be assessed. Whereas there are several accepted metrics, such as correlation and root mean square error, for quantifying the spectral integrity of fused images, relative to the original multispectral data, there is less agreement on a means by which to assess the spatial properties, relative to the original higher-resolution, pansharpening data. In addition to qualitative, visual, and somewhat subjective evaluation, quantitative measures used have included correlations between high-pass filtered panchromatic and fused images, gradient analysis, wavelet analysis, among others. None of these methods, however, fully exploits the spatial and structural information contained in the original high resolution and fused images. This paper proposes the use of the Fourier transform as a means to quantify the degree to which a fused image preserves the spatial properties of the pan-sharpening high resolution data. A highresolution 8-bit panchromatic image was altered to produce a set of nine different test images, as well as a random image. The Fourier Magnitude (FM) image was calculated for each of the datasets and compared via FM to FM image correlation. Furthermore, the following edge detection algorithms were applied to the original and altered images: (a) Canny; (b) Sobel; and (c) Laplacian. These edge-filtered images were compared, again by way of correlation, with the original edge-filtered panchromatic image. Results indicate that the proposed method of using FTMI as a means of assessing the spatial fidelity of high-resolution imagery used in the data fusion process outperforms the correlations produced by way of comparing edge-enhanced images.
Genetic and Developmental Variation of Hemoglobin in the Deermouse, Peromyscus maniculatus

A genetic investigation of electrophoretic hemoglobin variants of the deermouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, shows three alleles, HbIf, HbIr, and HbIo, at a duplicated site controlling the six adult phenotypes. The HbIfallele has not been described previously. The hemoglobin locus is not closely linked to the albino locus. Fetal hemoglobin is distinct from any of the adult components and has a slower electrophoretic mobility. The fetal phenotype changes to the adult type between the days 15 and 18 of prenatal life.
Generation and development of a viscous vortex ring.

The vorticity transport and definition of vorticity equations are derived for an axisymmetric incompressible viscous vortex ring. The coupled system is solved numerically by the Peaceman-Rachford method and the method of successive over-relaxation. Instantaneous streaklines, velocity vector fields, vorticity contours, and streamline patterns offer a detailed picture of vortex ring generation. Results compare well with experimental observations of the behavior of viscous vortex rings. The radius, trajectory, and velocity of the ring are calculated and employed to predict the propagation velocity of the vortex ring using the vortex models of Helmholtz and Hill.
Nations, taxes and religion: Did Mohammad have it right?

Maloney, Civan and Maloney (Public Choice, 2009, this volume) extend the existing literature on the economics of religion in several important ways. First, they define the religious good. They then distinguish a sectarian break from a schism, provide some analysis of schisms in the Christian world, and finally, and most interestingly, provide a summary of the religious practices and schisms in Islam. The two main strengths of the paper, and the most promising paths for future research, lie in the definition of the religious good and in the exploration of Islamic practices. Maloney, Civan and Maloney offer a novel perspective from which light might be reflected back upon Christian schisms.
Analysis of endodontic therapy in patients irradiated for head and neck cancer

The outcome of endodontic therapy in 16 patients irradiated for head and neck cancer was studied. Thirty-five postradiation endodontically treated teeth (54 roots) were included in the study. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 54 months. At the time of last follow-up, 46 of 54 roots were being maintained. No osteoradionecroses were seen in association with teeth that had been endodontically treated. From this review, it is clear that endodontic therapy is a viable method of treating diseased teeth in patients irradiated for oral neoplasms.
Inflammatory responses in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Inflammation plays a critical role in mediating brain injury induced by neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The mechanisms underlying inflammatory responses to ischemia may be shared by neonatal and adult brains; however, HIE exhibits a unique inflammation phenotype that results from the immaturity of the neonatal immune system. This review will discuss the current knowledge concerning systemic and local inflammatory responses in the acute and subacute stages of HIE. The key components of inflammation, including immune cells, adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines and oxidative stress, will be reviewed, and the differences between neonatal and adult inflammatory responses to cerebral ischemic injury will also be discussed.
Robustness of inverse perturbation for discrete event control

We study the robustness of the inverse perturbation solution in discrete-time systems modeled by homogeneous Markov chains. We cast the optimal inverse perturbation control as a strictly convex optimization problem, which admits a unique global solution. We show that the optimal inverse perturbation control is robust to estimation errors in the original network. The derived results are applied to the Human melanoma gene regulatory network, where the aim is to force the network to converge to a desired steady-state distribution of gene regulation.
Considerations in the transfer of software engineering technology

The development of new and increasingly efficient techniques of software engineering seems to be impressive to everyone except the professional software developers. In a recent summary of a panel discussing software engineering problems to be faced during the 1980's, Wasserman notes:Not surprisingly, the panel concluded that the problems of the '80's look very much like the problems of the '70's and depressingly similar to the problems of the '60's. The basic questions... were presented by the chairman as follows:1) How can well engineered products and systematic procedures for their creation be developed?2) How can the body of software engineering techniques be applied to existing systems?3) How can technology be transferred more effectively from the research community to software developers?
Ab initio Study of Al(III) Adsorption on Stepped 100 Surfaces of KDP Crystals

Crystals of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4, KDP) are grown in large scale for use as nonlinear material in laser components. Traces of trivalent metal impurities are often added to the supernatant to achieve habit control during crystal growth, selectively inhibiting the growth of the {100} face. Model systems representing AlPO4-doped KDP {100} stepped surfaces are prepared and studied using ab initio quantum methods. Results of Hartree–Fock partial optimizations are presented, including estimated energies of ion pair binding to the steps. We find that the PO43− ion takes a position not unlike that of a standard phosphate in the crystal lattice, while the aluminum atom is displaced far from a K+ ion position to establish coordinations with the PO43− ion and to bind with another lattice-bound phosphate. Our optimized structures suggest that it is the formation of a fourth coordination of Al(III) to a third phosphate ion from solution, or perhaps from a nearby position in the lattice, that disrupts further deposition, pinning the steps.
Fuel choice and aggregate energy demand in the residential and commercial sectors

Abstract The energy demand response of the residential and commercial sectors to fuel price changes is of increasing importance to public policy makers. In this paper, the demands for energy in both sectors are examined separately using a refined data base. For each sector, a multinomial logit formulation is utilized, along with an aggregate demand equation to determine analytically short- and long-run fuel price elasticities of demand for the major fuels consumed. It is found that increases in energy prices have a greater effect on energy demand in the commercial sector. Furthermore, in both sectors, raising electricity prices has a greater effect for conserving energy (both end-use and primary) than do equal price rises for natural gas or heating oils.
SU-E-J-169: Process for QA of Normal Tissue Delineation and Reported Doses in Clinical Trials

Purpose: To create and evaluate a process of using auto-segmentation for quality assurance of doses reported to normal structures in clinical trials. Methods: Multiple atlases for normal tissue segmentation were created for the esophagus, trachea/large bronchus, and brachial plexus. These atlases were used to independently delineate 21 patients who were enrolled in a phase III study of accelerated hypofractionated IGRT for patients with stage II-III NSCLC. The results of the multi-atlas segmentation were visually evaluated for acceptability. The dose volume limits and the maximum point doses specified by the protocol were compared for the originally delineated and auto-segmented contours. It was noted whether these differences affected whether plans met or failed the protocol constraints. Results: On visual inspection, the auto-segmented contour was acceptable with the exception of 8 cases (38%) of the esophagus. In these cases, the anatomy of the esophagus was notably different from that of atlases so that the autosegmentation failed. On the other hand, the process using auto-segmentation identified two cases where not all contours of the structure had been delineated in the original plan (one trachea/large bronchus case and one brachial plexus case). The average difference in maximum dose to the esophagus, trachea, and brachial plexus were 0.2±4.4Gy (range: - 13.6:4.7Gy), 0.2±1.1Gy (−3.9:0.8Gy), and 3.6±10.7Gy (−1.2:34.1Gy), respectively. In one esophagus case and one trachea case, the plan became unacceptable when calculated using the auto-segmented contour, but in both cases the dosimetric difference was very small. Conclusion: Two cases (10%) of contouring with insufficient coverage (trachea/large bronchus and brachial plexus) in the original plan were identified using the proposed process. However, patient-to-patient variations in the position of the esophagus meant that our current auto-segmentation is inadequate to evaluate this organ, and more work is needed to optimize the process. Work funded by Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
Childbearing and Obesity in Women: Weight Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Weight gain and the development of obesity during midlife are strong independent predictors of cardiovascular disease, particularly among women, as well as the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and early mortality. Primiparity and maternal body size before pregnancy affect long-term postpartum weight retention and the development of obesity among women of reproductive age. As a modifiable risk factor, body weight during the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum periods may present critical windows to implement interventions to prevent weight retention and the development of overweight and obesity in women of childbearing age.
Hummock fields in the Norway Basin and Eastern Iceland Plateau: Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities?

Side-scan imagery and 3.5 kHz profiles in the Norway Basin reveal ∼3–4 × 10 4 km 2 of sea floor covered by regularly spaced (500–2000 m), low-relief hummocks previously attributed to bottom currents. Extrapolating from nearby borehole data, I attribute these mound fields to gravitational (Rayleigh-Taylor) instabilities resulting from superposition of 50–100 m of thick Pliocene-Pleistocene, glacigenic (glacier-derived) sandy clays (density 1800 kg/m 3 ) on a several-hundred-metre thickness of Miocene biosiliceous oozes having a density of 1300 kg/m 3 . This hypothesis predicts or explains similar hummock fields in many oceanic regions where such density inversions exist.
Valuation of parent guarantees of subsidiary debt: Ownership, risk and leverage implications

Abstract The dramatic economic growth in the emerging Southeast Asian economies has prompted numerous multi-national corporations to establish subsidiaries through joint ventures in the Pacific Rim. Although the parent and the subsidiary are legally distinct, the latter's viability often critically depends on the implicit guarantee of its debt and other financial committments provided by the parent corporation. However, despite their wide use and growing importance, such implicit guarantees have not been previously formally analyzed. We do so in a contingent-claims framework and obtain four main results: (i) the implicit guarantee's value; (ii) the parent and subsidiary shareholders' incentives for establishing a joint venture; (iii) the parent's minimum viable equity stake in the subsidiary and the impact of changes in the subsidiary's business risk and financial leverage on the parent's equity stake in its subsidiary; and (iv) the impact of such implicit guarantees on the parent's optimal financial leverage and asset risk choices.
Urea modulation of β‐amyloid fibril growth: Experimental studies and kinetic models

Aggregation of beta-amyloid (Abeta) into fibrillar deposits is widely believed to initiate a cascade of adverse biological responses associated with Alzheimer's disease. Although it was once assumed that the mature fibril was the toxic form of Abeta, recent evidence supports the hypothesis that Abeta oligomers, intermediates in the fibrillogenic pathway, are the dominant toxic species. In this work we used urea to reduce the driving force for Abeta aggregation, in an effort to isolate stable intermediate species. The effect of urea on secondary structure, size distribution, aggregation kinetics, and aggregate morphology was examined. With increasing urea concentration, beta-sheet content and the fraction of aggregated peptide decreased, the average size of aggregates was reduced, and the morphology of aggregates changed from linear to a globular/linear mixture and then to globular. The data were analyzed using a previously published model of Abeta aggregation kinetics. The model and data were consistent with the hypothesis that the globular aggregates were intermediates in the amyloidogenesis pathway rather than alternatively aggregated species. Increasing the urea concentration from 0.4 M to 2 M decreased the rate of filament initiation the most; between 2 M and 4 M urea the largest change was in partitioning between the nonamyloid and amyloid pathways, and between 4 M and 6 M urea, the most significant change was a reduction in the rate of filament elongation.
Abstract 2369: Correlating circulating tumor cells with18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) uptake in patients with treatment naïve non-small cell lung cancer: A pilot study

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent disease derived cells identified in the blood of cancer patients with prognostic implications. 18 F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) PET tumor uptake in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be associated with poor prognosis despite therapy since the tracer accumulates in increasing amounts in more aggressive cancers. We therefore set out to investigate whether CTCs correlate with FDG uptake. METHODS: For this multi-center, prospective, observational study patients were consented and underwent phlebotomy into a cell preservative blood collection tube. Samples were shipped at ambient temperature and processed within 36 hours. CTC detection was defined by immunofluorescence (CK, DAPI, CD45) followed by automated morphometric analysis that was validated manually. Patients who underwent surgery or had medical treatment prior to imaging were excluded and only those with biopsy proven NSCLC who had PET images acquired within 4 weeks of CTC sample procurement were eligible. Semi-quantitative values (maximum standardized uptake value [SUV max ]) were extracted from images using a region of interest drawn over the tumor by the interpreting physician. Correlations were calculated by either a Pearson or Spearman-rank test depending on the distribution of the underlying variable. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with treatment naive NSCLC underwent phlebotomy for CTCs and had FDG PET imaging done at four medical centers during the pilot phase of this study. Five patients were excluded for further analysis due to pending results or more than 4 weeks from PET imaging to CTC draw. The average age for this cohort was 67 (± 11) years, 13 of 21 patients were male (62%) and 71% were stage I or II NSCLC. Mean tumor size was 3.0 cm (range 1.5-7.5 cm), median SUV max was 7.4 (IQR 4.4-16.1) and two-thirds of patients had adenocarcinoma. At least one CTC per ml was detected in 81% of patients (17/21), and the median CTC count was 27 per ml (IQR 2.4-59.0) across all samples and histologic types. CTCs appeared to correlate more with tumor size (r=0.42) than with glucose metabolism as measured by SUV max (r=0.22). CONCLUSION: We have established a multi-center workflow to expeditiously study tumor glucose metabolism using imaging and in-vitro diagnostics. Preliminary data show good sensitivity for a combined immunofluorescent and cytometric CTC detection approach in early-stage disease. CTC count may not correlate well with tumor glucose metabolism in NSCLC but further study is required. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2369. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2369
Plane waves in non-simple elastic solids

Abstract A form of the constitutive equation, which is appropriate to describe the propagation of plane waves, of finite amplitude, in non-simple solids, is obtained. This equation is used to discuss the propagation of such waves in non-simple, holohedral isotropic, elastic solids of grade n. In particular, it is shown that a transverse, harmonic, circularly-polarized, plane progressive wave can propagate, in any such material, with phase velocity which depends on the wave amplitude and on the wavelength.
Advancing the Science of Recruitment and Retention of Ethnically Diverse Populations

We highlight several critical challenges that must be addressed to accelerate the advancement of the science on recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse older adults into health research. These include the relative lack of attention by researchers to methodological issues related to recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse populations and the inadequacy of funding to advance systematically this field. We describe strategies used by the Resource Centers on Minority Aging Research and other National Institute of Aging–funded programs to advance the science of recruitment of ethnically diverse older adults. Finally, we propose a set of broad recommendations designed to generate a body of evidence on successful methods of recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse populations in health research. To eliminate health disparities and better understand aging processes in ethnically diverse populations, much more research is needed on effective strategies for increasing minority enrollment in health research. Comparative effectiveness research on more intensive recruitment and retention methods, which are often needed for including diverse populations, will require dedicated funding and concerted efforts by investigators.
Critical environmental indicators: performance indices and assessment models for sustainable rural development planning

Sustainable development planning must be based on environmental and biophysical baseline indices that effectively define comparative development potential and environmental constraints. As such, indices must define the comparative advantage of the natural resource base and measure the fundamental capacity to sustain production rates of natural resource goods and services used to create societal well being. Complex biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics affect the identification and selection of sustainable development strategies. When derived from effective baseline indicators, indices may be used to define the spatial and temporal distribution of economically viable production opportunities and may be expressed in derived indices that realistically describe basic production opportunities and guide the selection of feasible, long-term development strategies. Specifically, representative indices are critical in the identification of development goals and realistic objectives and can be used to evaluate, select and implement sustainable development strategies and plans. It is stressed that the relevancy and effectiveness of public policies depend on the identification of representative evaluation models and baseline indices to define development strategies that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. In this context, the role of baseline indicators that define natural resource production capacities is discussed. This includes potential resource uses, derived benefits and their economic and environmental impacts. Key thematic indicators are suggested that may be especially useful in identifying development alternatives and impacts. This suggested that clearly defined environmental pollution limits or impact standards be used to define public risk tolerance limits and carrying capacity constraints. It is argued that these measures may be more effective in directing policy choices than economic valuation of non market goods and services that represent environmental externalities associated with resource exploitation options and economic development strategies. To this end, examples of thematic indicators and derived indices are introduced that may prove effective in resource assessment, economic evaluation and strategic development planning.
Impact of participation in team meetings on the stress and coping of lower status nursing employees in long‐term care

This pre-test, post-test control group pilot study sought to investigate the impact of including certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in interdisciplinary team meetings on the variables of stress and coping. The data were analysed through analyses of variance and covariance. The results suggest that the effect of being included in a treatment team meeting on task-centred coping is greater for the lower status worker (CNA) than for the worker who had more status (LPN). Qualitative data yielded information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of including lower status workers in treatment team meetings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deformation and vibration of upright loops on a foundation and of hanging loops

Abstract The deformation and vibration of vertical flexible loops are investigated theoretically and experimentally. Both upright and hanging loops are considered. Potential applications include nanorings and carbon nanotubes as force sensors or structural components. The upright tubes rest on a rigid or linearly elastic (Winkler) foundation, and cases with adhesion and nonlocal elasticity are included in the analysis. The hanging loops are suspended by a clamp with zero or finite length. The effects of self-weight, foundation stiffness, work of adhesion, and nonlocal elasticity on the loop height or depth are determined, as well as the effects of self-weight and foundation stiffness on the lowest frequency for in-plane symmetric vibration. Good agreement is attained between theoretical results (based on an inextensible-elastica model) and experimental data.
α-Tocopherol reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced peroxide radical formation and interleukin-6 secretion in primary murine microglia and in brain

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if α-tocopherol—a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging agent—inhibits LPS-induced oxidative stress and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in murine microglia and brain. LPS increased intracellular peroxides and IL-6 in a dose-dependent fashion in primary microglia. The LPS-induced increase in ROS and IL-6 was reduced by pretreatment of α-tocopherol. Intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of LPS induced lipid peroxidation and IL-6 in brain. Importantly, three daily injections (20 mg) of α-tocopherol increased brain α-tocopherol and decreased LPS-induced lipid peroxidation and IL-6 in brain. Taken together, these data indicate that α-tocopherol can mitigate inflammatory cytokine production in the brain.
Inhibitory associations between S and R in extinction

The associative changes that occur in extinction were investigated in four instrumental learning experiments. Experiment 1 used transfer based on a shared outcome to detect the continued presence of response-outcome (R-O) and stimulus-outcome (S-O) associations after a response had been nonreinforced in the presence of its controlling stimulus. Experiments 2–4 found that extinction resulted in the learning not to make a particular response in the presence of a particular stimulus, despite those continued R-0 and S-0 associations. These results suggest that extinction may superimpose upon those original outcome associations an inhibitory S-R association.
Crystalline ferroelectrics with glassy polarization behavior

We report measurements of the optic index of refraction as a function of temperature, $n (T)$, in the crystalline ferroelectrics having the simple perovskite ($\mathrm{AB}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$) structure. We show that these crystals possess a local, randomly oriented, nonreversible polarization below a temperature ${T}_{d}$ several hundred degrees above the ferroelectric phase-transition temperature ${T}_{c}$. Using a simple model, we account for this behavior and understand quantitatively the values of ${T}_{d}$. This model, we believe, contains the basic physical understanding of ferroelectrics with a diffuse phase transition.
Teaching the Profoundly Handicapped in the Public School Setting: Some Considerations

Profoundly handicapped children present the classroom teacher with a wide variety of characteristics and problem areas previously not recognized in the educational domain. These traits, such as physical rigidity and incorrect body alignment, must be considered in pinpointing instructional methods to promote the optimal potential of this population. The purpose of this article is to examine some of the primary instructional methods needed to effectively enhance the growth and development of the profoundly handicapped.
Are exon 19 deletions and L858R EGFR mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer clinically different?

Are exon 19 deletions and L858R EGFR mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer clinically different?
Development and reproducibility of a computed tomography-based measurement of renal sinus fat

Renal sinus fat may mediate obesity-related vascular disease, although this fat depot has not been assessed in a community-based sample. We sought to develop a protocol to quantify renal sinus fat accumulation using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). Protocol development was performed in participants in the Framingham Offspring cohort who underwent MDCT. Volumetric renal sinus fat was measured separately within the right and left kidneys, and renal sinus fat area within a single MDCT scan slice was measured in the right kidney. Due to the high correlation of volumetric and single-slice renal sinus fat in the right kidney (Pearson correlation [r] = 0.85, p < 0.0001), we optimized a single-slice protocol to capture renal sinus fat in the right kidney alone. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare to assess the correlation of volumetric and single-slice renal sinus fat in the right kidney with other measures of adiposity. Inter- and intra-reader reproducibility was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients. Single-slice measurements were obtained in 92 participants (mean age 60 years, 49% women, median renal sinus fat 0.43 cm2). Intra- and inter-reader intra-class correlation coefficients were 0.93 and 0.86, respectively. Single-slice renal sinus fat was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.35, p = 0.0006), waist circumference (r = 0.31, p = 0.003), and abdominal visceral fat (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001). Similar correlations were observed for volumetric renal sinus fat in the right kidney. Measuring renal sinus fat is feasible and reproducible using MDCT scans in a community-based sample.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate--outcomes independent of prostate size?

Purpose: Generally treatment decisions for benign prostatic hyperplasia are based on prostate size and surgeon experience. Prostates greater than 100 gm often require open surgery. However, less invasive options are available. Randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated that holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a viable and effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. We examined the outcome of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate based on prostate size.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients in our institutional review board approved database who underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate from January 1999 to October 2006. Patients were divided into 3 cohorts based on preoperative transrectal ultrasound prostate measurements, including less than 75, 75 to 125 and more than 125 gm. Patients with prostate cancer were excluded from study. Demographic, laboratory, operative, preoperative and postoperative data were obtained.Results: As...
On secure distributed storage systems with exact repair

Distributed storage systems (DSS) in the presence of a passive eavesdropper are considered in this paper. A typical DSS is characterized by 3 parameters (n, k, d) where, a file is stored in a distributed manner across n nodes and can be recovered entirely from any k out of n nodes. Whenever a node fails, d ∈ [k, n) nodes help in repairing the failed node. The focus of this work is on the exact repair capabilities of a DSS, where a failed node is replaced with an identical node. Securing this DSS from passive eavesdropping attacks is studied in this paper. The eavesdropper is capable of wiretapping the repair process of a subset of nodes in the storage system. The main contribution of this paper is the optimal characterization of the secure storage-vs-exact-repair-bandwidth tradeoff region which prior to this work was unknown. We focus on the simplest nontrivial instances of this problem, namely (n, k, d) = (3, 2, 2) and (4, 3, 3), and present novel information-theoretic converse proofs that validate these optimal tradeoff regions.
Finite element methods for geothermal reservoir simulation

Two finite element algorithms suitable for long term simulation of geothermal reservoirs are presented. Both methods use a diagonal mass matrix and a Newton iteration scheme. The first scheme solves the 2N unsymmetric algebraic equations resulting from the finite element discretization of the equations governing the flow of heat and mass in porous media by using a banded equation solver. The second method, suitable for problems in which the transmissibility terms are small compared to the accumulation terms, reduces the set of N equations for the Newton corrections to a symmetric system. Comparison with finite difference schemes indicates that the proposed algorithms are competitive with existing methods.
Proliferation and migration of undifferentiated precursor cells in the rat during postnatal gliogenesis

Abstract Rats aged 13 days were injected with thymidine-H3 and were killed 6 hours, 1, 3, 6, 12, 20 and 60 days afterwards. Incorporation of this labeled precursor of chromosomal DNA was studied autoradiographically with reference to the origin of neuroglia cells in the neocortex. A large proportion of the subependymal cells of the lateral ventricle were labeled after brief survival, indicating rapid regional proliferation. In animals with longer survival there was considerable increase in the proportion of labeled cells, combined with label dilution. In spite of this evidence of rapid and continuous cell multiplication, the concentration of subependymal cells declined considerably with age, indicating that the bulk of new cells do not stay here. The rate of regional proliferation was lower in the white matter and corpus callosum, though there was a considerable increase in the proportion of labeled cells with prolonged survival. Significantly, the addition of this large number of new cells did not lead to a net increase in the total cell population. These facts imply that many of the cells found in these fibrous regions are migratory ones, and as new cells arrive here older ones depart. Finally, in the gray matter of the cortex regional cell proliferation was low at this age, but there was a steady gain in the proportion of labeled cells with increased survival time. On the basis of these findings it is concluded that the cells formed around the lateral ventricle, which are destined to reach the cortex, utilize the white matter and corpus callosum as a migratory pathway.
Capacitary moduli for Lévy processes and intersections

Abstract We introduce the concept of capacitary modulus for a set Λ⊆ R d , which is a function h that provides simple estimates for the capacity of Λ with respect to an arbitrary kernel f , estimates which depend only on the L 2 inner product ( h , f ). We show that for a large class of Levy processes, which include the symmetric stable processes and stable subordinators, a capacitary modulus for the range of the process is given by its 1-potential density u 1 ( x ), and a capacitary modulus for the intersection of the ranges of m independent such processes is given by the product of their 1-potential densities. The uniformity of estimates provided by the capacitary modulus allows us to obtain almost-sure asymptotics for the probability that one such process approaches within e of the intersection of m other independent processes, conditional on these latter processes. Our work generalizes that of Pemantle et al. (1996) on the range of Brownian motion.
Use of Angio‐Seal Closure Device When the Arteriotomy Is Above or Below the Common Femoral Artery

Background: The majority of vascular complications during diagnostic coronary angiography occur while accessing the femoral artery. Angio-Seal vascular closure devices are indicated for closure of arteriotomies of the femoral artery, but not when the puncture site is above or below the femoral artery. Hypothesis: Under certain circumstances, use of the Angio-Seal closure device above or below the common femoral artery may be safe and effective. Methods: Consecutive patients at a single high-volume medical center having documented high or low arteriotomies were closed using an Angio-Seal closure device. Patients were chosen when they received a single arterial puncture, the arteriotomy was away from branch vessels, and the diameter of the artery at the site of sheath entry was of large enough caliber to suggest placement would be successful. Patients were then followed longitudinally for complications. Results: Sixty-two patients had non–femoral artery sheath placement. Twenty-two patients had “high” puncture sites, and 40 patients had “low” puncture sites. All were successfully closed using the Angio-Seal vascular closure device and had no complications. Conclusions: Although not approved for placement in areas above or below the femoral artery, off-label use of the Angio-Seal arteriotomy closure may be safely performed when patient characteristics are favorable. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose. Neither author has a conflict of interest with St. Jude Medical or with the Angio-Seal device.
Effects of Coconut Husk and Sphagnum Moss-Based Media on Growth and Yield of Romaine and Buttercrunch Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) in a Non-Circulating Hydroponics System

A comparison was made to investigate the effects of two potting methods: coconut husk/ sphagnum moss and a plastic forestry tube with a peat-based medium (Sunshine® mix #1, Sungro Horticulture, Agawam, MA, USA), on the growth and yield of Romaine ‘Ridgeline’ and Buttercrunch ‘UH Manoa’ lettuce (Lactuca sativa) using a non-circulating hydroponics system. Two-week old lettuce seedlings were transplanted into 5 cm holes, 20 × 30 cm apart on polystyrene bead boards fitted on top of a 0.6 m wide, 1.2 m long and 25 cm deep hydroponics tanks. A standard hydroponics nutrient solution was prepared using Chem Gro® (Hydro-Gardens, Colorado Springs, CO) (8-15-36 + micronutrients), calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Each tank contained either one lettuce variety, replicated 12 times in completely randomized design. Growth and yields significantly increased in both lettuce varieties grown in coconut husk/sphagnum moss plugs which were attributed by their relatively greater water holding capacitie...
Isolation and properties of rubredoxin from the photosynthetic green sulfur bacteria.

Abstract Rubredoxin with properties like those of clostridial rubredoxin has been isolated from two species of green sulfur photosynthetic bacteria, Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum and Choloropseudomonas ethylicum . Rubredoxin was not detected in the several purple sulfur and non-sulfur photosynthetic bacteria tested. No indication of the role of rubredoxin in photosynthetic bacteria is yet apparent.
Standardized Antimicrobial Disc Susceptibility Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria: In Vitro Susceptibility of Clostridium perfringens to Nine Antibiotics

The in vitro susceptibility of 43 strains of Clostridium perfringens to nine antibiotics was determined by a standardized test for rapid-growing anaerobes. Good correlation was established between the agar dilution susceptibility and the disc diffusion susceptibility results. The inhibition zone diameters around the antibiotic discs, however, were generally much smaller than those of gram-negative anaerobes previously studied. All of the strains tested were susceptible in vitro to chloramphenicol, clindamycin, doxycycline, minocycline, penicillin, and vancomycin. Erythromycin showed poor in vitro activity against this organism, with only 7% of the strains susceptible, 72% intermediate in susceptibility, and 21% resistant. In tests of the 43 strains against lincomycin, 58% were susceptible, 32.5% were intermediate in susceptibility, and 9.5% were resistant. Against tetracycline, 37% of the strains were intermediate in susceptibility and the rest were susceptible.
Spontaneous desorption mass spectrometry: applications and mechanisms

Abstract A number of compounds, including involatile and thermally labile molecules, have been studied by spontaneous desorption mass spectrometry (SDMS) in the negative ion mode. We show that SDMS, which involves rather simple instrumentation, can be utilized for molecular weight determination of fragile molecules such as chlorophylls. Possible mechanisms responsible for SDMS are presented and discussed.
THRESHOLDS FOR ULTRASONICALLY INDUCED LUNG HEMORRHAGE IN NEONATAL SWINE

Abstract The threshold for generation of lung hemorrhage in adult mice by pulsed ultrasound has been shown to be approximately 1 MPa at the surface of the lung (10-μs pulse and a carrier frequency of 2 MHz). This investigation used neonatal swine to determine if the findings for mice can be generalized to other species. After exploratory observations, the inverse sampling method was used in a primary study (22 animals, 88 exposure sites) to determine the threshold for lung hemorrhage in neonatal swine. The primary study was followed by a separate confirmation study (13 animals, 48 exposure sites), testing the conclusions of the first study and comparing damage at subthreshold levels with sham-exposed animals. A separate investigation explored the histological nature of tissue damage at suprathreshold levels. A 2.3-MHz focused transducer (10 μs at 100-Hz pulse-repetition frequency) was incremented vertically for a distance of 2 cm over the chest of the subject for a total exposure period of 16 min. Animals were euthanized and lungs were scored by visual inspection for numbers and areas of gross hemorrhages. The threshold level for hemorrhage was approximately 1.5 MPa peak positive pressure in water at the surface of the animal or, at the surface of the lung, 1.1 MPa peak positive pressure, 1 MPa fundamental pressure, 0.9 MPa maximum negative pressure, 25 W cm −2 pulse average intensity or a mechanical index of 0.6. These values are essentially the same as those reported for adult mice.
Digitally-assisted analog designs for submicron CMOS technology

Three different digitally-assisted analog designs are presented to demonstrate the powerful way to solve the analog design deficiencies in the submicron CMOS technology. A 200 MS/s 12-bit pipeline ADC is using the split-capacitor correlation method to solve the linear and nonlinear problems. A 1 GS/s 14-bit current-steering DAC is using the programmable sub-DAC to continuously trimming the current mismatches. A 25 MS/s 16-bit ΣΔ ADC is using the adaptive way to correct the leakage noise and DAC nonlinearity.
Political Awareness and Partisan Realignment: Are the Unaware Unevolved?

Many attribute the demise of the solid South, and changes in party attachments outside the South, to elite-level changes in the parties’ positions on racial issues and an issue evolution of the par...
Computing in quotient groups

We present polynomial-time algorithms for computation in quotient groups G/K of a permutation group G. In effect, these solve, for quotient groups, the problems that are known to be in polynomial-time for permutation groups. Since it is not computationally feasible to represent G/K itself as a permutation group, the methodology for the quotient-group versions of such problems frequently differ markedly from the procedures that have been observed for the K = 1 subcases. Whereas the algorithms for permutation groups may have rested on elementary notions, procedures underlying the extension to quotient groups often utilize deep knowledge of the structure of the group. In some instances, we present algorithms for problems that were not previously known to be in polynomial time, even for permutation groups themselves (K = 1). These problems apparently required access to quotients.
Exploring activeness of users in QA forums

Success of a Q&A forum depends on volume of content (questions and answers) and quality of content (are the questions asked relevant, answers provided correct etc). Community participation is essential to create and curate content. Since their inception in 2008, stack exchange based forums have been able to engage a large number of users to create a rich repository of good quality questions and answers. In this paper, we wish to investigate the “activeness” of users in the stackexchange network particularly from a perspective of content creation. We also attempt to measure how the forums' incentive mechanism has enabled user's activeness. Further, we investigate how user's have diffused to other parts of the stack exchange network over time, hence bootstrapping new forums.